Top 5 Tools to Recover .ACF Files After a System Crash

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .ACF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Top 5 Tools to Recover .ACF Files After a System Crash
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .ACF file?

An ACF file is a cache file used by Valve Steam, a software package used for downloading games. It saves information related to the downloaded software and is used for the original download as well as game updates.

What Are Common Causes of ".ACF" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".ACF" (Advanced Container Format) files getting lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".ACF" files while trying to delete unnecessary files or folders.
  2. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or errors, can lead to the loss or failure of ".ACF" files.
  3. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to manage ".ACF" files can result in their loss or failure. This can include issues with the application used to create or open the files, or problems with the storage device where the files are stored.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: ".ACF" files can be affected by viruses or malware, leading to their corruption or deletion.
  5. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes while working with ".ACF" files can cause data loss or file corruption.
  6. Incompatibility: If ".ACF" files are opened or modified with incompatible software or versions, it can lead to their failure or loss.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or move ".ACF" files to different locations, resulting in their loss or failure.
  8. Physical damage: Physical damage to the storage device where ".ACF" files are stored, such as a hard drive failure or damage to a memory card, can lead to data loss.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important files, including ".ACF" files, to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen circumstances.

How to recover lost ".ACF" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".ACF" file may be deleted.

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🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".ACF" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".ACF" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".ACF" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".ACF" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".ACF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo steam Application Cache File image file file?

Programs that open ".ACF" files

Windows
Valve Steam Valve Steam
Mac
Valve Steam Valve Steam

Additional Information

  • File type: Steam Application Cache File

  • File extension: .ACF

  • Developer: Valve

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: C4 AB CD AB

  • ASCII: Д«Н«

  • File types that use the extension .ACF:

    • Steam Application Cache File

    • X-Plane Aircraft File

    • Adobe Photoshop Custom Filter File

    • Agent Character Data File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:29 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ACF files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of an .ACF backup file?

    The .ACF backup file, also known as the App Cache File, is used by the Steam gaming platform. It serves as a backup for the application's cache data.

    The purpose of the .ACF backup file is to store information about the installed games, their updates, and related metadata. This includes details like the game's name, size, installed location, and other necessary files.

    In case a user needs to reinstall a game or transfer it to another computer, the .ACF backup file can be used to restore the game's data and settings without having to redownload everything. It helps save time and bandwidth by providing a local backup of the necessary files.

  • How can I create an .ACF backup file for my data?

    To create an .ACF backup file for your data, you can follow these steps:

    1. Launch the application that uses .ACF files to store data. (For example, if you want to create a backup of a game's data, open the game.)
    2. Look for a "Backup" or "Export" option within the application. This option is usually found in the settings or preferences menu. If you can't find it, consult the application's documentation or support resources for specific instructions.
    3. Select the "Backup" or "Export" option, and choose the location where you want to save the backup file. Make sure to select a location that is easily accessible and secure, such as an external hard drive or cloud storage service.
    4. Specify the name and format of the backup file. In this case, choose the .ACF format.
    5. Start the backup process, and wait for it to complete. The time required will depend on the size of your data.
    6. Once the backup is finished, verify that the .ACF backup file has been created in the specified location.

    Remember to regularly update your backups to ensure you have the most recent version of your data.

  • How do I restore data from an .ACF backup file?

    To restore data from an .ACF backup file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Identify the software or application that created the .ACF backup file. It is likely associated with a specific program or system.
    2. Install the software or application that is compatible with the .ACF backup file. Make sure you have the latest version installed.
    3. Open the software or application and locate the restore or import option. This option may be found in the settings, preferences, or file menu.
    4. Choose the restore or import option and browse for the .ACF backup file on your computer. Select the file and click on "Open" or "Restore" to initiate the process.
    5. Follow the on-screen instructions provided by the software or application to complete the restore process. This may involve selecting specific files or folders to restore, choosing a destination location, or confirming the restore settings.
    6. Once the restore process is complete, you should be able to access and use the restored data within the software or application.

    Note: If you are unsure about the software or application associated with the .ACF backup file, you can try searching for its documentation or contacting the software's support team for guidance on how to restore data from the backup file.
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