How to Choose the Best Program for Recovering .ASC Files

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 .ASC file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Choose the Best Program for Recovering .ASC Files
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .ASC file?

An ASC file is an armored ASCII file used by Pretty Good Privacy (PGP), an encryption program utilized for secure communication. It contains a digitally signed message and may store plain-text written information, as well as binary information encoded as text. ASC files also include a key as clear-signed text, which can be verified using PGP authentication methods.

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

There can be several common causes of ".ASC" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".ASC" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. Hardware failure: If the storage device where the ".ASC" files are stored (such as a hard drive or USB drive) experiences a hardware failure, it can lead to data loss or corruption, including ".ASC" files.
  3. Software or system crashes: Unexpected software or system crashes can cause ".ASC" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".ASC" files, making them inaccessible or causing data loss.
  5. File system errors: Errors in the file system structure can lead to the loss or corruption of ".ASC" files.
  6. Power outages: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can result in data loss or corruption, including ".ASC" files.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of a storage device or improper handling of files, can lead to the loss of ".ASC" files.
  8. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications can cause ".ASC" files to become inaccessible or fail.
  9. File transfer errors: Errors during file transfers, such as interruptions or incomplete transfers, can result in the loss or corruption of ".ASC" files.
  10. File system fragmentation: Fragmentation of the file system can lead to data loss or corruption, including ".ASC" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".ASC" files and take preventive measures, such as using reliable storage devices, maintaining updated antivirus software, and practicing safe file handling, to minimize the risk of data loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".ASC" 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 ".ASC" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 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 ".ASC" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".ASC" 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 ".ASC" 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 ".ASC" 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 ".ASC" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo pGP ASCII Armored File image file file?

Programs that open ".ASC" files

Windows
PGP Desktop PGP Desktop
Symantec Desktop Email Encryption Symantec Desktop Email Encryption
Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in
Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in
Gpg4win Gpg4win
Mac
PGP Desktop PGP Desktop
Symantec Desktop Email Encryption Symantec Desktop Email Encryption
Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in
Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in
Linux
GnuPG GnuPG
Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla Thunderbird with Enigmail plug-in
Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in Mozilla SeaMonkey with Enigmail plug-in

Additional Information

  • File type: PGP ASCII Armored File

  • File extension: .ASC

  • Developer: PGP

  • Category: Encoded Files

  • Format: Text

  • HEX: 1B 5B

  • ASCII: [

  • File types that use the extension .ASC:

    • PGP ASCII Armored File

    • Autodesk ASCII Export File

    • ActionScript Communication File

    • ASCII Text File

    • LTspice Circuit Schematic File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:38 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ASC 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 are some common reasons for encountering problems while opening .ASC files and how can they be resolved?

    There can be several reasons for encountering problems while opening .ASC files, and some possible solutions include:

    1. Incorrect file association: If the .ASC file is not associated with the appropriate program, it may not open correctly. To resolve this, right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the correct program to open .ASC files.
    2. Outdated software: If the software used to open .ASC files is outdated, it may not be compatible with the file format. Update the software to the latest version, which often includes bug fixes and compatibility improvements.
    3. File corruption: If the .ASC file is corrupted or damaged, it may not open. Try to obtain a backup copy of the file or download it again from a trusted source.
    4. Insufficient permissions: If you do not have sufficient permissions to access or open the .ASC file, you may encounter problems. Ensure that you have the necessary permissions to access the file, or try opening it with an administrator account.
    5. Incompatible software: Some .ASC files may require specific software or plugins to open properly. Make sure you have the required software installed, or search for a compatible program that can handle .ASC files.
    6. File format mismatch: If the .ASC file is not meant to be opened with the software you are using, it may not open correctly. Verify that you are using the appropriate software for the file format, or convert the .ASC file to a compatible format if necessary.

    If none of these solutions work, it might be helpful to consult the software's documentation or contact the software manufacturer's support team for further assistance.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help in fixing issues related to opening .ASC files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help in fixing issues related to opening .ASC files. Here are a few options:

    1. Notepad++: Notepad++ is a popular text editor that can open and edit .ASC files. It provides advanced features and syntax highlighting, which can help in identifying and fixing any issues within the file.
    2. Microsoft Excel: If the .ASC file contains tabular data, you can try opening it in Microsoft Excel. Excel can handle various file formats, including .ASC, and provides tools for data manipulation and troubleshooting.
    3. Adobe Acrobat: If the .ASC file is a PDF file, you can use Adobe Acrobat to open and view it. Acrobat offers various tools for troubleshooting PDF files, such as repairing damaged files or extracting data from corrupted files.
    4. File Repair Tools: There are several file repair tools available online that can help in fixing issues with corrupted .ASC files. These tools analyze the file structure, identify errors, and attempt to repair them. Examples include File Repair, File Repair Toolkit, and File Repair Wizard.
    5. Text Editors: Simple text editors like Notepad (Windows) or TextEdit (Mac) can also be used to open .ASC files. These editors may not provide advanced features but can help in identifying any formatting or encoding issues within the file.

    Remember, the choice of software or tool depends on the specific issue you are facing with the .ASC file.

  • Are there any alternative file formats or methods that can be used to open .ASC files if the problem persists?

    Yes, there are alternative file formats and methods that can be used to open .ASC files if the problem persists. Some of the options include:

    1. Text editors: .ASC files are often plain text files, so you can try opening them with a text editor like Notepad, Notepad++, or Sublime Text.
    2. Spreadsheet software: If the .ASC file contains tabular data, you can try opening it with spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, or LibreOffice Calc. These applications can often import and handle .ASC files.
    3. GIS software: .ASC files are commonly used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS). If the .ASC file contains geospatial data, you can try opening it with GIS software like ArcGIS, QGIS, or Global Mapper.
    4. Conversion tools: If you need to convert the .ASC file to a different format, you can use file conversion tools like GDAL (Geospatial Data Abstraction Library) or online conversion services. These tools can convert .ASC files to formats like GeoTIFF, CSV, or Shapefile.

    It's important to note that the suitability of these alternative methods depends on the content and purpose of the .ASC file.
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