.BCD File Recovery

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

BCD File Recovery

What is a .BCD file?

Windows boot configuration format introduced with Windows Vista; replaces the older boot.ini

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

Some common causes of ".BCD" (Boot Configuration Data) files lost or failure include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".BCD" file while trying to clean up their system or free up disk space.
  2. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software or viruses can corrupt or delete the ".BCD" file, resulting in boot failures.
  3. Operating system upgrades or updates: During the installation of a new operating system or updates, the ".BCD" file may get overwritten or modified, leading to issues.
  4. Hardware or software changes: Making changes to hardware components, such as replacing the motherboard or hard drive, or installing incompatible software can cause ".BCD" file failures.
  5. Disk errors: Physical disk errors, such as bad sectors or disk corruption, can affect the integrity of the ".BCD" file.
  6. Improper shutdowns or power outages: If the computer shuts down unexpectedly or experiences a power outage while the ".BCD" file is being modified or accessed, it can lead to file corruption or loss.
  7. User error during system configuration: Incorrectly modifying or configuring the boot settings using tools like BCDEdit can cause ".BCD" file failures.
  8. Disk fragmentation: Fragmentation of the disk where the ".BCD" file is stored can lead to difficulties in locating or accessing the file, resulting in failure.

It is important to have backups of the ".BCD" file or regularly create system restore points to mitigate the impact of such failures.

How to recover lost ".BCD" 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 ".BCD" 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 ".BCD" file is always to create it once more.

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

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Boot Configuration Data File image file file?

Programs that open ".BCD" files

Windows
Microsoft Registry Editor Microsoft Registry Editor
NeoSmart Technologies EasyBCD NeoSmart Technologies EasyBCD
Visual BCD Editor Visual BCD Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Boot Configuration Data File

  • File extension: .BCD

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

  • File types that use the extension .BCD:

    • Windows Boot Configuration Data File

    • RealView Debugger Board Chip Definition File

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:04 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .BCD files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What is a .BCD format and what is its purpose?

    The .BCD format refers to the Boot Configuration Data format. It is a binary file format used by Microsoft Windows operating systems to store boot configuration parameters. The purpose of the .BCD format is to provide a unified and structured way to manage boot-time configuration data for the operating system.

    The BCD file contains information about the installed operating systems, boot options, boot menu settings, device and driver configurations, and various boot parameters. It is used by the Windows Boot Manager (Bootmgr) during the boot process to determine which operating system to load and how to configure the system for booting.

    The .BCD format replaced the older boot.ini file used in previous versions of Windows. It offers more flexibility and advanced features, such as support for multiple operating systems, custom boot entries, and detailed boot configuration settings. The BCD format is essential for managing and controlling the boot process of a Windows system.

  • How does a .BCD format differ from other file formats used in computer systems?

    The .BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) format differs from other file formats used in computer systems in several ways:

    1. Data Representation: The .BCD format represents numeric data using binary-coded decimal representation. It encodes each decimal digit into a 4-bit binary value, allowing easy conversion between binary and decimal representations. Other file formats may use different data representations, such as binary, ASCII, Unicode, etc.
    2. Numeric Precision: .BCD format is typically used for fixed-point decimal arithmetic, providing precise representation of decimal numbers. It avoids the rounding errors that can occur in floating-point formats. Other file formats may support floating-point or integer representations with varying precision levels.
    3. Human Readability: .BCD files are not designed for human readability. They store data in a compact binary format, which is not easily understandable without proper interpretation. In contrast, other file formats like plain text files (e.g., .txt) or markup languages (e.g., .xml, .json) are designed to be human-readable and can be easily interpreted without specialized tools.
    4. Usage: .BCD files are commonly used in low-level system operations, such as firmware, boot loaders, or BIOS settings, where precise decimal representation is required. Other file formats serve different purposes, such as storing text, images, audio, video, or structured data.
    5. Compatibility: .BCD format may be specific to certain operating systems or platforms, limiting its compatibility with other systems. Other file formats, especially widely adopted ones like .txt, .jpeg, .mp3, or .csv, have broad compatibility across different operating systems and software applications.

    Overall, the .BCD format is specialized for precise decimal representation in low-level system operations, while other file formats serve a wide range of purposes and provide greater compatibility and human readability.

  • What are some common applications or systems that utilize .BCD formats?

    The .BCD (Binary Coded Decimal) format is commonly used in various applications and systems. Some examples include:

    1. Computer hardware: BCD is used in computer systems for storing and manipulating decimal numbers. It is commonly used in arithmetic and logic units (ALUs) and microprocessors.
    2. Financial systems: BCD is widely used in financial applications, especially in banking and accounting systems. It allows for accurate and precise calculations involving currency and monetary values.
    3. Barcode systems: BCD is used in barcode systems for encoding numerical data. It is commonly used in retail, inventory management, and logistics applications.
    4. Data storage: BCD is sometimes used in data storage systems, particularly in legacy systems or specialized applications. It can be used for storing numeric data in a compact and efficient manner.
    5. Embedded systems: BCD is often used in embedded systems, such as microcontrollers and electronic devices. It enables efficient manipulation of numerical data in resource-constrained environments.
    6. Industrial control systems: BCD is utilized in various industrial control systems, including programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and process control systems. It allows for precise control and monitoring of numerical values.
    7. Scientific and engineering applications: BCD is used in scientific and engineering software for accurate calculations and data representation. It is commonly used in simulation, modeling, and analysis tools.
    8. Telecommunications systems: BCD is used in some telecommunications systems for encoding and decoding numerical data. It can be used in call routing, signaling, and network management applications.

    It is important to note that while BCD has been widely used historically, many modern systems and applications have transitioned to more efficient and flexible formats like binary or floating-point representations.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat