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

BIG File Recovery
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .BIG file?

Game data format used by Electronic Arts (EA) video games; contains individual assets used by the game and zipped to save space; similar to a .ELF file, but modified and saved in a proprietary EA format; can be imported as a MOD file into certain games to alter the gameplay.

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

There are several common causes of ".BIG" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".BIG" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware can lead to file corruption or loss. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, software bugs, or hardware failures.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect the computer and cause damage to files, including ".BIG" files.
  4. File system errors: File system errors can occur due to improper shutdowns, disk errors, or other issues, leading to corruption or loss of ".BIG" files.
  5. Formatting or partitioning errors: Mistakenly formatting or partitioning a storage device can result in the loss of all data, including ".BIG" files.
  6. Human error: Human errors, such as accidentally overwriting or replacing ".BIG" files with incorrect versions, can lead to file loss.
  7. Transfer or synchronization errors: Errors during file transfers or synchronization processes can result in incomplete or corrupted ".BIG" files.
  8. Storage media failure: Failure of the storage media, such as hard drives, solid-state drives, or external storage devices, can cause data loss, including ".BIG" files.

To prevent ".BIG" file loss or failure, it is recommended to regularly back up important files, use reliable antivirus software, maintain a stable and updated system, and handle files with caution to avoid accidental deletion or corruption.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo electronic Arts Game Data File image file file?

Programs that open ".BIG" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Electronic Arts Game Data File

  • File extension: .BIG

  • Developer: Electronic Arts

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: Zip

  • HEX: 42 49 47 46

  • ASCII: BIGF

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:50 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .BIG 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 a .BIG file extension and what does it typically represent?

    The .BIG file extension is primarily associated with the EA Games' BIG Archive file format. It is used to store and compress various game data files, such as graphics, audio, videos, and other resources. These files are commonly found in EA Games' titles, including the Command & Conquer series, The Sims series, and others. The .BIG files allow for efficient storage and organization of game assets, making it easier for the game to access and load the required data during gameplay.

  • How can I open a .BIG file and access its contents?

    To open and access the contents of a .BIG file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Identify the software associated with .BIG files: Determine which program is typically used to open .BIG files. This information can be found by checking the file extension or doing a quick internet search.
    2. Install the required software: If you don't already have the necessary software, download and install it from a trusted source. Ensure that you obtain the software from the official developer's website or a reputable software distribution platform.
    3. Open the .BIG file: Once the software is installed, you can either double-click on the .BIG file or open the associated program and use its file menu to open the file.
    4. Access the contents: After opening the .BIG file, you should be able to view and access its contents within the associated program. The specific steps to access the contents will depend on the software you are using.

    If you are unsure about the software associated with .BIG files, you can try some common applications such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or BIG Editor. These programs are often used for handling compressed or archived files and might be able to open .BIG files.

    However, note that .BIG files can have different formats and purposes depending on the software or game they are associated with. It is crucial to know the origin or context of the .BIG file to ensure you have the appropriate software to open and access its contents.

  • Are there any specific software programs or tools required to open and view the contents of a .BIG file?

    Yes, there are specific software programs or tools required to open and view the contents of a .BIG file. The .BIG file format is commonly associated with EA Games' Big File Format. To open and view the contents of a .BIG file, you can use the following software programs:

    1. FinalBIG: FinalBIG is a tool developed by EA Games that allows you to open, extract, and modify the contents of .BIG files. It is specifically designed for working with EA Games' Big File Format.
    2. BIG Editor: BIG Editor is another software tool that enables you to open and extract the contents of .BIG files. It provides a user-friendly interface for managing the files within a .BIG archive.
    3. XCC Utilities: XCC Utilities is a collection of various tools for working with different game file formats, including .BIG files. It includes a utility called XCC Mixer, which allows you to open and extract the contents of .BIG files.

    These tools are commonly used by modders and game developers to access and modify the files within .BIG archives.
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