Step-by-Step Instructions for Restoring .BOOT 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 .BOOT file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Restoring .BOOT Files After a System Crash

What is a .BOOT file?

File used by InstallShield, a program that creates Windows installers; contains settings for an installation; stored in a plain text format.

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

There are several common causes of ".BOOT" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".BOOT" files while trying to clean up or organize their system.
  2. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can corrupt or delete ".BOOT" files, leading to boot failure.
  3. Operating system errors: Errors during the installation, update, or upgrade of the operating system can cause ".BOOT" files to be lost or become corrupted.
  4. Hard drive or storage device failure: If the hard drive or storage device where the ".BOOT" files are located fails, it can result in the loss or corruption of these files.
  5. Power outages or improper shutdowns: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can interrupt the booting process and cause ".BOOT" file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software or incompatible software installations can lead to ".BOOT" file failure.
  7. Hardware issues: Faulty hardware components, such as a malfunctioning motherboard or RAM, can cause ".BOOT" file issues.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made during system configuration, such as modifying critical boot files, can result in ".BOOT" file failure.

It is important to regularly backup important system files, including ".BOOT" files, to minimize the impact of such failures.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo installShield Boot File image file file?

Programs that open ".BOOT" files

Windows
Flexera InstallShield Flexera InstallShield

Additional Information

  • File type: InstallShield Boot File

  • File extension: .BOOT

  • Developer: Flexera Software

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:34 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .BOOT 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 ".BOOT backup" and how does it differ from other types of backups?

    A ".BOOT backup" refers to a specific type of backup that is created by the Windows operating system during the startup process. It is also known as a System State Backup or a System Image Backup.

    A .BOOT backup is different from other types of backups in terms of what it includes. It is a comprehensive backup that captures the entire system state, including the operating system files, system settings, installed applications, and user data. This backup is taken at a specific point in time, usually during the boot process, to ensure that all critical components are included.

    In contrast, other types of backups, such as file-level backups or incremental backups, focus on specific files or folders and may not capture the entire system state. These backups are often used for regular data protection and restoration purposes, whereas a .BOOT backup is typically used for disaster recovery or system-level restoration.

    Additionally, .BOOT backups are usually larger in size compared to other backups due to the inclusion of the entire system state. They require more storage space and may take longer to create and restore. However, they provide a complete snapshot of the system, allowing for a full recovery in case of a system failure or major issues.

  • What are the common uses and benefits of creating a ".BOOT backup"?

    Creating a ".BOOT backup" typically refers to making a backup copy of the boot sector or bootloader of a computer's storage device. The boot sector is the first sector of a storage device (such as a hard drive or SSD) and contains essential information for the computer to boot up its operating system. Here are the common uses and benefits of creating a ".BOOT backup":

    1. System Recovery: If the boot sector becomes corrupted or damaged due to various reasons, such as malware infection, accidental deletion, or hardware failure, having a ".BOOT backup" allows you to restore the boot sector easily. It can help recover the system and enable the computer to boot normally again.
    2. Operating System Installation: When installing a new operating system on a computer, having a ".BOOT backup" can be useful. If the installation process accidentally modifies or overwrites the boot sector, you can restore the backup to ensure the system can boot properly.
    3. Dual Boot Configurations: If you have a dual boot setup with multiple operating systems on a single device, creating a ".BOOT backup" can be beneficial. It allows you to restore the boot sector if one of the operating systems fails to boot or if you decide to remove one of the operating systems.
    4. Cloning and Migration: When cloning or migrating the contents of a storage device to a new one, including the boot sector is crucial. Having a ".BOOT backup" ensures that the new device retains the necessary boot information, making it bootable without any issues.
    5. Troubleshooting: In case of boot-related issues, having a ".BOOT backup" can be valuable for troubleshooting purposes. It allows you to compare the current boot sector with the backup to identify any discrepancies or changes that may be causing problems.

    It's important to note that ".BOOT backup" specifically refers to the boot sector or bootloader backup and should not be confused with a complete system backup, which includes the entire operating system, applications, and user data.

  • How can one create and restore a ".BOOT backup" effectively and efficiently?

    Creating and restoring a ".BOOT backup" can be done effectively and efficiently by following these steps:

    Creating a ".BOOT backup":

    1. Connect an external storage device (such as a USB flash drive) to your computer.
    2. Open the file explorer and navigate to the root directory of the device.
    3. Create a new folder with a name like "BOOT Backup" or any other descriptive name.
    4. Open the folder and create subfolders for each component you want to back up. For example, you might have subfolders like "Bootloader," "Kernel," or "System Files."
    5. Copy the corresponding files or directories from your computer's boot partition to the respective subfolders in the backup folder. These files might include bootloaders, kernel images, or other essential system files.
    6. Once you have copied all the necessary files, safely eject the external storage device from your computer.

    Restoring a ".BOOT backup":

    1. Connect the external storage device containing the ".BOOT backup" to your computer.
    2. Open the file explorer and navigate to the root directory of the device.
    3. Locate the backup folder you created earlier.
    4. Copy the files or directories from the backup folder to their respective locations on your computer's boot partition. Make sure to overwrite any existing files.
    5. Once the files are successfully copied, safely eject the external storage device.
    6. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

    Note: It's important to exercise caution while creating or restoring a ".BOOT backup" as modifying critical system files can have serious consequences. Make sure you have a good understanding of the files you are backing up or restoring, and always double-check before overwriting any files. It's recommended to create backups of important data before attempting any system modifications.

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