How to Restore Lost .BWI Files After Your System Crashes

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

How to Restore Lost .BWI Files After Your System Crashes
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .BWI file?

Disc image originally created by BlindWrite and now also supported by other disc imaging applications; stores a copy of a CD or DVD disc; design for creating game disc backups.

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

There are several common causes for ".BWI" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".BWI" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to improper system shutdown, hardware issues, or software conflicts. This can lead to the loss or corruption of ".BWI" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".BWI" files. In some cases, the files may be deleted or rendered inaccessible.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to create or access ".BWI" files can cause data loss or failure. This includes issues with the burning software, CD/DVD drive, or computer's operating system.
  5. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes during the creation, modification, or access of ".BWI" files can result in data loss or file corruption.
  6. Physical damage to storage media: Physical damage to the storage media, such as scratches on CDs or DVDs, can make ".BWI" files unreadable or cause errors during file access.
  7. Incompatible software or outdated drivers: Using incompatible software or outdated drivers to access ".BWI" files may result in failure or loss of data.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally formatting the storage media containing ".BWI" files or overwriting them with other data, can lead to file loss.

It is important to regularly back up ".BWI" files and maintain a reliable data backup strategy to minimize the risk of data loss.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo blindWrite CD/DVD Disc Image image file file?

Programs that open ".BWI" files

Windows
VSO Software BlindWrite VSO Software BlindWrite
H+H Software Virtual CD H+H Software Virtual CD
DT Soft DAEMON Tools DT Soft DAEMON Tools
EZB Systems UltraISO EZB Systems UltraISO

Additional Information

  • File type: BlindWrite CD/DVD Disc Image

  • File extension: .BWI

  • Developer: VSO Software

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:40 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .BWI 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 ".BWI backup" file and how is it different from other backup file formats?

    A ".BWI backup" file is a specific type of backup file format that is created using the BlindWrite software. BlindWrite is a program commonly used for creating backups of CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs.

    The ".BWI backup" format is different from other backup file formats in a few ways:

    1. Optical disc-specific: Unlike other backup file formats that can be used for general data backup purposes, the ".BWI backup" format specifically focuses on creating backups of optical discs. It includes all the data, including the file structure, content, and even copy protection mechanisms present on the original disc.
    2. Disc image format: The ".BWI backup" file is essentially a disc image file, which means it is an exact replica of the original disc. It includes all the data sectors, file systems, and metadata necessary to recreate the disc's content.
    3. Copy protection preservation: BlindWrite, the software used to create ".BWI backup" files, is known for its ability to preserve copy protection mechanisms present on original discs. This means that the backup file format retains any copy protection or DRM (Digital Rights Management) measures, allowing the backup to function as a direct replacement for the original disc.
    4. Limited compatibility: Since the ".BWI backup" format is specific to the BlindWrite software, it may have limited compatibility with other backup or disc imaging tools. To restore or use the backup, BlindWrite or compatible software is typically required.

    It's important to note that the ".BWI backup" format is not as widely used or supported as other popular backup file formats like ISO or IMG.

  • What are the steps to create a ".BWI backup" file and how can it be restored?

    To create a ".BWI backup" file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install a backup software: You will need backup software that supports the ".BWI" file format. One popular option is PowerISO, which can create and restore ".BWI backup" files.
    2. Launch the backup software: Open the backup software on your computer.
    3. Select the files/folders to backup: Choose the files and folders you want to include in the backup. You can typically browse through your computer's file system and select specific items or entire directories.
    4. Choose the backup destination: Specify where you want to store the backup file. It can be an external hard drive, a network location, or any other storage device.
    5. Configure backup settings: Set up any additional backup settings, such as compression, encryption, or scheduling options. These settings may vary depending on the backup software you are using.
    6. Start the backup process: Initiate the backup process by clicking on the "Start" or "Backup" button. The software will create a ".BWI backup" file containing all the selected files and folders.

    To restore a ".BWI backup" file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Launch the backup software: Open the backup software on your computer.
    2. Locate the restore option: Look for the option to restore or recover files. It is typically found in the main menu or toolbar.
    3. Select the ".BWI backup" file: Browse your computer or the storage device where the backup file is located. Find the ".BWI backup" file you want to restore.
    4. Choose the restore destination: Specify where you want to restore the files. You can select a specific folder or let the software restore them to their original locations.
    5. Configure restore settings: Set up any additional restore settings, such as overwriting existing files or preserving file attributes. These settings may vary depending on the backup software you are using.
    6. Start the restore process: Initiate the restore process by clicking on the "Start" or "Restore" button. The software will extract the files and folders from the ".BWI backup" file and place them in the specified restore destination.

    Note: The steps provided here are general guidelines, and the specific process may vary depending on the backup software you use. It's recommended to refer to the software's documentation or support resources for detailed instructions.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and access the contents of a ".BWI backup" file?

    Yes, to open and access the contents of a ".BWI backup" file, you will need software that supports this file format. One such software is Alcohol 120%, which is a disk imaging program that can create, mount, and manage various disk image formats, including BWI. Alcohol 120% allows you to open and access the contents of BWI backup files.
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