How to Recover .CGFX Files After Your Computer 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 .CGFX file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Recover .CGFX Files After Your Computer Crashes
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .CGFX file?

File created in the CgFX format, a shader format used by Cg (a graphics programming language) for defining the appearance, or effects, of 3D objects; stores source code in a plain text format; referenced by various games and other programs that use NVIDIA's CgFX technology.

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

There can be several common causes for ".CGFX" files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of the possible causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".CGFX" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. System crashes: Sudden system crashes, power outages, or other hardware or software failures can lead to the loss or corruption of ".CGFX" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage files on a computer, including ".CGFX" files.
  4. File system errors: File system errors or corruption can occur due to improper shutdowns, disk errors, or other issues, leading to the loss or failure of ".CGFX" files.
  5. Software or application issues: Problems with the software or application used to open or manipulate ".CGFX" files can cause them to fail or become inaccessible.
  6. Incompatible software or version mismatch: If the software or application used to open ".CGFX" files is outdated or incompatible with the file format, it may result in failure or errors.
  7. File transfer or storage issues: Errors during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete uploads, can lead to ".CGFX" files being lost or corrupted.
  8. Hardware issues: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or physical damage to the storage media, can result in the loss or failure of ".CGFX" files.
  9. Human errors: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally formatting a storage device or overwriting ".CGFX" files with incorrect data, can cause their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up ".CGFX" files and maintain a reliable data recovery system to mitigate the risk of losing important files.

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

Use programs for recovering ".CGFX" 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 ".CGFX" 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™ 5.0
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 ".CGFX" 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 ".CGFX" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo cgFX Shader File image file file?

Programs that open ".CGFX" files

Windows
NVIDIA FX Composer NVIDIA FX Composer

Additional Information

  • File type: CgFX Shader File

  • File extension: .CGFX

  • Developer: NVIDIA

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:12 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CGFX 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 when trying to open .CGFX files?

    There could be several reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .CGFX files:

    1. Incompatible software: CGFX files are primarily associated with the NVIDIA CgFX file format, which is used for creating real-time graphics effects. If you don't have the appropriate software installed that supports CGFX files, you may encounter problems while opening them.
    2. Outdated software version: If you have the software that supports CGFX files but it is outdated, it may not be able to properly open newer versions of CGFX files. Updating the software to the latest version might resolve the issue.
    3. File corruption: If the CGFX file is corrupted or incomplete, you may face difficulties in opening it. This can happen due to various reasons, such as incomplete downloads, file transfer errors, or storage issues.
    4. Missing dependencies: CGFX files may rely on certain dependencies or external files to function correctly. If these dependencies are missing or not properly configured, it can lead to problems when opening the CGFX file.
    5. File association issues: If the file association for CGFX files is incorrect, your operating system may not know which program to use for opening the file. This can happen if the default program for CGFX files has been changed or if there is no associated program at all.
    6. Limited software support: CGFX files may not be widely supported by all graphics software. If you are trying to open a CGFX file in a program that doesn't support it, you may encounter errors or the file may not open properly.
    7. Hardware limitations: CGFX files are often used in real-time graphics applications, which require capable hardware to render the effects. If your hardware doesn't meet the requirements, you may experience issues when opening or running CGFX files.

    It is recommended to ensure that you have the appropriate software, up-to-date versions, and compatible hardware to avoid problems when opening .CGFX files.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .CGFX files?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools that can help troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .CGFX files. Here are a few options:

    1. Autodesk FBX Converter: This software allows you to convert .CGFX files to other compatible formats like .FBX. By converting the file, you may be able to open it in other software that supports FBX files.
    2. ShaderFX: ShaderFX is a visual shader editor provided by Autodesk. It is specifically designed for creating and editing CGFX shaders. If you are having trouble opening a .CGFX file, ShaderFX might be able to help you view and modify the shader.
    3. NVIDIA ShaderPerf: ShaderPerf is a command-line tool provided by NVIDIA. It can analyze and optimize shaders, including CGFX shaders. It may help identify any issues or errors in the .CGFX file that are preventing it from opening correctly.
    4. 3D modeling and animation software: Many 3D modeling and animation software, such as Autodesk Maya, 3ds Max, or Blender, have built-in support for CGFX files. If you are experiencing issues with opening a .CGFX file, try using different software that supports this file format.

    Remember to always check the official documentation or support forums of the software you are using for more specific troubleshooting steps related to .CGFX files.

  • What are some recommended steps or techniques to follow in order to resolve problems and successfully open .CGFX files?

    To resolve problems and successfully open .CGFX files, you can follow these recommended steps or techniques:

    1. Update or install the necessary software: Ensure that you have the appropriate software installed on your computer to open .CGFX files. In most cases, .CGFX files are associated with software like Autodesk Maya or other 3D modeling and animation programs. Make sure you have the latest version of the software installed, or install it if you don't already have it.
    2. Check file compatibility: Confirm that the .CGFX file you are trying to open is compatible with the software you have installed. Some file formats may only be compatible with specific versions of software. Check the software documentation or website to determine the compatibility requirements.
    3. Verify file integrity: Ensure that the .CGFX file is not corrupted or incomplete. If you suspect the file is damaged, try obtaining a fresh copy from a reliable source or ask the file sender to resend it.
    4. Update software plugins or extensions: If you are using a software program that requires plugins or extensions to open .CGFX files, make sure these are up to date. Check the software's official website or marketplace for any available updates or patches.
    5. Convert the file format: If you are unable to open the .CGFX file directly, you may try converting it to a different format that is compatible with your software. Look for file conversion tools or online services that can convert .CGFX files to a more common format like .OBJ or .FBX.
    6. Seek help from online communities or forums: If you are still unable to open the .CGFX file, consider seeking assistance from online communities or forums dedicated to the software you are using. Many experienced users are willing to help troubleshoot and provide guidance.
    7. Contact software support: If all else fails, reach out to the software's official support channels. Contact the software developer or visit their support website to seek help from their technical support team. Provide them with detailed information about the issue and any error messages you encounter.

    Remember to always exercise caution when opening files from unknown or untrusted sources, as they may contain harmful content.
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