How to Recover .COM Files After Your Computer Crashes Unexpectedly

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

How to Recover .COM Files After Your Computer Crashes Unexpectedly

What is a .COM file?

A COM file is an executable program capable of being run by MS-DOS and Windows. It is saved in a binary format and is similar to an .EXE file, but differs in that it has a maximum size of roughly 64KB and it has no header or metadata. COM files are commonly used for executing a set of instructions whereas EXE files are used for fully developed programs.

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

There can be several common causes for ".COM" files lost or failure. Some of them include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".COM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system, leading to their loss.
  2. Virus or malware infection: Viruses or malware can infect ".COM" files, corrupting or deleting them. This can happen when users download files from untrusted sources or visit malicious websites.
  3. Hardware failure: If there is a hardware failure in the computer's storage device (such as a hard drive), it can result in the loss or corruption of ".COM" files.
  4. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications can sometimes lead to the loss or failure of ".COM" files.
  5. Operating system errors: Errors or glitches in the operating system can cause ".COM" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  6. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes can interrupt the saving or loading process of ".COM" files, resulting in their loss or failure.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".COM" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  8. File system errors: File system errors, such as disk fragmentation or file system corruption, can cause ".COM" files to become lost or inaccessible.

It is important to regularly backup important ".COM" files to prevent permanent loss in case of any of these issues.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo dOS Command File image file file?

Programs that open ".COM" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
Mac
Parallels Desktop for Mac with Windows installed Parallels Desktop for Mac with Windows installed

Additional Information

  • File type: DOS Command File

  • File extension: .COM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Executable Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: E9 BE 00 43 6F 70 79 72 69 67 68 74 20 31 39 39 30 20 62 79 20 53 79 64 65 78 2E 0D 0A 07 49 6E 73 75 66 66 69 63 69 65

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:59 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .COM 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 the process of ".COM Recovery" and how does it help businesses regain control over their domain names?

    The process of ".COM Recovery" refers to the actions taken by businesses to regain control over their domain names that have been lost, stolen, or wrongly transferred to another party. This typically occurs when unauthorized individuals gain access to the domain registrar account or manipulate the domain ownership details.

    To initiate the .COM Recovery process, businesses need to follow these steps:

    1. Identify the issue: The first step is to recognize that the domain name has been compromised or lost. This could be due to hacking, phishing attacks, expired registration, or any other unauthorized activity.
    2. Contact the domain registrar: Businesses should immediately get in touch with their domain registrar to report the issue. They need to provide all relevant details, including the domain name, account information, and any evidence of the unauthorized activity.
    3. Verify ownership: The domain registrar will typically require the business to prove their ownership of the domain. This may involve providing legal documentation, such as registration certificates, trademark information, or other relevant records.
    4. Investigate and resolve: The registrar will then investigate the situation, working with the appropriate authorities if necessary, to determine the legitimacy of the claim. They will aim to resolve the issue and restore control of the domain to the rightful owner.
    5. Legal recourse, if required: In some cases, if the issue cannot be resolved through the registrar or if there is evidence of domain theft, businesses may need to seek legal assistance. This can involve filing a complaint with the appropriate legal authorities or taking legal action against the unauthorized party.

    It is important for businesses to act swiftly and proactively during the .COM Recovery process to minimize potential damage to their online presence and reputation. Regular monitoring of domain registrations and maintaining strong security practices can help prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.

  • What are the common reasons for the need of ".COM Recovery" services, and how can businesses prevent such issues in the future?

    The common reasons for the need of ".COM Recovery" services include:

    1. Domain expiration: If a business fails to renew its domain registration on time, it may lead to the loss of the domain. This can happen due to oversight, lack of reminders, or administrative errors.
    2. Domain hijacking: Hackers or unauthorized individuals may gain access to a business's domain account and transfer or modify the ownership details, effectively hijacking the domain.
    3. Domain theft: Domain theft occurs when someone intentionally steals a domain by transferring it to their own account without the owner's consent. This can happen through social engineering, phishing attacks, or exploiting security vulnerabilities.
    4. Administrative mistakes: Human errors, such as mistakenly deleting a domain or making incorrect changes to the domain settings, can result in the loss of control over the domain.

    To prevent such issues in the future, businesses can take the following preventive measures:

    1. Set up domain auto-renewal: Enable the auto-renewal feature provided by domain registrars to ensure that the domain registration is automatically renewed before it expires. This helps prevent accidental lapses in domain ownership.
    2. Maintain up-to-date contact information: Ensure that the contact information associated with the domain registration is accurate and up to date. This includes providing a valid email address for receiving renewal reminders and important notifications.
    3. Use strong account security measures: Implement strong passwords for domain registrar accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) to add an extra layer of security. Regularly monitor and review account activity to detect any unauthorized access.
    4. Regularly backup domain settings: Make regular backups of domain settings and configurations, including DNS records and other critical information. This allows for quick restoration in case of accidental changes or domain hijacking.
    5. Educate employees about security: Train employees on best practices for online security, including recognizing and avoiding phishing attacks, using strong passwords, and being cautious with sharing account credentials.
    6. Monitor domain registration status: Regularly check the domain registration status and expiration dates to ensure everything is in order. Set reminders well in advance of expiration dates to avoid any last-minute issues.
    7. Choose a reputable domain registrar: Select a reliable and well-established domain registrar that offers strong security measures, customer support, and a good reputation for domain management.

    By implementing these preventive measures, businesses can minimize the chances of requiring ".COM Recovery" services in the future.

  • Can you provide examples of successful ".COM Recovery" cases where businesses were able to reclaim their domain names after losing control?

    Yes, there have been several notable cases where businesses were able to reclaim their domain names after losing control. Here are a few examples:

    1. Sex.com: In one of the most famous domain recovery cases, Sex.com was stolen in 1995 from its owner, Gary Kremen. After a lengthy legal battle, Kremen was able to regain control of the domain in 2001. He ultimately sold Sex.com for a reported $14 million in 2010.
    2. Twitter.com: In 2009, a hacker gained control of the Twitter.com domain and redirected it to a different website. Twitter quickly regained control by working with their domain registrar and restoring the original DNS settings. The incident highlighted the importance of strong security measures for domain names.
    3. Craigslist.com: In 2013, the domain name Craigslist.com was mistakenly allowed to expire by its owner, Craig Newmark. A domain reseller quickly purchased it, hoping to sell it back at a higher price. However, Newmark was able to reclaim the domain by negotiating directly with the reseller and reaching an agreement.
    4. Foursquare.com: In 2010, the social networking site Foursquare faced a domain hijacking attempt. The attackers gained access to the domain registrar's account and attempted to transfer the domain away. Foursquare's quick response and collaboration with their domain registrar helped them regain control of the domain before any significant damage was done.

    These cases highlight the importance of proactive security measures, quick response times, and effective communication with domain registrars to reclaim control of domain names after losing them.

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