How to Fix .CONF Files Lost in System Crash and Restore Them

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

How to Fix .CONF Files Lost in System Crash and Restore Them

What is a .CONF file?

A CONF file is a configuration or "config" file used on Unix and Linux based systems. It stores settings used to configure system processes and applications. CONF files are similar to .CFG files found on Windows and Macintosh systems.

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

There are several common causes of ".CONF" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".CONF" files while organizing or cleaning up their system.
  2. Software or system errors: Software bugs, system crashes, or power outages can lead to the corruption or loss of ".CONF" files.
  3. Malware or virus attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect and damage ".CONF" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the hard drive, such as bad sectors or physical damage, can result in the loss of ".CONF" files.
  5. Improper system shutdown: If the system is not shut down properly, it can cause data loss or corruption, including ".CONF" files.
  6. Software conflicts: Incompatibility or conflicts between different software applications can lead to the loss or corruption of ".CONF" files.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of a storage device or improper handling of files, can result in the loss of ".CONF" files.
  8. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or disk errors, can cause ".CONF" files to become lost or inaccessible.

It is important to regularly backup ".CONF" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable data recovery software or services in case of file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo unix Configuration File image file file?

Programs that open ".CONF" files

Mac
MacroMates TextMate MacroMates TextMate
Linux
GNU Emacs GNU Emacs
Pico Pico

Additional Information

  • File type: Unix Configuration File

  • File extension: .CONF

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: Text

  • File types that use the extension .CONF:

    • Unix Configuration File

    • Generic Configuration File

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:16 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CONF files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
Post comment
User
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of a .CONF recovery and when is it typically used?

    The purpose of a .CONF recovery is to restore configuration files that have been corrupted or lost. It is typically used in situations where there is a need to recover the configuration settings of a system or application.

    Configuration files (.CONF files) contain important settings and parameters that determine the behavior and functionality of a system or application. These files can be modified by users or administrators to customize the configuration according to their requirements.

    However, there are instances where these configuration files may get corrupted due to various reasons such as system crashes, software bugs, human errors, or malicious activities. In such cases, the system or application may fail to function properly or may not start at all.

    A .CONF recovery is performed to restore the original configuration settings from a backup or to recreate the configuration files from scratch. This helps in recovering the system or application to its previous working state.

    Typically, a .CONF recovery is used in scenarios like:

    1. System or application failure: When a system or application fails to start or function properly due to corrupted or missing configuration files, a .CONF recovery can be performed to restore the configuration settings and resolve the issue.
    2. System migration or upgrade: During system migrations or upgrades, there may be a need to transfer or recreate the configuration settings. A .CONF recovery can be used to restore the configuration files on the new system or after the upgrade.
    3. Disaster recovery: In the event of a disaster or data loss, where configuration files are affected, a .CONF recovery can be performed to restore the system or application to its previous state.

    Overall, a .CONF recovery is essential for maintaining the integrity and functionality of systems and applications by restoring the configuration settings when they are lost or corrupted.

  • What are the common causes of a .CONF file corruption or loss, and how can a recovery be performed?

    There are several common causes of .CONF file corruption or loss, including:

    1. Software or hardware issues: Unexpected system shutdowns, power outages, disk errors, or hardware failures can lead to corruption or loss of .CONF files.
    2. Human error: Accidental deletion, overwriting, or modification of .CONF files by users can result in their corruption or loss.
    3. Malware or viruses: Infections from malicious software can corrupt or delete .CONF files.

    To perform a recovery of .CONF files, you can try the following methods:

    1. Check the Recycle Bin or Trash: If you accidentally deleted the .CONF file, it might still be in the Recycle Bin (Windows) or Trash (Mac). Restore it from there.
    2. Backup restoration: If you have a backup of the .CONF file, restore it from the backup source. Regularly backing up important files is a good practice to prevent data loss.
    3. System restore: Use the system restore feature on your operating system to revert your system to a previous state when the .CONF file was intact.
    4. Data recovery software: There are various data recovery tools available that can scan your storage device and attempt to recover deleted or corrupted files, including .CONF files. Examples include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill.
    5. Professional data recovery services: If the .CONF file is critical and none of the above methods work, you can consider consulting professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from damaged or corrupted storage devices.

    Remember to always create backups of important files to avoid data loss and regularly update them to ensure you have the most recent versions available.

  • Are there any specific tools or software available for .CONF recovery, and what steps should be followed to successfully recover a .CONF file?

    There are several tools and software available for .CONF file recovery. Here are some steps you can follow to successfully recover a .CONF file:

    1. Check the Recycle Bin: If you have recently deleted the .CONF file, it might still be in the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin and search for the file. If found, right-click on it and select "Restore" to recover it to its original location.
    2. Use File Recovery Software: If the .CONF file is permanently deleted or not in the Recycle Bin, you can use file recovery software like Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, or Disk Drill. These tools can scan your hard drive or storage device for deleted files and recover them. Install the software, select the drive or location where the .CONF file was stored, and initiate the recovery process.
    3. Check Backup or Version Control Systems: If you have a backup system or version control system in place, check if the .CONF file is backed up or stored in the system. Restore the file from the backup or retrieve it from the version control system.
    4. Check Temporary Files: Some applications create temporary files while working with .CONF files. These temporary files might contain the data you need. Check the temporary file directory of the application you were using to see if any .CONF-related temporary files are present. Copy and rename the file with the .CONF extension.
    5. Seek Professional Help: If the above methods do not work, or if the .CONF file is corrupted, you may need to seek professional help from data recovery services. These services specialize in recovering lost or corrupted files and may have advanced techniques to retrieve your .CONF file.

    Remember to avoid writing new data to the storage device where the .CONF file was located until the recovery process is complete. Writing new data can overwrite the deleted file, making it harder to recover.

Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat