Recovering .CSM Files After Virus Corruption: A How-to Guide

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

Recovering .CSM Files After Virus Corruption: A How-to Guide
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .CSM file?

Backup file used by Steam, a digital distribution service used to access games and software; contains the backup data of a game played with Steam; similar to a .CSD and .SIS file.

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

There can be several common causes of ".CSM" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".CSM" files while attempting to delete other files or folders.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware used to create, open, or save ".CSM" files can lead to file corruption or loss. This can include software crashes, power outages, or hardware failures.
  3. File system errors: File system errors, such as bad sectors on a hard drive or disk errors, can lead to ".CSM" file loss or corruption.
  4. Virus or malware infections: Viruses or malware can infect and damage ".CSM" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".CSM" files, such as force closing an application or unplugging a storage device while files are being accessed or saved, can result in file corruption or loss.
  6. File format incompatibility: If a ".CSM" file is opened or modified using software that is not compatible with the file format, it may lead to file corruption or loss.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally overwriting or saving changes to the wrong file, can result in ".CSM" file loss or failure.
  8. File transfer issues: Problems encountered during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or network connectivity issues, can lead to ".CSM" file corruption or loss.

It is important to regularly back up ".CSM" files to prevent loss or failure and to use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of accidental deletion or file corruption.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo steam Game Backup File image file file?

Programs that open ".CSM" files

Windows
Valve Steam Valve Steam

Additional Information

  • File type: Steam Game Backup File

  • File extension: .CSM

  • Developer: Valve

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .CSM:

    • Steam Game Backup File

    • Character Studio Marker File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:17 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .CSM 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 ".CSM backup" file and how is it different from other backup file formats?

    A ".CSM backup" file refers to a backup file format used by the Cisco Configuration Professional (CCP) software, which is a graphical user interface (GUI) used for managing Cisco routers.

    The CSM backup file contains the configuration settings and parameters of a Cisco router that are saved for backup purposes. It includes information such as network settings, security configurations, access control lists, routing protocols, and other device-specific configurations.

    The main difference between a ".CSM backup" file and other backup file formats lies in the software that creates and uses them. Each backup file format is specific to the software or platform it is associated with. While ".CSM backup" files are used by Cisco Configuration Professional, other backup file formats like ".bak" (backup) or ".zip" (compressed archive) are more generic and can be used by various applications or systems.

    Therefore, the difference primarily lies in the content and purpose of the backup file, as well as the software or device it is associated with.

  • How can I create a ".CSM backup" of my data and what software or tools are needed for this process?

    To create a ".CSM backup" of your data, you will need to follow these steps:

    1. Identify the type of data you want to back up: Determine the specific files, folders, or databases that you want to include in the backup.
    2. Choose a backup software or tool: There are several backup software options available, both free and paid, that can help you create a ".CSM backup." Some popular choices include Acronis True Image, EaseUS Todo Backup, and Macrium Reflect.
    3. Install and set up the backup software: Download and install the chosen backup software on your computer. Follow the instructions provided by the software to set it up correctly.
    4. Configure backup settings: Once the software is installed, launch it and configure the backup settings. This may include selecting the files and folders you want to back up, choosing the backup destination (external hard drive, cloud storage, etc.), and specifying the backup schedule (daily, weekly, etc.).
    5. Start the backup process: After configuring the settings, initiate the backup process. The backup software will create a ".CSM backup" file that contains all the selected data.
    6. Verify the backup: Once the backup process is complete, it is crucial to verify the backup to ensure it was successful. Most backup software provides a verification option to compare the original files with the backup files.
    7. Store the backup securely: To protect your backup from data loss or corruption, store it in a secure location, such as an external hard drive, network-attached storage (NAS), or cloud storage. Make sure to follow best practices for data backup storage, including keeping multiple copies in different locations.

    Remember to regularly update and maintain your backups to ensure the safety of your data.

  • Are there any specific precautions or considerations to keep in mind when restoring data from a ".CSM backup" file?

    When restoring data from a ".CSM backup" file, there are a few precautions and considerations to keep in mind:

    1. Compatibility: Ensure that the backup file is compatible with the software or application you are restoring the data into. ".CSM" backup files may be specific to a particular software or system, so verify compatibility beforehand.
    2. Backup Integrity: Confirm that the backup file is not corrupted or incomplete. If possible, perform a validation or integrity check on the backup file to ensure its completeness and reliability.
    3. Backup Version: Check if the backup file corresponds to the version of the software or application you are currently using. Different versions may have variations in data formats or structures, which can cause issues during the restoration process.
    4. Backup Restoration Process: Familiarize yourself with the proper procedure for restoring data from the backup file. Consult the software's documentation or support resources for specific instructions. Following the correct restoration process will help avoid any potential errors or data loss.
    5. Backup Security: If the backup file contains sensitive or confidential information, take appropriate security measures. Ensure that the backup file is stored securely and only accessible to authorized individuals during the restoration process.
    6. Backup Testing: Consider performing a trial restoration on a test environment before restoring the data in a production or live environment. This allows you to verify the restoration process and ensure that the data is restored correctly without any adverse effects.
    7. Data Validation: After restoring the data, validate its integrity and accuracy. Perform necessary checks to ensure that the restored data matches the original data and that no data loss or corruption occurred during the restoration process.

    By keeping these precautions and considerations in mind, you can minimize the chances of encountering issues or data loss while restoring data from a ".CSM backup" file.
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