.DDS File Recovery

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

DDS File Recovery

What is a .DDS file?

A DDS file is a raster image saved in the DirectDraw Surface (DDS) container format. It can store compressed and uncompressed pixel formats and is often used for texturing video game unit models. DDS files may also be used to store Windows desktop backgrounds or wallpapers.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".DDS" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".DDS" files, rendering them inaccessible or unusable.
  3. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or improper shutdowns, can lead to ".DDS" file corruption or loss.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to create, open, or save ".DDS" files can result in data loss or file corruption.
  5. Improper file transfer: If ".DDS" files are not transferred correctly, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete file transfers, they may become corrupted or lost.
  6. Power outages: Unexpected power outages or system crashes during the creation or editing of ".DDS" files can cause data loss or file corruption.
  7. Storage media failure: Hardware failures or damage to the storage media where ".DDS" files are stored, such as hard drives or memory cards, can lead to file loss or corruption.
  8. Incompatible software or plugins: Using incompatible software or plugins to open or edit ".DDS" files can result in file corruption or data loss.
  9. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or incorrect file manipulation, can cause ".DDS" files to be lost or damaged.
  10. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as crashes or software conflicts, can lead to ".DDS" file loss or failure.

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

Use programs for recovering ".DDS" 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 ".DDS" 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.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

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 ".DDS" 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 ".DDS" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo directDraw Surface image file file?

Programs that open ".DDS" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Windows Texture Viewer Windows Texture Viewer
XnView MP XnView MP
dotPDN paint.net dotPDN paint.net
IrfanView with IrfanView Formats plugin IrfanView with IrfanView Formats plugin
Adobe Photoshop with NVIDIA DDS plugin Adobe Photoshop with NVIDIA DDS plugin
GIMP with DDS plugin GIMP with DDS plugin
Mac
XnView MP XnView MP
Linux
XnView MP XnView MP
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: DirectDraw Surface

  • File extension: .DDS

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Raster Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 44 44 53 20

  • ASCII: DDS

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:15 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .DDS 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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