How to Restore .DGN Files After a Virus Wrecks Your System

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 .DGN file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Restore .DGN Files After a Virus Wrecks Your System
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .DGN file?

A DGN file is a 2D/3D drawing created by various construction CAD software, such as MicroStation and Intergraph Interactive Graphics Design System. It may be saved in one of two formats, either the Intergraph Standard File Format (ISFF) or the newer V8 DGN standard. DGN files are typically used to save designs for construction projects for highways, bridges, and buildings.

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

There can be several common causes of ".DGN" files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users might accidentally delete ".DGN" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware being used to open or save ".DGN" files can lead to file loss or failure. This can include software crashes, system errors, or hardware malfunctions.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt ".DGN" files, rendering them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  4. Power outages or sudden system shutdowns: If a computer experiences a sudden power outage or system shutdown while working on ".DGN" files, it can result in file corruption or loss.
  5. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can cause ".DGN" files to become lost or damaged.
  6. Improper file transfer or storage: If ".DGN" files are transferred or stored improperly, such as during a faulty file transfer process or on a faulty storage device, they may become lost or corrupted.
  7. User error: Human error, such as mistakenly moving or renaming ".DGN" files, can lead to file loss or failure.
  8. Incompatible software versions: Using incompatible software versions to open or edit ".DGN" files can cause them to become unreadable or corrupted.

It is important to regularly backup ".DGN" files to prevent loss or failure and to use reliable storage devices and software to minimize the risk of encountering such issues.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo microStation Design File image file file?

Programs that open ".DGN" files

Windows
Bentley Systems Bentley View Bentley Systems Bentley View
Bentley Systems MicroStation Bentley Systems MicroStation
Autodesk AutoCAD 2020 Autodesk AutoCAD 2020
AutoDWG DGN to DWG Converter AutoDWG DGN to DWG Converter
IMSI TurboCAD Pro IMSI TurboCAD Pro
Oracle AutoVue Oracle AutoVue
ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop
Corel PaintShop Pro 2020 Corel PaintShop Pro 2020
Mac
IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe IMSI TurboCAD Deluxe

Additional Information

  • File type: MicroStation Design File

  • File extension: .DGN

  • Developer: Bentley Systems

  • Category: CAD Files

  • Format: N/A

  • HEX: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00

  • ASCII: РП.а...б

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:33 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .DGN 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 .DGN file format and what is it commonly used for?

    The .DGN file format is a file extension used for files created in MicroStation, a computer-aided design (CAD) software developed by Bentley Systems. DGN stands for "Design" and it is the native file format of MicroStation.

    .DGN files are primarily used for creating, editing, and storing 2D and 3D designs, drawings, and models in various industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC). They can contain geometric shapes, lines, text, dimensions, annotations, layers, and other graphical elements that represent the design or model.

    MicroStation is widely used for infrastructure projects like roads, bridges, buildings, and other large-scale constructions. The .DGN file format allows users to collaborate, exchange, and share design data between different software applications and professionals working on the same project. It is also compatible with other CAD software, allowing interoperability and integration with other design tools.

  • How does the .DGN format differ from other popular CAD file formats?

    The .DGN format, developed by Bentley Systems, is primarily used by their CAD software called MicroStation. Here are some ways in which the .DGN format differs from other popular CAD file formats:

    1. Platform: The .DGN format is primarily used on the MicroStation platform, whereas other popular CAD file formats like .DWG (AutoCAD) and .DXF (Drawing Exchange Format) are associated with Autodesk software.
    2. Data Structure: The .DGN format uses a different data structure compared to other CAD file formats. It stores data in a hierarchical structure known as "Design File Elements" (DFEs) rather than using entities, as in the case of .DWG and .DXF files.
    3. Compatibility: While .DWG and .DXF files are widely supported by various CAD software, the .DGN format may have limited compatibility with non-Bentley software. However, many CAD applications have introduced support for importing .DGN files in recent years.
    4. File Size: .DGN files tend to have smaller file sizes compared to .DWG files. This is due to the way data is stored and compressed within the file format.
    5. Feature Set: The .DGN format supports some unique features that are specific to Bentley's MicroStation software. Similarly, other CAD file formats have their own set of features that may not be present in .DGN files.
    6. Industry Usage: The .DGN format is widely used in industries such as architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC), especially in projects where MicroStation is the preferred CAD software. On the other hand, .DWG and .DXF files have broader industry acceptance and are used across various sectors.

    It's worth noting that the differences mentioned above are not exhaustive, and there may be additional variations depending on the specific versions and capabilities of the CAD software supporting these file formats.

  • Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when working with .DGN files in different software applications?

    Yes, there can be limitations and compatibility issues when working with .DGN files in different software applications. Some of the common limitations and compatibility issues include:

    1. File Format: .DGN files are primarily associated with Bentley Systems' MicroStation software. While many other software applications claim to support .DGN files, they may not fully support all the features and functionalities of the original file format.
    2. Versions: Different versions of .DGN files may have varying levels of compatibility with different software applications. Older versions of software may not be able to open or properly interpret newer .DGN file formats.
    3. File Conversion: When attempting to open .DGN files in software applications that do not natively support the format, conversion may be required. However, the conversion process may result in loss of data or formatting, leading to compatibility issues.
    4. Complex Elements: .DGN files can contain complex elements like 3D models, intelligent objects, and custom data schemas. Not all software applications may be capable of fully understanding or rendering these elements, leading to loss of information or incorrect display.
    5. Drawing Standards: Different software applications may have their own drawing standards and file settings. When working with .DGN files in different applications, there may be inconsistencies in line weights, text styles, dimensioning, and other graphical elements.
    6. Interoperability: Collaboration between users working with .DGN files in different software applications can be challenging. Sharing files, maintaining data integrity, and ensuring consistent interpretation of design intent can be difficult due to compatibility issues.

    To mitigate these limitations and compatibility issues, it is important to ensure that the software applications being used are compatible with .DGN files and support the required features and functionalities. Additionally, using standardized file formats like .DWG for CAD drawings can help improve interoperability between different software applications.
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