How to Retrieve .ESP Files Lost Due to User and Software Failures

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

How to Retrieve .ESP Files Lost Due to User and Software Failures

What is a .ESP file?

Plugin file used by The Elder Scrolls (TES) first-person RPGs such as Oblivion and Skyrim; similar to an .ESM file but is used specifically for adding plugin features, such as new graphics, weapons, and world content; used for creating custom game alterations.

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

There can be several common causes for ".ESP" files to be lost or fail. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".ESP" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system, leading to their loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with software or hardware components, such as a sudden power outage, system crash, or software malfunction, can result in the corruption or loss of ".ESP" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect the system and cause damage to ".ESP" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system structure, such as bad sectors on the storage device or file system corruption, can cause ".ESP" files to become inaccessible or get lost.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of ".ESP" files, such as forceful termination of applications, abrupt removal of storage devices, or improper shutdown of the system, can lead to file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Incompatibility or conflicts between different software programs or versions can cause ".ESP" files to fail or become inaccessible.
  7. Human error: Human errors, such as accidental formatting of storage devices, improper installation or uninstallation of software, or unintentional modifications to ".ESP" files, can result in their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly backup ".ESP" files to prevent data loss and use reliable data recovery tools if any loss or failure occurs.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo elder Scrolls Plugin File image file file?

Programs that open ".ESP" files

Windows
Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim
Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion
The Elder Scrolls Construction Set The Elder Scrolls Construction Set
Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Creation Kit Bethesda Softworks The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Creation Kit

Additional Information

  • File type: Elder Scrolls Plugin File

  • File extension: .ESP

  • Developer: Bethesda Softworks

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: Binary

  • File types that use the extension .ESP:

    • Elder Scrolls Plugin File

    • Fallout 3 Plugin File

    • ACD/Labs Dataset

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:20 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ESP 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 an ".ESP backup" and how does it work?

    An ".ESP backup" refers to a backup file format used by the software program E-Prime. E-Prime is a tool for designing and running psychological experiments.

    When you create an experiment in E-Prime, it generates an ".ESP" file that contains all the information about the experiment, including stimuli, instructions, timing, and response collection. This file is essentially the script that defines the experiment's structure and behavior.

    An ".ESP backup" is a copy of this file that serves as a backup or a snapshot of the experiment at a particular point in time. It allows you to restore the experiment to a previous state if something goes wrong with the current version.

    To create an ".ESP backup," you typically use the backup or save copy functionality within the E-Prime software. This creates a duplicate copy of the original ".ESP" file, which can be stored in a different location or with a different name. The backup file can then be used to restore the experiment if needed.

    Overall, an ".ESP backup" is a safeguard to protect against accidental changes, data loss, or experiment corruption, ensuring that you have a copy of the experiment in a known working state.

  • What are the advantages of using ".ESP backup" compared to other backup methods?

    There are several advantages of using ".ESP backup" compared to other backup methods:

    1. Efficient and quick: ".ESP backup" is designed to provide fast and efficient backup solutions. It uses advanced algorithms and techniques to optimize the backup process, ensuring that it completes quickly and does not consume excessive system resources.
    2. Incremental backups: ".ESP backup" supports incremental backups, which means that it only backs up the changes made since the last backup. This significantly reduces the backup time and storage requirements, as only the modified or new files are included in the backup.
    3. File-level and image-level backups: ".ESP backup" offers the flexibility to perform both file-level and image-level backups. File-level backups allow you to selectively back up specific files or folders, while image-level backups create a complete snapshot of the entire system or disk. This versatility allows you to choose the backup method that best suits your needs.
    4. Compression and encryption: ".ESP backup" typically includes compression and encryption options. Compression reduces the size of the backup files, optimizing storage space. Encryption ensures the security and privacy of your backup data, protecting it from unauthorized access.
    5. Easy recovery: ".ESP backup" provides easy and convenient recovery options. It allows you to restore individual files or folders, as well as complete system images. The recovery process is usually straightforward, even for non-technical users.
    6. Scheduling and automation: ".ESP backup" often includes scheduling capabilities, allowing you to automate the backup process. You can set up regular backup schedules, ensuring that your data is consistently protected without manual intervention.
    7. Multiple storage options: ".ESP backup" supports various storage options, including local storage devices (such as external hard drives or network-attached storage), cloud storage services, or remote servers. This flexibility enables you to choose the storage method that best fits your requirements and preferences.
    8. Disaster recovery: ".ESP backup" solutions often include disaster recovery features. In case of system failure, hardware damage, or other catastrophic events, you can use the backup to restore your system to a functional state quickly.
    9. Versioning and retention: Some ".ESP backup" tools offer versioning and retention capabilities. This means that you can keep multiple versions of your backups and define retention policies to manage the storage space efficiently. It allows you to revert to specific points in time or recover deleted files if needed.

    Overall, ".ESP backup" provides a comprehensive and efficient backup solution with various features and options, ensuring the safety, security, and recoverability of your data.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to create and restore ".ESP backup" files?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to create and restore ".ESP backup" files. ".ESP" files are typically associated with Microsoft Exchange Server Public Folder backups.

    To create and restore ".ESP backup" files, you would need:

    1. Microsoft Exchange Server: The Exchange Server itself is required to perform backup and restore operations. It provides the necessary infrastructure and tools to manage public folders and perform backups.
    2. Exchange Management Shell (EMS): EMS is a command-line management interface for Exchange Server. It allows you to perform various administrative tasks, including backup and restore operations.
    3. Windows Server Backup: This is a built-in backup tool provided by Microsoft in Windows Server operating systems. It can be used to create backups of Exchange Server and its components, including public folders.
    4. Third-party Backup Software: There are several third-party backup software available in the market that offer advanced features and functionalities for Exchange Server backups. These tools often provide more flexibility and options for creating and restoring ".ESP backup" files.

    It's important to note that the specific software and tools required may vary depending on the version of Exchange Server you are using and the backup solution you prefer. It's recommended to consult the documentation or support resources provided by Microsoft or your chosen backup software vendor for detailed instructions on creating and restoring ".ESP backup" files.

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