A Complete Guide to Recovering .GBA Files Deleted by User or Software Errors

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

A Complete Guide to Recovering .GBA Files Deleted by User or Software Errors

What is a .GBA file?

A GBA file is a ROM image of a Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA) video game, such as Pokémon, Zelda, or Final Fantasy. It contains an exact copy of a GBA game saved in a format that can be played using a Game Boy emulator.

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

There are several common causes of ".GBA" (Game Boy Advance) files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".GBA" files while organizing or cleaning up their storage devices.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system on the storage device, such as corruption or errors, can lead to the loss or failure of ".GBA" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect the storage device and corrupt or delete ".GBA" files.
  4. Hardware failure: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive or memory card failure, can result in the loss of ".GBA" files.
  5. Software or application issues: Errors or bugs in software or applications used to manage or access ".GBA" files can cause them to become lost or fail.
  6. Improper file transfer: If ".GBA" files are not transferred correctly or interrupted during the process, they may get lost or become unusable.
  7. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as crashes or errors, can lead to the loss or failure of ".GBA" files.
  8. Formatting or partitioning errors: Incorrect formatting or partitioning of the storage device can result in the loss of ".GBA" files.
  9. Power outages: Unexpected power outages or improper shutdowns can cause ".GBA" files to become lost or damaged.
  10. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting, improper handling of storage devices, or incorrect file operations, can lead to the loss or failure of ".GBA" files.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo game Boy Advance ROM image file file?

Programs that open ".GBA" files

Windows
NO$GBA NO$GBA
VisualBoyAdvance VisualBoyAdvance
DreamGBA DreamGBA
RascalBoy Advance RascalBoy Advance
BoycottAdvance BoycottAdvance
KiGB KiGB
Mac
VisualBoyAdvance VisualBoyAdvance
BoycottAdvance BoycottAdvance
KiGB KiGB
OpenEmu OpenEmu
Linux
KiGB KiGB
iOS
GBA4iOS GBA4iOS
Android
GBAoid GBAoid
Fast Emulator My Boy! Fast Emulator My Boy!

Additional Information

  • File type: Game Boy Advance ROM

  • File extension: .GBA

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: Binary

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:00 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .GBA files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
Post comment
User
Leave a reply
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 are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .GBA files?

    There can be several common reasons for encountering problems when opening .GBA files:

    1. Incompatible Software: If you are trying to open a .GBA file with a program that does not support Game Boy Advance files, you may encounter errors. Make sure you have a suitable emulator or GBA file viewer installed on your device.
    2. Corrupted File: If the .GBA file is corrupted or incomplete, it may fail to open properly. This can happen due to incomplete downloads, file transfer errors, or storage issues. Try obtaining a new copy of the file and ensure it is complete.
    3. Outdated Emulator: If you are using an outdated or incompatible emulator to run the .GBA file, it may cause problems. Ensure that you have the latest version of the emulator installed and check for any compatibility issues.
    4. File Association Errors: If the .GBA file extension is not associated with the correct program on your computer, it may not open as expected. You can try manually associating the file extension with the appropriate emulator or viewer.
    5. Insufficient System Resources: Running a .GBA file may require a certain level of system resources, such as processing power or memory. If your device does not meet the requirements, it may result in slow performance or failure to open the file.
    6. File Corruption during Transfer: If you transferred the .GBA file from one device to another, there is a possibility that the file got corrupted during the transfer process. Try transferring the file again using a different method or from a reliable source.
    7. Unsupported ROM Version: Some emulators may not support certain versions or types of .GBA ROMs. Ensure that you are using a compatible ROM file or try using a different emulator.

    If you continue to encounter problems when opening .GBA files, it is recommended to seek assistance from the emulator's support or consult online forums and communities dedicated to Game Boy Advance emulation.

  • How can I troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .GBA files on my computer?

    To troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .GBA files on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check if you have a suitable emulator: Game Boy Advance (GBA) files require an emulator to run. Make sure you have a reliable emulator installed on your computer. Popular options include VisualBoyAdvance, mGBA, and No$GBA.
    2. Confirm the file format: Ensure that the file you are trying to open has the .GBA extension. If it has a different extension (e.g., .zip, .rar), it may need to be extracted before it can be used with the emulator. Right-click the file, select "Rename," and change the extension to .GBA if necessary.
    3. Verify the file integrity: Sometimes, the .GBA file itself may be corrupt or incomplete. Try downloading the file again from a trusted source, ensuring it is the correct size and not corrupted during the download.
    4. Update your emulator: Ensure that you are using the latest version of your chosen emulator. Outdated versions may have compatibility issues with certain .GBA files. Visit the official website of the emulator and download the latest version.
    5. Adjust emulator settings: Open your emulator and explore its settings. Check if there are any specific settings related to file associations or file types. Make sure the .GBA file extension is associated with the emulator. You may also need to configure controls, display settings, or audio settings to ensure optimal performance.
    6. Try a different emulator: If the issue persists, try using a different emulator. Some .GBA files may work better with one emulator compared to others. Experiment with alternative emulators to see if they can open the file successfully.
    7. Scan for malware: It's possible that your computer may be infected with malware that is interfering with the .GBA files. Run a thorough scan using a reliable antivirus program to check for any malicious software.
    8. Seek help from online communities: If you are still unable to open .GBA files, consider seeking help from online forums or communities dedicated to gaming and emulation. Other users may have encountered similar issues and can provide guidance or specific troubleshooting steps for your situation.

    Remember to always download .GBA files from trusted sources to avoid any potential security risks.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help resolve problems with opening .GBA files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve problems with opening .GBA files. Here are a few options:

    1. VisualBoyAdvance: It is a popular Game Boy Advance emulator that allows you to open and play .GBA files on your computer. It supports various operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    2. NO$GBA: This is another emulator specifically designed for opening .GBA files. It offers features like multiplayer support and debugging tools.
    3. VBA-M: It is an actively maintained fork of the original VisualBoyAdvance emulator. VBA-M supports additional features and improvements to enhance the gaming experience.
    4. GBA4iOS: This is an emulator developed for iOS devices. It allows you to open .GBA files on iPhones and iPads without jailbreaking the device.
    5. My Boy! Free: It is an emulator available for Android devices. My Boy! Free allows you to open .GBA files and play Game Boy Advance games on your Android phone or tablet.

    Remember to download these software or tools from trusted sources to ensure their authenticity and avoid any potential malware.

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