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

HFS File Recovery

What is a .HFS file?

Disk image file created in the Hierarchical System Format (HFS), the file system format used by Mac computers; contains files and folders as they would be stored by a Mac computer; can be opened by 7-Zip on PCs.

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

There can be several common causes for ".HFS" (Hierarchical File System) files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Human error is one of the most common causes of file loss. Accidentally deleting ".HFS" files or formatting the storage device containing the files can result in their loss.
  2. File system corruption: Corruption of the file system on which the ".HFS" files are stored can lead to their failure or loss. This can occur due to factors such as sudden power outages, improper system shutdowns, or hardware issues.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".HFS" files. Viruses or malware can corrupt or delete files, making them inaccessible.
  4. Storage media failure: If the storage device, such as a hard drive or SSD, containing the ".HFS" files fails or becomes damaged, it can result in the loss or failure of the files. This can happen due to physical damage, manufacturing defects, or wear and tear over time.
  5. Software or system errors: Errors in software or operating systems can cause ".HFS" files to become inaccessible or fail. This can occur due to software bugs, conflicts, or compatibility issues.
  6. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a storage device from HFS to another format or vice versa can sometimes result in data loss or file failure if not done properly.
  7. User actions: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".HFS" files, leading to their loss or failure. This can happen while performing file operations like copying, moving, or editing.

It is important to regularly backup ".HFS" files to prevent permanent loss in case of any of these causes.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo hFS Disk Image File image file file?

Programs that open ".HFS" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
7-Zip 7-Zip

Additional Information

  • File type: HFS Disk Image File

  • File extension: .HFS

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:18 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .HFS 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 .HFS file format and what is its purpose?

    The .HFS file format is a hierarchical file system used by Apple's Macintosh operating systems. It stands for Hierarchical File System.

    The purpose of the .HFS file format is to organize and manage files and directories on Macintosh computers. It provides a hierarchical structure where files and folders are organized in a tree-like format. This file system allows for the storage, retrieval, and management of data on Macintosh hard drives, external storage devices, and other media.

    .HFS is the original file system used by Mac OS, starting from the early versions up until Mac OS 8.1. It has since been replaced by the HFS Plus (HFS+) file system, which offers improvements in performance, storage capacity, and support for larger file sizes.

  • How can I open a .HFS file and access its contents?

    To open and access the contents of a .HFS file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install a file archiver or extraction tool: .HFS files are typically compressed or archived files, so you'll need a software that can handle these formats. Some popular options include WinRAR, 7-Zip, or WinZip. Choose and install one of these tools if you don't have one already.
    2. Launch the file archiver: Open the file archiver tool you installed.
    3. Open the .HFS file: In the file archiver, navigate to the location where the .HFS file is stored. Double-click on the .HFS file to open it within the file archiver.
    4. Extract the contents: Once the .HFS file is open, you should see its contents listed within the file archiver. Select the files or folders you want to extract from the .HFS file and choose the "Extract" or "Extract to" option. Specify a destination folder where you want to save the extracted files.
    5. Access the extracted contents: After the extraction process is complete, navigate to the destination folder you specified. You will find the extracted files and folders there. You can now access and use these files as needed.

    Note: If the .HFS file is not an archived file but instead a Hierarchical File System file used by Apple systems, it cannot be directly opened on a Windows or Linux machine. You would need specific tools or software designed to read and access HFS files on non-Apple platforms.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and view the contents of a .HFS file?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to open and view the contents of a .HFS file. HFS (Hierarchical File System) is a file system developed by Apple for its Macintosh computers. To open and view the contents of a .HFS file, you can use the following software:

    1. Mac OS: If you are using a Mac computer, you can simply double-click on the .HFS file, and it will open in the default file viewer.
    2. Disk Utility: Mac OS includes the Disk Utility application, which can be used to open and mount .HFS files as disk images. Open Disk Utility, go to File > Open Disk Image, and select the .HFS file to mount it.
    3. HFSExplorer: HFSExplorer is a free software that allows you to view and extract files from HFS formatted drives, including .HFS files. It is available for Windows, Linux, and Mac OS. You can download it from the official website: http://www.catacombae.org/hfsexplorer/
    4. TransMac: TransMac is a paid software for Windows that enables you to open, read, and write to Mac-formatted drives, including .HFS files. It also allows you to create, compress, and expand .HFS files. You can download it from the official website: https://www.acutesystems.com/scrtm.htm

    These tools should allow you to open and view the contents of a .HFS file on different operating systems.

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