How to Retrieve Damaged .ICO Files with Simple Tools

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

How to Retrieve Damaged .ICO Files with Simple Tools
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .ICO file?

An ICO file contains an icon, which is typically used for a Windows program, file, or folder. It stores one or more images in various sizes so they can be appropriately scaled depending on their use. ICO files are similar to .CUR files, which are also used in Windows, and .ICNS files, which are used in macOS.

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

There are several common causes of ".ICO" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".ICO" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or malware infections, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".ICO" files.
  3. Hardware failure: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or bad sectors, can result in the loss of ".ICO" files.
  4. Software issues: Errors or bugs in software applications that handle ".ICO" files can cause them to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  5. Improper file transfer: If the ".ICO" files are not transferred correctly, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete file transfers, they may become damaged or lost.
  6. Formatting or reinstallation: Formatting a storage device or reinstalling the operating system without proper backup can result in the loss of ".ICO" files.
  7. Human error: Accidental overwriting, renaming, or moving of ".ICO" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  8. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".ICO" files, making them unusable.
  9. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes during file operations can cause ".ICO" files to be lost or become corrupted.
  10. Aging storage media: Over time, storage devices may deteriorate, leading to data loss, including ".ICO" files.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo icon File image file file?

Programs that open ".ICO" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Photos Microsoft Photos
Microsoft Paint Microsoft Paint
Microsoft Paint 3D Microsoft Paint 3D
IcoFX IcoFX
Axialis IconWorkshop Axialis IconWorkshop
Newera IconCool Editor Newera IconCool Editor
ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio
SibCode Sib Icon Editor SibCode Sib Icon Editor
Program4Pc PC Icon Editor Program4Pc PC Icon Editor
IconEdit2 IconEdit2
Inkscape Inkscape
IvanView IvanView
GIMP GIMP
IrfanView IrfanView
FastStone Image Viewer FastStone Image Viewer
Mac
Apple Preview Apple Preview
Lemkesoft GraphicConverter Lemkesoft GraphicConverter
Iconographer Iconographer
Inkscape Inkscape
GIMP GIMP
Snap Converter Snap Converter
Linux
Inkscape Inkscape
GIMP GIMP
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Icon File

  • File extension: .ICO

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: image/x-icon

  • HEX: 00 00 01 00

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:16 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ICO 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 .ICO file format and what is its significance in the digital world?

    A .ICO file format, also known as an icon file format, is a standard file format used for storing icons in the digital world. Icons are small graphical representations that are used to represent files, folders, applications, and other elements on a computer's graphical user interface (GUI).

    The significance of the .ICO file format lies in its ability to provide visual cues and enhance the user experience. Icons help users quickly identify and locate specific files, programs, or functions on their devices. They serve as a visual language that aids in navigation and communication between users and their devices.

    In addition to being used on desktop operating systems, .ICO files are also commonly used in web development. They are utilized to display icons on websites, web applications, and browser tabs, providing a consistent and recognizable visual representation of a website or application.

    The .ICO file format supports multiple image sizes and color depths, allowing icons to be displayed in various resolutions and color palettes. This flexibility ensures that icons can be adapted to different display sizes and devices, providing a seamless user experience across different platforms.

    Overall, the .ICO file format plays a crucial role in the digital world by facilitating effective visual communication, improving user interface design, and enhancing the usability of various digital systems.

  • How can I open a .ICO file and view its contents on my computer?

    To open and view the contents of a .ICO file on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Right-click on the .ICO file you want to open.
    2. From the context menu, select "Open with" and then choose a suitable program to view the file. Some popular options include:
    • Windows Photo Viewer
    • Microsoft Paint
    • Adobe Photoshop
    • GIMP (free and open-source image editing software)

    If you don't have any of these programs installed or you want a simpler solution, you can use an online converter or viewer to view the .ICO file. Here are a few online options:

    1. ICO Convert: Visit the ICO Convert website (https://icoconvert.com/) and click on the "Choose File" button to upload your .ICO file. Once uploaded, you can view the contents of the file on the website.
    2. ConvertICO: Go to the ConvertICO website (https://convertico.com/) and click on the "Choose File" button to upload your .ICO file. After the upload, you will be able to see the contents of the file on the website.

    Remember to exercise caution when using online services and ensure that you trust the website before uploading any files.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and manipulate .ICO files effectively?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can be used to open and manipulate .ICO files effectively. Some of the commonly used ones include:

    1. Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is a powerful image editing software that allows you to open and manipulate .ICO files. It provides extensive tools and features to edit and customize the icons.
    2. GIMP: GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program) is a free and open-source image editing software that supports .ICO files. It offers various tools and filters to edit and create icons.
    3. IcoFX: IcoFX is a dedicated icon editor that supports .ICO files. It provides a range of editing tools, including layers, effects, and batch processing, specifically designed for working with icons.
    4. XnView: XnView is a versatile image viewer and converter that can also handle .ICO files. It allows you to view, convert, and modify icons, as well as perform batch operations on them.
    5. IconWorkshop: IconWorkshop is a professional software specifically designed for creating and editing icons. It supports various file formats, including .ICO, and offers advanced features like layers, visual effects, and icon libraries.
    6. Online Converters: There are also various online tools available that allow you to convert and manipulate .ICO files without the need for installing any software. These tools typically provide basic editing options and can be accessed through a web browser.

    It's important to note that some of these tools may have limitations or specific features depending on the version or edition you are using.
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