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

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What is a .IMG file?

An IMG file is a disc image file created by various disc imaging applications, such as HH Software Virtual CD. It stores an exact copy of the data on a CD or DVD and is used for backups and burning new discs.

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

There can be several common causes of ".IMG" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".IMG" files while managing their storage or performing file operations.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons like improper system shutdown, malware or virus attacks, hardware issues, etc., leading to the loss or failure of ".IMG" files.
  3. Formatting or reformatting: Formatting a storage device without taking a backup can result in the loss of all data, including ".IMG" files.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Issues with software applications or hardware components like hard drives, memory cards, or USB drives can cause ".IMG" files to become inaccessible or get lost.
  5. File system errors: File system errors can occur due to improper ejection of storage devices, power outages, or system crashes, leading to the loss or corruption of ".IMG" files.
  6. Malware or virus attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect and corrupt ".IMG" files, making them unusable or causing them to be lost.
  7. Human error: Human mistakes such as accidental overwriting, improper handling of storage devices, or incorrect file operations can result in the loss or failure of ".IMG" files.
  8. Physical damage to storage media: Physical damage to storage media like hard drives, memory cards, or USB drives can render ".IMG" files inaccessible or lost.

It is important to regularly backup ".IMG" files and use reliable storage devices to minimize the risk of data loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".IMG" 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 ".IMG" file may be deleted.

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".IMG" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".IMG" 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 ".IMG" 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.

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.

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".IMG" files, and select analysis type.

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

  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.

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

How to open file with ".IMG" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo disc Image Data File image file file?

Programs that open ".IMG" files

Windows
H+H Software Virtual CD
Lightning UK! ImgBurn
Smart Projects IsoBuster
EZB Systems UltraISO
MagicISO

Additional Information

  • File type: Disc Image Data File

  • File extension: .IMG

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 56 45 52 32

  • ASCII: VER2

  • File types that use the extension .IMG:

    • Disc Image Data File

    • Grand Theft Auto Data File

    • Macintosh Disk Image

    • Floppy Disk Image

    • ERDAS IMAGINE Image File

    • Garmin Map File

    • GEM Image

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Comments (1) #

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:13 #

    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .IMG files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!

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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.

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 are the common file formats associated with .IMG formats?

The common file formats associated with .IMG formats are:

  1. Disk image files: These are exact copies of a disk or partition, including its file system and data. Examples include ISO, DMG (Mac OS disk image), and VHD (Virtual Hard Disk) files.
  2. GIS image files: These are raster image files used in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software. Examples include GeoTIFF, ERDAS IMG, and ESRI GRID files.
  3. Floppy disk image files: These are files that represent the entire contents of a floppy disk. Examples include .IMA (IMAge) and .IMZ (IMaGe Zip) files.
  4. Game image files: These are files used to store the contents of optical discs for video games. Examples include .ISO (ISO9660) and .BIN/.CUE (Binary/Cue Sheet) files.
  5. Firmware image files: These are files used to update or flash firmware on various devices, such as routers, smartphones, or embedded systems. Examples include .BIN (Binary) and .IMG (IMaGe) files.
  6. Satellite image files: These are files containing imagery captured by satellites. Examples include .IMG files used by satellite imaging software, such as ENVI or ERDAS Imagine.

Note that the specific file formats associated with .IMG can vary depending on the context and software used.

How are .IMG formats used in the context of disk image files?

In the context of disk image files, the .IMG format is used to create an exact replica of a physical disk or a specific partition on a disk. These image files contain a byte-by-byte copy of all data present on the original disk or partition, including the file system, operating system, and any other files or folders.

The .IMG format is commonly used for various purposes, such as:

  1. Backup and Recovery: Disk image files are created to back up the entire contents of a disk or partition. This allows for easy recovery in case of data loss, system crashes, or hardware failures.
  2. Cloning and Deployment: .IMG files are used to clone or duplicate disks or partitions onto multiple systems. This is often done in situations where identical configurations are required, such as in large-scale deployments or system provisioning.
  3. Virtualization: Disk image files are used in virtualization software to emulate physical disks within a virtual environment. These files can be mounted as virtual disks, allowing users to run operating systems or access data without the need for physical hardware.
  4. Forensic Analysis: In digital forensics, .IMG files are created to preserve the integrity of evidence from a suspect's disk or partition. These files can be analyzed and examined without altering the original data, ensuring the evidence remains intact.

To use a .IMG file, specialized software is typically required. This software allows users to mount the image as a virtual disk, extract specific files or folders, restore the image to a physical disk, or perform other operations related to disk imaging.

Can .IMG formats be converted to other image file formats, and if so, what are the common conversion methods?

Yes, .IMG formats can be converted to other image file formats. Here are some common conversion methods:

  1. Online conversion tools: There are various online tools available that allow you to upload .IMG files and convert them to different image formats. Some popular options include Zamzar, Online Converter, and Convertio.
  2. Image editing software: You can use image editing software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or Paint.NET to open the .IMG file and then save it in a different format. These software often support a wide range of image formats, allowing you to choose the desired output format during the saving process.
  3. Command-line tools: If you are comfortable with using command-line interfaces, you can utilize tools like ImageMagick, which is a powerful command-line utility for image manipulation. It supports converting .IMG files to various formats using commands like "convert input.img output.jpg".
  4. Dedicated conversion software: There are specific software programs designed for converting image formats. Examples include XnConvert, IrfanView, and ACDSee. These tools usually have a user-friendly interface and provide batch conversion options for convenience.

It's important to note that the availability of conversion methods may vary depending on the specific .IMG format you are working with.