How to Repair .INF Files from a Crashed External Hard Drive

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

How to Repair .INF Files from a Crashed External Hard Drive
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .INF file?

An INF file is a plain text configuration file that defines what files are installed with a certain software program or update. It may also list the location of the files and the directories where the files are to be installed. INF files are used by the Windows operating system, or by the program or installer that includes the INF file.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".INF" files while trying to clean up their system or free up storage space.
  2. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".INF" files, rendering them unusable or causing errors.
  3. Hardware or software issues: Problems with hardware components or software conflicts can lead to the corruption or loss of ".INF" files.
  4. Operating system errors: Errors or glitches in the operating system can cause ".INF" files to become inaccessible or get deleted.
  5. Improper installation or uninstallation of software: Incorrect installation or removal of software can result in the removal or corruption of ".INF" files.
  6. Disk or file system errors: Issues with the disk or file system, such as bad sectors or file system corruption, can cause ".INF" files to be lost or damaged.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".INF" files, leading to their loss or failure.

It is important to have backups of important ".INF" files and regularly update antivirus software to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo setup Information File image file file?

Programs that open ".INF" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Notepad Microsoft Notepad
Other <a href=text editor"> Other text editor
Mac
MacroMates TextMate MacroMates TextMate
Other <a href=text editor"> Other text editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Setup Information File

  • File extension: .INF

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:51 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .INF 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 the purpose of an .INF recovery file and how does it work?

    An .INF recovery file is used to recover or restore the original configuration settings of a device driver or software installation. It is commonly used in Windows operating systems.

    The purpose of an .INF recovery file is to provide a backup of the original driver or software installation files and settings. In case the driver or software becomes corrupted, incompatible, or malfunctions, the .INF recovery file can be used to revert back to the original working state.

    When an .INF recovery file is used, the system identifies the specific driver or software installation that needs to be restored. It then reads the information from the .INF recovery file and reinstalls the original files, settings, and configurations associated with that driver or software.

    This process ensures that the device driver or software installation is restored to its original state, eliminating any issues or problems that may have occurred. It provides a reliable way to recover from driver or software-related errors and helps in maintaining system stability.

  • How can I recover a corrupted or deleted .INF file on my computer?

    To recover a corrupted or deleted .INF file on your computer, you can try the following methods:

    1. Check the Recycle Bin: If you have recently deleted the .INF file, it might be in the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin, locate the file, right-click on it, and choose "Restore" to recover it.
    2. System Restore: If you have a system restore point created before the file got corrupted or deleted, you can use the System Restore feature to revert your computer's settings to an earlier time. This can help recover the .INF file. To perform a system restore, search for "System Restore" in the Windows search bar, open the tool, and follow the on-screen instructions.
    3. Third-party File Recovery Software: There are various file recovery software available that can help you recover deleted or corrupted files. Some popular options include Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill. Install one of these programs, run a scan on your computer, and see if it can recover the .INF file.
    4. Check Backup: If you have a backup of your computer's files, you may be able to restore the .INF file from there. Check your backup storage or cloud backup service for the file. If you have a backup, simply copy the .INF file back to its original location.
    5. Reinstall the Driver or Software: If the .INF file is associated with a specific driver or software, you can try reinstalling that driver or software. Sometimes, during the installation process, the .INF file gets restored or repaired automatically.

    Note: It's essential to regularly backup your important files to prevent data loss. Additionally, it's recommended to consult with a professional or seek technical support if you are unsure about performing any of the above steps.

  • Are there any specific tools or software available for .INF recovery, and if so, which ones are recommended?

    There are several tools and software available for .INF recovery. Some of the recommended ones are:

    1. Recuva: It is a popular file recovery tool that can help recover deleted or lost .INF files. It has a user-friendly interface and supports various file formats.
    2. EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard: This software is known for its powerful data recovery capabilities. It can recover .INF files from various storage devices, including hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, and memory cards.
    3. Stellar Data Recovery: This tool is widely used for data recovery purposes. It supports the recovery of .INF files and offers advanced features like deep scanning and preview before recovery.
    4. Disk Drill: It is a comprehensive data recovery software that can recover .INF files from different storage devices. It provides both basic and advanced scanning options to maximize the chances of recovery.
    5. Wise Data Recovery: This tool is lightweight and easy to use. It can recover .INF files from various storage media and supports both quick and deep scanning modes.

    It is important to note that the effectiveness of these tools may vary depending on the specific circumstances of data loss. Additionally, it is recommended to stop using the affected storage device immediately after data loss to prevent overwriting of the deleted files and increase the chances of successful recovery.
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