Recovering Damaged .KEY Files: Essential Tips for Quick 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 .KEY file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recovering Damaged .KEY Files: Essential Tips for Quick Recovery

What is a .KEY file?

A KEY file is a generic file extension used by various programs when registering legal copies of the software. It may be saved in a plain text format but generally contains some form of encrypted key string that authenticates the purchase and registers the software.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users might accidentally delete the ".KEY" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer or storage devices.
  2. System crashes: Sudden system crashes or power failures can lead to file corruption or loss, including ".KEY" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".KEY" files, making them inaccessible or deleting them.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the hard drive, SSD, or other storage devices can result in the loss or corruption of ".KEY" files.
  5. Software conflicts: Certain software conflicts or compatibility issues can cause ".KEY" files to become unreadable or fail to open.
  6. Improper file handling: Mishandling or improper usage of software that manages ".KEY" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  7. Operating system errors: Errors or glitches within the operating system can cause ".KEY" files to become corrupt or go missing.
  8. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or rename ".KEY" files, making them difficult to locate or causing them to fail.

It is important to regularly back up ".KEY" files and use reliable antivirus software to minimize the risk of losing or experiencing failure with these files.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo software License Key File image file file?

Programs that open ".KEY" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Software License Key File

  • File extension: .KEY

  • Developer: Невідомо

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: N/A

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 50 4B 03 04

  • ASCII: PK

  • File types that use the extension .KEY:

    • Software License Key File

    • Security Key

    • LightWave License File

    • Keynote Presentation

    • Keyboard Definition File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:48 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .KEY 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 .KEY formats and what types of files can be saved in this format?

    The .KEY format is primarily associated with Apple Keynote, a presentation software. The purpose of .KEY formats is to save and store presentations created using Keynote. Keynote allows users to create visually appealing and interactive slideshows, presentations, and multimedia content.

    The .KEY format can contain a wide range of file types, including text, images, videos, audio, animations, charts, graphs, and more. It supports various multimedia elements and advanced features, enabling users to create professional presentations with dynamic effects and transitions. The format also preserves the layout, formatting, and other design elements of the presentation.

  • How can I convert a file in .KEY format to a different format that is compatible with other presentation software?

    To convert a file in .KEY format to a different format compatible with other presentation software, you can follow these steps:

    1. Export as PowerPoint: If you have access to Apple Keynote software, open the .KEY file in Keynote and go to File > Export To > PowerPoint. This will save the file in .PPTX format, which is compatible with Microsoft PowerPoint.
    2. Use an online conversion tool: There are various online conversion tools available that allow you to convert .KEY files to different formats. Simply search for "convert .KEY to [desired format]" in your preferred search engine, and you will find several options. Upload your .KEY file to one of these tools and choose the desired output format (e.g., PPTX, PDF, ODP, etc.). Follow the instructions provided by the tool to complete the conversion.
    3. Save as PDF: If you only need to share the presentation in a non-editable format, you can save the .KEY file as a PDF directly from Keynote. Open the .KEY file in Keynote, go to File > Export To > PDF, and choose the desired settings. This will create a PDF version of your presentation that can be viewed on any device with a PDF reader.
    4. Convert through PowerPoint: If you have access to Microsoft PowerPoint, you can try opening the .KEY file directly in PowerPoint. Sometimes, PowerPoint can automatically convert .KEY files to its native format (.PPTX) during the opening process. This method may not always work perfectly, as some features or formatting may not be fully compatible.

    Remember to review the converted file in the new format to ensure that all the content, formatting, and animations have been preserved correctly.

  • Are there any specific software applications that support .KEY formats, and if so, what are their features and limitations?

    Yes, there are several software applications that support .KEY formats, which is the file extension used by Apple Keynote for presentations. Some of the notable applications include:

    1. Apple Keynote: This is the primary software for creating and editing .KEY files. It offers a wide range of features such as pre-designed templates, animations, transitions, and multimedia support. Keynote allows collaboration and sharing presentations across Apple devices through iCloud. However, it is only available for macOS and iOS, limiting its use on other platforms.
    2. Microsoft PowerPoint: PowerPoint, a part of the Microsoft Office suite, supports importing and converting .KEY files. However, it may not fully preserve all the formatting, animations, and transitions from the original Keynote presentation. PowerPoint offers extensive features for creating and presenting slideshows, including design tools, animation effects, and collaboration options.
    3. Google Slides: Google Slides is a web-based presentation software that supports importing and converting .KEY files. Like PowerPoint, it may not retain all the original formatting and effects. Google Slides provides collaboration features, real-time editing, and the ability to access presentations from any device with an internet connection.
    4. LibreOffice Impress: Impress is a free and open-source presentation software that can import .KEY files. While it supports most Keynote features, some advanced effects or transitions may not be fully compatible. Impress offers a range of tools for creating and delivering presentations, including multimedia support and customizable templates.
    5. Prezi: Prezi is a cloud-based presentation software that does not directly support .KEY files. However, it allows importing PowerPoint files, including those converted from .KEY format. Prezi offers a unique zooming user interface and non-linear presentation capabilities, enabling users to create dynamic and visually engaging presentations.

    It is important to note that while these applications support .KEY files to varying degrees, there may be limitations in preserving the exact formatting, animations, or transitions when importing from Keynote. It is recommended to test the compatibility and review the converted files to ensure the desired results are achieved.

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