How to Retrieve .NCO Files Lost in System Failures

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 .NCO file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Retrieve .NCO Files Lost in System Failures
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .NCO file?

Compressed backup file created by Nero BackItup (formerly Nero BackItUp & Burn); contains data to be backed up to a CD or DVD; compressed using standard ZIP compression; may also be protected with a password and encrypted using a 56-bit key.

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

There can be several common causes for ".NCO" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: The most common cause is accidentally deleting the ".NCO" files. This can happen when you are cleaning up your computer or external storage devices and mistakenly delete the files.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as improper system shutdown, power outages, or hardware failures. This corruption can lead to the loss or failure of ".NCO" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can infect your computer and corrupt or delete files, including ".NCO" files. These attacks can occur through malicious email attachments, unsafe downloads, or visiting infected websites.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware you are using to open or access ".NCO" files can also lead to their loss or failure. For example, if the software you are using to open ".NCO" files is outdated or incompatible, it may not be able to open the files properly.
  5. Human error: Human error, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper handling of files, can also result in the loss or failure of ".NCO" files.
  6. Physical damage to storage devices: Physical damage to storage devices, such as hard drives or memory cards, can cause data loss, including ".NCO" files. This can occur due to dropping the device, exposure to extreme temperatures, or water damage.
  7. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can result in the loss or failure of ".NCO" files. This can happen when multiple programs try to access or modify the same ".NCO" file simultaneously.

It is important to regularly back up your ".NCO" files to minimize the risk of loss or failure. Additionally, using reliable antivirus software, keeping your system and software updated, and handling files with care can help prevent these issues.

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

Use programs for recovering ".NCO" 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 ".NCO" 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™ 5.0
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 ".NCO" 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 ".NCO" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo nero BackItUp File image file file?

Programs that open ".NCO" files

Windows
Nero BackItUp 2019 Nero BackItUp 2019

Additional Information

  • File type: Nero BackItUp File

  • File extension: .NCO

  • Developer: Nero

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: Zip

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:22 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .NCO files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
    Reply
Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Updated:
  • Evaluations:
  • 3
  • /
  • :
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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of a .NCO backup file and how does it differ from other backup file formats?

    A .NCO backup file is a specific file format used for backup purposes by the Nero BackItUp software. Nero BackItUp is a backup and recovery software that allows users to create backups of their important files and data.

    The purpose of a .NCO backup file is to store a compressed and encrypted copy of the selected files and folders that need to be backed up. This file format ensures that the backup data is secure and can be easily restored when needed.

    The .NCO backup file differs from other backup file formats primarily in terms of its compatibility and encryption features. While other backup file formats like .ZIP or .TAR may be more widely supported and can be opened using various software, the .NCO backup file can only be opened and restored using the Nero BackItUp software.

    Additionally, the .NCO backup file format offers encryption options to protect the backup data. Users can choose to encrypt their backup files with a password, ensuring that only authorized individuals can access and restore the data. This level of security is not always available in other backup file formats.

    Overall, the .NCO backup file format is specific to Nero BackItUp and provides a secure and efficient way to store and restore backup data.

  • How can one create a .NCO backup file and what tools or software are commonly used for this purpose?

    To create a .NCO backup file, you can use various tools or software depending on the specific requirements of your system. Here are a few commonly used options:

    1. Norton Ghost: Norton Ghost is a popular disk cloning and backup software that can create .NCO backup files. It allows you to create an exact copy of your entire hard drive or specific partitions, including the operating system, applications, and data.
    2. Acronis True Image: Acronis True Image is another well-known backup software that supports creating .NCO backup files. It provides comprehensive backup and recovery features, including disk imaging, file backup, and cloud storage integration.
    3. EaseUS Todo Backup: EaseUS Todo Backup is a user-friendly backup and recovery software that can create .NCO backup files. It offers both full and incremental backups, allowing you to choose specific files, folders, or entire disks to back up.
    4. Macrium Reflect: Macrium Reflect is a reliable backup and disk imaging software for Windows. It enables you to create .NCO backup files by capturing a snapshot of your entire disk or selected partitions. It also supports differential and incremental backups.
    5. AOMEI Backupper: AOMEI Backupper is a versatile backup software that supports creating .NCO backup files. It offers various backup options, including system backup, disk backup, file backup, and partition backup. It also provides scheduling and cloning features.

    These are just a few examples of the tools commonly used to create .NCO backup files. Depending on your specific needs, you can explore these options or search for other backup software that supports .NCO file format.

  • In what scenarios would it be recommended to use a .NCO backup file, and what are some of the advantages or disadvantages of using this file format for backups?

    A .NCO backup file, also known as Norton Backup File, is a proprietary file format used by Norton 360 and Norton Internet Security software for creating backups. Here are some scenarios where it would be recommended to use a .NCO backup file:

    1. System Backups: .NCO files are suitable for creating backups of your entire system, including the operating system, applications, settings, and personal files. It allows you to restore your system to a previous state in case of a system failure or data loss.
    2. File-Level Backups: You can use .NCO files to back up specific files or folders, providing a way to recover individual files or folders if needed.

    Advantages of using .NCO backup files:

    1. Compression: .NCO files use compression algorithms to reduce the size of backups, saving disk space and allowing you to store more backups within a limited storage capacity.
    2. Incremental Backups: Norton software supports incremental backups, which means only the changes made since the last backup are stored in subsequent backups. This reduces the backup time and storage requirements.
    3. Encryption: .NCO files can be encrypted, providing an additional layer of security to your backups. This ensures that your sensitive data remains protected even if the backup file is accessed by unauthorized individuals.

    Disadvantages of using .NCO backup files:

    1. Proprietary Format: .NCO is a proprietary file format specific to Norton software. It means that you would need Norton software to restore the backups. If you switch to a different backup software, you may face compatibility issues.
    2. Limited Accessibility: Since .NCO files can only be accessed through Norton software, it may limit your ability to access or restore backups on systems without Norton software installed.
    3. Vendor Lock-In: Using a proprietary file format ties you to a specific vendor's software. If you decide to switch to a different backup solution in the future, you may face difficulties migrating your backups.

    It's always recommended to have multiple backup strategies, including using different file formats, to ensure data redundancy and flexibility in case of any issues with a specific backup format.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Description
Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat