How to Fix Corrupted .NIF Files After System Errors

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

How to Fix Corrupted .NIF Files After System Errors
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .NIF file?

3D model used by Gamebryo, a game engine used for Fallout 3, Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, and other popular video games; supports 3D meshes (geometry), textures, shading, and other model properties; used for storing terrain, game objects, or other 3D models.

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

There are several common causes of ".NIF" files being lost or failing:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".NIF" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to open or save ".NIF" files can result in file corruption or loss.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious programs can damage or delete ".NIF" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes during the saving or editing process can cause ".NIF" files to become corrupted or inaccessible.
  5. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as bad sectors on the storage device, can lead to ".NIF" file loss or failure.
  6. Incompatible software or versions: Using incompatible software or different versions of software to open or edit ".NIF" files can result in errors or file corruption.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling or accidental overwriting of ".NIF" files, can cause them to be lost or fail.
  8. Storage device failure: Hardware failures in the storage device where the ".NIF" files are stored, such as a hard drive crash or SSD failure, can result in data loss.

It is important to regularly back up ".NIF" files and take preventive measures, such as using reliable antivirus software, to minimize the risk of file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo gamebryo Model File image file file?

Programs that open ".NIF" files

Windows
Gamebase Gamebryo Gamebase Gamebryo
NifTools NifTools

Additional Information

  • File type: Gamebryo Model File

  • File extension: .NIF

  • Developer: Gamebase

  • Category: 3D Image Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 47 61 6D 65 62 72 79 6F 20 46 69 6C 65 20 46 6F 72 6D 61 74 2C 20 56 65 72 73 69 6F 6E 20

  • ASCII: Gamebryo File Format, Version

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:33 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .NIF 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 .NIF file extension and what is its purpose?

    The .NIF file extension stands for NetImmerse File Format. It is a proprietary file format used by the NetImmerse game engine, developed by Gamebryo, for storing 3D models, textures, animations, and other graphical assets used in video games.

    The purpose of the .NIF file format is to provide a standardized and efficient way to store and render 3D assets within the NetImmerse game engine. It allows game developers to create and import various elements of the game world, such as character models, objects, and environments, with their associated textures and animations.

    .NIF files can contain information about geometry, materials, textures, skeletal animations, and other relevant data required for rendering 3D objects in a game. They are typically used in games developed using the NetImmerse/Gamebryo engine, which has been used in popular titles like The Elder Scrolls series, Fallout 3, and Civilization IV.

  • How can I open a .NIF file and view its contents?

    To open a .NIF file and view its contents, you can follow these steps:

    1. Download and install a NIF file viewer or editor. Some popular options include NifSkope, NifTools, and Outfit Studio. These tools are specifically designed to work with .NIF files.
    2. Once installed, open the NIF file viewer or editor.
    3. In the program's interface, go to the "File" menu and select "Open" or use the keyboard shortcut (usually Ctrl + O) to browse for the .NIF file you want to view.
    4. Navigate to the location of the .NIF file on your computer and select it. Click "Open" to load the file into the viewer.
    5. The .NIF file will be displayed in the viewer, allowing you to view its contents. Depending on the software you are using, you may be able to explore the file's structure, view 3D models, textures, animations, and other associated elements.

    Note: .NIF files are commonly used in video games, particularly those developed using the Gamebryo engine. Therefore, you may need specific software designed to work with these files to view their contents.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and work with .NIF files?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to open and work with .NIF files. The .NIF file format is primarily associated with the NetImmerse Game Engine developed by Bethesda Softworks. The following software and tools can be used to open and work with .NIF files:

    1. NifSkope: It is a powerful and popular tool specifically designed for viewing and editing .NIF files. It allows you to inspect and modify the 3D models, textures, and animations within the .NIF files.
    2. Blender: Blender is a free and open-source 3D modeling software that supports the .NIF file format. With the help of the NifTools plugin, you can import and export .NIF files in Blender for editing and creating 3D models.
    3. Autodesk 3ds Max: This professional 3D modeling and animation software also supports the .NIF file format. By using the NifTools plugin, you can import and export .NIF files in 3ds Max for advanced editing and animation purposes.
    4. Creation Kit: If you are working with .NIF files related to Bethesda games like Skyrim or Fallout, the Creation Kit is the official modding tool provided by Bethesda. It allows you to create and modify game content, including .NIF files, to customize and enhance the game experience.

    These are some of the commonly used software and tools for opening and working with .NIF files. However, it's important to note that the availability and compatibility of these tools may vary depending on the specific version of the .NIF file format and the game engine it is associated with.
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