Recovering .PCX Files After System Errors: Tools and Tips

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

Recovering .PCX Files After System Errors: Tools and Tips
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PCX file?

Raster image format developed by ZSoft; became one of the original bitmap image formats for the DOS/Windows platform; supports 24-bit color images, 8-bit grayscale and indexed color images, and 1-bit black and white images; compressed using RLE encoding.

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

There are several common causes of ".PCX" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PCX" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. File system errors: File system errors, such as corruption or damage, can lead to the loss or failure of ".PCX" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can infect a computer's files, including ".PCX" files, and cause them to be deleted, corrupted, or inaccessible.
  4. Hardware failure: Hard drive failures, power outages, or other hardware issues can result in the loss or corruption of ".PCX" files.
  5. Software conflicts or crashes: Incompatibility issues or crashes with software applications that handle ".PCX" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  6. Improper file transfer: Errors during file transfers, such as interrupted downloads or transfers, can cause ".PCX" files to become incomplete or corrupted.
  7. Formatting or partitioning errors: Formatting or partitioning a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of ".PCX" files stored on that device.
  8. Human error: Accidental overwriting, moving, or renaming of ".PCX" files can lead to their loss or failure.
  9. Aging or deteriorating storage media: Over time, storage media like hard drives or flash drives can degrade, resulting in the loss or corruption of ".PCX" files.

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

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo paintbrush Bitmap Image File image file file?

Programs that open ".PCX" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Microsoft Windows Picture and Fax Viewer Microsoft Windows Picture and Fax Viewer
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019
Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 Adobe Illustrator CC 2019
Corel PaintShop Pro 2020 Corel PaintShop Pro 2020
Corel Presentations X9 Corel Presentations X9
ACD Systems Canvas X 2019 ACD Systems Canvas X 2019
ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio ACD Systems ACDSee Photo Studio
Nuance OmniPage Ultimate Nuance OmniPage Ultimate
GIMP GIMP
IrfanView IrfanView
Mac
Adobe Photoshop CC 2019 Adobe Photoshop CC 2019
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019
Adobe Illustrator CC 2019 Adobe Illustrator CC 2019
Planamesa NeoOffice Planamesa NeoOffice
GIMP GIMP
Linux
GIMP GIMP
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Paintbrush Bitmap Image File

  • File extension: .PCX

  • Developer: ZSoft

  • Category: Raster Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:27 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PCX 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 .PCX file format and what is its purpose?

    The .PCX file format is a raster image file format that was developed by ZSoft Corporation in the 1980s. It was primarily used for storing graphics and images in the early days of personal computers.

    The purpose of the .PCX file format was to provide a simple and efficient way to store and exchange images on various computer platforms. It supports 256 colors and can store both indexed color and grayscale images. PCX files also have the ability to store multiple images in a single file, making it useful for animations.

    However, with the advancement of technology and the introduction of more sophisticated image formats, the popularity of the PCX format has declined. It is now considered outdated and has been largely replaced by more modern formats such as JPEG, PNG, and GIF.

  • How can I open a .PCX file on my computer?

    To open a .PCX file on your computer, you can use one of the following methods:

    1. Built-in image viewer: Most modern operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, have built-in image viewers that can open .PCX files. Simply double-click on the file, and it should open in the default image viewer.
    2. Graphics software: You can use graphics software like Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, or CorelDRAW to open .PCX files. These programs provide advanced editing capabilities and can open various image file formats, including .PCX.
    3. Online converters: If you don't have any compatible software installed, you can use online file converters. Websites like Zamzar, Online Converter, or Convertio allow you to upload your .PCX file and convert it to a more common image format like JPEG or PNG. Once converted, you can easily open the file using any image viewer.
    4. Dedicated PCX viewers: There are specific PCX viewers available that are designed to open and view .PCX files. Some popular PCX viewers include IrfanView, XnView, or ACDSee. These viewers are lightweight and provide additional features specific to PCX files.

    Choose the method that suits you best based on the software you have available or prefer to use.

  • Are there any specific software programs or applications required to view and edit .PCX files?

    Yes, there are several software programs and applications that can be used to view and edit .PCX files. Some popular options include:

    1. Adobe Photoshop: A widely-used professional image editing software that supports various file formats, including .PCX files.
    2. GIMP: A free and open-source image editing software that can also handle .PCX files.
    3. CorelDRAW: A vector graphics editor that supports .PCX files along with other formats.
    4. IrfanView: A lightweight and versatile image viewer that can open and edit .PCX files.
    5. XnView: Another popular image viewer and converter that supports .PCX files.

    These are just a few examples, and there are many other software programs available that can handle .PCX files. It's important to note that some programs may only support viewing .PCX files, while others offer editing capabilities as well.
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