Step-by-Step Instructions for Restoring .PFI Files from iCloud Backups

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Restoring .PFI Files from iCloud Backups
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PFI file?

A PFI file is a backup index file created by one of Paragon's backup and recovery applications. It contains metadata of the corresponding incremental image, which is used to differentiate between the current and previous state of a backup object. PFI files are designed to help save storage space by only saving the differences between save states.

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

There are several common causes of ".PFI" files lost or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PFI" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system, leading to their loss.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or software glitches, can result in the corruption or loss of ".PFI" files.
  3. Virus or malware infection: If a computer is infected with a virus or malware, it can damage or delete ".PFI" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. Hardware failure: Hard drive failure, power surges, or other hardware issues can cause ".PFI" files to become inaccessible or lost.
  5. Software conflicts or crashes: If there are conflicts between different software programs or if the software crashes while accessing ".PFI" files, it can lead to their loss or failure.
  6. Improper file transfer or storage: If ".PFI" files are transferred or stored incorrectly, such as during a faulty file transfer process or on a faulty storage device, they may become corrupted or lost.
  7. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as system crashes or software updates gone wrong, can result in the loss or failure of ".PFI" files.
  8. Human error: Accidental formatting of a storage device, improper handling of files, or other human errors can lead to the loss or failure of ".PFI" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".PFI" files and maintain a reliable data recovery system to minimize the risk of loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo paragon Backup Index File image file file?

Programs that open ".PFI" files

Windows
Paragon Backup & Recovery Suite Paragon Backup & Recovery Suite
Paragon System Backup Paragon System Backup

Additional Information

  • File type: Paragon Backup Index File

  • File extension: .PFI

  • Developer: Paragon Software Group

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .PFI:

    • Paragon Backup Index File

    • PhotoFiltre Studio Image

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:23 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PFI 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 ".PFI backup" file and how is it created?

    A ".PFI backup" file is a type of backup file that is created using the PowerISO software. PowerISO is a powerful CD/DVD/BD image file processing tool that allows users to create, extract, burn, and mount ISO files.

    A ".PFI backup" file is essentially a backup of a disc image created using PowerISO. It contains a complete copy of the data stored on a CD, DVD, or Blu-ray disc, including the file system, boot information, and any other data present on the original disc.

    To create a ".PFI backup" file, you would need to have PowerISO installed on your computer. Once installed, you can open PowerISO and select the "Tools" menu, followed by the "Create PFI Image" option. This will prompt you to select the source disc from which you want to create the backup. After selecting the source disc, you can choose the destination folder and provide a name for the backup file. PowerISO will then create the ".PFI backup" file, which can be used to restore the disc image at a later time if needed.

  • How can I restore a ".PFI backup" file to its original format?

    To restore a ".PFI backup" file to its original format, you need to follow these steps:

    1. Determine the software or application that created the backup file. ".PFI" is not a common backup file format, so you need to identify the specific program associated with it. Check if you have any documentation or knowledge about the software used.
    2. Install the software or application that is capable of restoring the backup file. Visit the official website or search for the software online. Download and install it on your computer.
    3. Open the software and look for an option to restore or import a backup file. The location of this option may vary depending on the software, so refer to the program's documentation or help section if you're unsure.
    4. Browse and select the ".PFI backup" file you want to restore. Use the file browser within the software to locate the backup file on your computer.
    5. Follow the prompts and instructions provided by the software to complete the restoration process. The software will guide you through the necessary steps to restore the backup file to its original format.
    6. Once the restoration is complete, check if the restored file is in the expected format. Verify that you can open and access the restored file using the appropriate software or application.

    Note: If you are unable to identify the software associated with the ".PFI backup" file or there is no specific software available, it might indicate that the file is not a commonly used backup format or is specific to a particular system or application. In such cases, you may need to consult with the original creator or seek professional assistance to determine the appropriate method for restoring the file.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and access the contents of a ".PFI backup" file?

    A ".PFI backup" file is typically associated with PowerISO, a software used for creating, editing, and mounting disc image files. To open and access the contents of a ".PFI backup" file, you will need to have PowerISO installed on your computer. PowerISO is available for both Windows and macOS operating systems. Once installed, you can simply double-click on the ".PFI backup" file to open it within PowerISO and access its contents.
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