.PLAIN File 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 .PLAIN file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

PLAIN File Recovery

What is a .PLAIN file?

A PLAIN file is a plain text file that can be opened by any text editor. It contains plain text with no special formatting. PLAIN files may be used for a variety of purposes, such as storing a plain text version of a document, a copy of an email in HTML, or a receipt from a business.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PLAIN" files while trying to clean up their system or free up storage space.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware on a computer can cause ".PLAIN" files to become corrupted or lost. This can include system crashes, power outages, or issues with the storage device.
  3. Virus or malware infection: If a computer is infected with a virus or malware, it can corrupt or delete ".PLAIN" files along with other important data on the system.
  4. File system errors: Errors within the file system can cause ".PLAIN" files to become inaccessible or lost. This can occur due to improper system shutdowns, disk errors, or other issues with the file system structure.
  5. Formatting or partitioning: Formatting or partitioning a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of all data, including ".PLAIN" files.
  6. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or move ".PLAIN" files to different locations, making them difficult to locate or recover.
  7. Software conflicts: Sometimes, conflicts between different software applications can lead to the corruption or loss of ".PLAIN" files.
  8. Physical damage: Physical damage to the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or damage to the storage medium, can result in the loss of ".PLAIN" files.

It is important to regularly back up ".PLAIN" files and have proper data recovery measures in place to minimize the risk of losing them.

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

Use programs for recovering ".PLAIN" 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 ".PLAIN" 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.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

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 ".PLAIN" 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 ".PLAIN" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo plain Text File image file file?

Programs that open ".PLAIN" files

Windows
Microsoft Notepad Microsoft Notepad
Microsoft WordPad Microsoft WordPad
Microsoft Word 2019 Microsoft Word 2019
Corel WordPerfect X9 Corel WordPerfect X9
Helios TextPad Helios TextPad
Notepad++ Notepad++
Notepad2 Notepad2
Geany Geany
Other <a href=text editor"> Other text editor
Mac
Apple TextEdit Apple TextEdit
Bare Bones BBEdit Bare Bones BBEdit
MacroMates TextMate MacroMates TextMate
Microsoft Word 2019 Microsoft Word 2019
Wondershare PDF Editor for Mac 5 Wondershare PDF Editor for Mac 5
Geany Geany
Other <a href=text editor"> Other text editor
Linux
Leafpad Leafpad
gedit gedit
KWrite KWrite
Geany Geany
Other <a href=text editor"> Other text editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Plain Text File

  • File extension: .PLAIN

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Text Files

  • Format: Text

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:49 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PLAIN 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 ".PLAIN backup" and how does it differ from other backup methods?

    A ".PLAIN backup" refers to a type of backup method that involves copying files and data in their original, unaltered format. It is a simple and straightforward approach where files are copied as-is, without any compression, encryption, or other modifications.

    The key difference between a ".PLAIN backup" and other backup methods lies in the level of processing applied to the data being backed up. Some other backup methods include:

    1. Full Backup: This method involves creating a complete copy of all data, regardless of whether it has changed or not. It provides a comprehensive backup but requires more storage space and time to perform.
    2. Incremental Backup: In this method, only the changes made since the last backup (full or incremental) are saved. It reduces storage requirements and backup time but may take longer to restore data.
    3. Differential Backup: Similar to incremental backup, differential backup only saves the changes made since the last full backup. However, unlike incremental backups, it does not consider the previous differential backups. This method simplifies the restoration process but may require more storage space.
    4. Snapshot Backup: This backup method captures the state of a system at a specific point in time. It creates a read-only copy of the data, allowing users to access and restore files as they were at the time of the snapshot.

    Compared to these methods, a ".PLAIN backup" is less complex and does not involve any additional processing or manipulation of data. It can be useful when the priority is to quickly copy data without any modifications, such as when transferring files to another location or creating a simple duplicate copy for safekeeping. However, it may require more storage space than compressed or deduplicated backups.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using a ".PLAIN backup" for data backup and recovery?

    Advantages of using a ".PLAIN backup" for data backup and recovery:

    1. Simplicity: ".PLAIN backup" is a straightforward method where data is stored in plain text format. This simplicity makes it easy to understand and implement.
    2. Compatibility: Since the backup is stored in plain text, it can be easily read and restored on any system or platform without requiring any specific software or tools.
    3. Portability: ".PLAIN backup" files can be easily transferred and copied to different storage devices or locations, making it convenient to move and access the backup data when needed.
    4. Transparency: The plain text format allows users to view and verify the backup data directly, ensuring transparency and providing an extra layer of assurance.

    Disadvantages of using a ".PLAIN backup" for data backup and recovery:

    1. Lack of encryption: ".PLAIN backup" does not provide any encryption for the backup data. This can be a significant disadvantage if the data being backed up contains sensitive or confidential information. It increases the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches.
    2. Larger file size: Storing data in plain text format can result in larger file sizes compared to compressed or encrypted backups. This can consume more storage space and increase the time required for backup and recovery operations.
    3. Limited features: ".PLAIN backup" lacks advanced features like incremental backups or differential backups. It can only create full backups, which may be time-consuming and resource-intensive.
    4. Vulnerability to corruption: Since ".PLAIN backup" is stored in plain text, it is susceptible to corruption or accidental modifications. Any changes or errors in the backup file can lead to data loss or difficulties during the recovery process.
    5. Lack of automation: ".PLAIN backup" typically requires manual intervention for creating and restoring backups. This can be time-consuming and prone to human errors, especially in scenarios where frequent backups are required.

    It is important to consider these advantages and disadvantages while choosing a backup method, and evaluate them based on the specific needs and requirements of the data being backed up.

  • How can one ensure the security and integrity of a ".PLAIN backup" to protect sensitive information?

    To ensure the security and integrity of a ".PLAIN backup" file and protect sensitive information, you can follow these measures:

    1. Encryption: Encrypt the backup file using strong encryption algorithms like AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). This ensures that even if the backup file is compromised, the data remains unreadable without the encryption key.
    2. Password Protection: Set a strong password for the backup file. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. Ensure the password is not easily guessable and is known only to authorized individuals.
    3. Secure Storage: Store the backup file in a secure location, such as an encrypted external hard drive, a secure cloud storage service, or a physically secure server. Limit access to the backup file to authorized personnel only.
    4. Access Controls: Implement strict access controls to the backup file. Grant access only to authorized individuals who require it for their job responsibilities. Regularly review and update access permissions to ensure they align with the principle of least privilege.
    5. Regular Backups: Perform regular backups to ensure that sensitive information is always up to date and available. Regular backups also reduce the risk of data loss or corruption.
    6. Testing and Verification: Periodically test the backup file by restoring it to ensure its integrity and completeness. Verify that the restored data matches the original data and that the backup file is not corrupted.
    7. Secure Transmission: If the backup file needs to be transferred over a network, use secure protocols like SFTP (Secure File Transfer Protocol) or HTTPS to protect the data during transit. Avoid using unsecured methods like FTP or unencrypted email attachments.
    8. Monitoring and Auditing: Implement monitoring and auditing mechanisms to track access to the backup file. Regularly review logs and audit trails to detect any suspicious activities or unauthorized access attempts.
    9. Offline Storage: Consider keeping a copy of the backup file offline, disconnected from the network, to protect against cyber threats like ransomware or unauthorized remote access.
    10. Regular Updates: Keep the backup software and encryption tools up to date with the latest security patches and updates. Regularly review and update your backup procedures to align with evolving security best practices.

    Remember, protecting sensitive information requires a multi-layered approach, and it is essential to combine technical measures with strong policies, employee awareness, and ongoing security practices.

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