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

PRN File Recovery

What is a .PRN file?

A PRN file contains instructions for a printer, which includes the content to be printed, the number of pages to print, the paper size, and the printer tray to use. It is created by choosing "Print to File" within the Print dialog box in a Windows or macOS program. PRN files are similar to PostScript (.PS) files.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PRN" files while trying to clean up their system or organize their files.
  2. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or errors, can lead to the loss or failure of ".PRN" files.
  3. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware used to create or open ".PRN" files can result in their loss or failure. This may include issues with printers, print drivers, or software applications.
  4. Virus or malware infections: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".PRN" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to be lost.
  5. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes while working with ".PRN" files can cause data loss or file corruption.
  6. Improper file transfer: Errors during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete uploads, can result in ".PRN" files being lost or failing.
  7. Disk or storage device failure: Physical damage or failure of the storage device where ".PRN" files are stored can lead to their loss or failure.
  8. User error: Mistakes made by the user, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or incorrect handling of files, can result in ".PRN" files being lost or failing.

It is important to regularly backup ".PRN" files to minimize the risk of data loss and to use reliable data recovery software or services in case of accidental loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo printable File image file file?

Programs that open ".PRN" files

Windows
ACD Systems Canvas X 2019 ACD Systems Canvas X 2019
AllWeb FastPrint AllWeb FastPrint
Microsoft Windows Command Prompt Microsoft Windows Command Prompt

Additional Information

  • File type: Printable File

  • File extension: .PRN

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Page Layout Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .PRN:

    • Printable File

    • Lotus 1-2-3 Formatted Text File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:08 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PRN 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 .PRN recovery and how does it work?

    .PRN recovery refers to the process of recovering data from PRN files. PRN files are generated when a user prints a document to a file instead of a physical printer. These files contain the printer commands and data necessary to reproduce the document when it is printed.

    To recover data from a .PRN file, you would typically need to convert it back into a usable format, such as a PDF or a document file. This can be done using specialized software or tools that can interpret the printer commands and extract the content.

    The recovery process involves parsing the PRN file and identifying the text, images, and formatting information embedded within it. The software then reconstructs the original document based on this extracted data.

    .PRN recovery can be useful in situations where a document was accidentally printed to a file instead of a physical printer, or when the original document is lost or damaged but a PRN file is still available. It allows users to retrieve the content of the document without having to recreate it from scratch.

  • What are the common causes of .PRN file corruption or loss?

    There are several common causes of .PRN file corruption or loss:

    1. Hardware issues: Problems with the storage device where the .PRN file is located, such as a hard drive failure, bad sectors, or physical damage, can lead to corruption or loss of the file.
    2. Software or system crashes: If the software or operating system crashes while a .PRN file is open or being accessed, it can result in corruption or loss of the file.
    3. Virus or malware infections: Malicious software can corrupt or delete files on a computer, including .PRN files. Viruses or malware can enter the system through email attachments, downloads from untrusted sources, or infected external storage devices.
    4. Power failures: Sudden power outages or voltage fluctuations while working with a .PRN file can cause corruption or loss of the file.
    5. Human errors: Accidental deletion, overwriting, or improper handling of .PRN files can lead to their corruption or loss. This can happen due to mistakenly formatting the storage device, unintentionally deleting the file, or improper use of software that modifies or deletes the file.
    6. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications installed on a computer can cause .PRN file corruption or loss. This can happen when multiple programs try to access or modify the same file simultaneously.
    7. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as file system corruption, disk errors, or improper shutdowns, can result in .PRN file corruption or loss.

    It is always recommended to regularly backup important files, including .PRN files, to minimize the risk of data loss.

  • What are some effective methods or tools for recovering .PRN files?

    There are several effective methods and tools for recovering .PRN files:

    1. Use a File Recovery Software: There are various file recovery software available, such as Recuva, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill, that can scan your storage device and recover deleted or lost .PRN files.
    2. Check the Recycle Bin: If you have recently deleted the .PRN file, it might still be in the Recycle Bin. Open the Recycle Bin and search for the file. If found, right-click on it and select "Restore."
    3. Restore from Backup: If you have a backup of your files, you can restore the .PRN file from the backup. Check your backup storage or cloud service for the file.
    4. Use System Restore: If you recently modified or deleted the .PRN file, you can try using the System Restore feature on Windows to revert your system to a previous state when the file was still available.
    5. Contact Support: If you are unable to recover the .PRN file using the above methods, you can contact the software or device manufacturer's support team for assistance. They might have specific tools or techniques to help recover the file.

    Remember, it's important to stop using the storage device where the .PRN file was located to increase the chances of successful recovery.

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