Step-by-Step Guide for Restoring .PSW Files from Formatted Drives

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

Step-by-Step Guide for Restoring .PSW Files from Formatted Drives
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PSW file?

Password backup file created with Windows' Forgotten Password Wizard; saved on a USB drive, floppy disk, or other media and can be used to reset a password for a Windows user; often uses the filename userkey.psw

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

There can be several common causes for ".PSW" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".PSW" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware can lead to file corruption or loss. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, or issues with the storage device.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and damage files, including ".PSW" files. This can result in the files becoming inaccessible or lost.
  4. Formatting or partitioning errors: Formatting or partitioning a storage device incorrectly can cause data loss, including ".PSW" files.
  5. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling of files, accidental formatting, or overwriting files, can lead to the loss of ".PSW" files.
  6. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or errors, can cause ".PSW" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  7. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software programs or updates can result in file loss or failure, including ".PSW" files.
  8. Physical damage: Physical damage to the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or damage to a USB drive, can lead to the loss of ".PSW" files.

It is important to regularly backup ".PSW" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware infections.

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

Use programs for recovering ".PSW" 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 ".PSW" 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™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
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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 ".PSW" 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 ".PSW" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Password Reset Disk File image file file?

Programs that open ".PSW" files

Windows
Microsoft Password Reset Wizard Microsoft Password Reset Wizard

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Password Reset Disk File

  • File extension: .PSW

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .PSW:

    • Windows Password Reset Disk File

    • Password Depot 3-5 File

    • Pocket Word Document

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:45 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PSW 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 .PSW format and what is its purpose?

    The .PSW format is commonly associated with password-protected files. It is used to encrypt and secure sensitive information, such as documents, archives, or folders, by requiring a password to access or open them. The purpose of the .PSW format is to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data contained within the file, preventing unauthorized access or tampering.

  • What software or applications are compatible with .PSW formats?

    The .PSW file extension is primarily associated with the Password Depot software, which is a password management application. Password Depot allows users to store and manage their passwords in an encrypted database.

    Therefore, the .PSW format is compatible with Password Depot software. However, it is important to note that other software or applications may not be able to open or work with .PSW files as it is a proprietary file format specific to Password Depot.

  • Can .PSW files be converted to other formats, and if so, what are the available conversion methods?

    .PSW files are typically associated with Password Keeper, a password management application developed by BlackBerry. These files store encrypted password data and are not designed to be converted to other formats.

    However, if you are referring to a different file format with the .PSW extension, please provide more information about the specific file format so that I can assist you further.
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