Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring .PVHD Files on Windows and MacOS

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Restoring .PVHD Files on Windows and MacOS

What is a .PVHD file?

Backup format used by Paragon Backup and Recovery, a Windows utility used to create backups of and restore hard drives; stores a backup of a physical or virtual machine or an individual file.

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

There are several common causes of ".PVHD" (Parallels Virtual Hard Disk) files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".PVHD" file while managing their virtual machines or performing file operations.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as sudden power outages, system crashes, or improper shutdowns. This can lead to the loss or corruption of ".PVHD" files.
  3. Hardware failure: Hardware failures like hard drive crashes or failures can result in the loss of ".PVHD" files stored on the affected drive.
  4. Software issues: Issues with virtualization software like Parallels Desktop can cause ".PVHD" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  5. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".PVHD" files, making them unreadable or causing them to be lost.
  6. Disk fragmentation: Fragmentation of the hard drive where the ".PVHD" files are stored can lead to file corruption or loss.
  7. Human error: Human errors, such as accidental formatting of the wrong drive or improper handling of virtual machines, can result in the loss or failure of ".PVHD" files.
  8. Operating system issues: Operating system errors or issues can cause ".PVHD" files to become inaccessible or corrupted.
  9. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a drive where ".PVHD" files are stored, such as converting from FAT32 to NTFS, can lead to file loss or failure.
  10. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause ".PVHD" files to become corrupted or inaccessible.

It is always recommended to regularly back up ".PVHD" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo paragon Virtual Hard Drive image file file?

Programs that open ".PVHD" files

Windows
Paragon Backup & Recovery Suite Paragon Backup & Recovery Suite

Additional Information

  • File type: Paragon Virtual Hard Drive

  • File extension: .PVHD

  • Developer: Paragon Software

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:51 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PVHD 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 are some common causes for problems opening .PVHD files and how can they be fixed?

    There are several possible causes for problems opening .PVHD files, and the solutions may vary depending on the specific situation. Here are some common causes and potential fixes:

    1. Incompatible software: If you don't have the appropriate software installed to open .PVHD files, you may encounter problems. Ensure that you have the correct program associated with this file type. In most cases, .PVHD files are associated with Parallels Desktop, a virtualization software for macOS.
    2. Outdated software version: If you have an older version of the software, it might not support the .PVHD file format. Ensure that you have the latest version of the software installed. Check for updates and install them if available.
    3. File corruption: If the .PVHD file is corrupted or damaged, it may cause issues when trying to open it. Try to obtain a new copy of the file or restore it from a backup if available.
    4. Insufficient permissions: If you don't have the necessary permissions to access or open the .PVHD file, you may encounter problems. Ensure that you have the appropriate read/write permissions for the file or contact the system administrator to grant you access.
    5. Conflicting file associations: If another program is associated with the .PVHD file extension, it may cause conflicts. You can try changing the default program associated with .PVHD files to the appropriate software (e.g., Parallels Desktop). Right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the correct program.
    6. Hardware or system issues: In some cases, problems opening .PVHD files may be related to hardware or system issues. Ensure that your computer meets the minimum requirements for running the software associated with .PVHD files. Additionally, perform system updates and check for any hardware malfunctions.

    If none of these solutions resolve the issue, it may be beneficial to seek further assistance from technical support or online forums specific to the software you are using to open .PVHD files.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help resolve issues with opening .PVHD files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve issues with opening .PVHD files. Here are a few options:

    1. Parallels Desktop: This is the official software by Parallels that allows you to run Windows on a Mac. It can open .PVHD files and is specifically designed for working with virtual machines.
    2. Paragon Software: Paragon Software offers a range of tools for working with virtual hard drives, including their Hard Disk Manager software. This tool can help you open and manage .PVHD files.
    3. Oracle VirtualBox: VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that can run on various operating systems. It supports .PVHD files and allows you to create and run virtual machines.
    4. VMware Workstation: VMware Workstation is a popular virtualization software that can open .PVHD files. It provides advanced features for managing and running virtual machines.
    5. WinMount: WinMount is a utility tool that can mount various disk image formats, including .PVHD files. It allows you to access the contents of the virtual hard drive without actually running a virtual machine.

    These tools should help you resolve issues with opening .PVHD files and provide you with the necessary functionality to work with virtual machines.

  • How can one troubleshoot and resolve compatibility issues when encountering problems while trying to open .PVHD files?

    When encountering compatibility issues while trying to open .PVHD files, you can troubleshoot and resolve the problem by following these steps:

    1. Update Software: Ensure that you have the latest version of the software or application associated with .PVHD files. Check for updates and install any available patches or updates.
    2. File Association: Confirm that the file extension .PVHD is associated with the correct software. Right-click on the file, select "Open With," and choose the appropriate program. If the program is not listed, click "Browse" to locate and select the correct software.
    3. Compatibility Mode: Try running the software in compatibility mode. Right-click on the software's shortcut or executable file, select "Properties," go to the "Compatibility" tab, and check the box for "Run this program in compatibility mode." Choose the appropriate operating system version from the drop-down menu.
    4. Convert the File: If the software you have doesn't support .PVHD files, you may need to convert the file to a compatible format. Look for file conversion tools online, install them, and use them to convert the .PVHD file to a format that your software can open.
    5. Alternative Software: If the above steps don't work, try opening the .PVHD file with alternative software. Look for applications that are designed to handle .PVHD files and download and install them. Ensure that you choose a reputable and trustworthy source for downloading software.
    6. Check for File Corruption: If the .PVHD file is corrupt, it may cause compatibility issues. Try obtaining a fresh copy of the file from a reliable source or ask the file sender to resend it. If the file is on a physical storage device, such as a hard drive or USB drive, try transferring it again to rule out any transfer errors.
    7. Seek Help: If none of the above steps solve the compatibility issue, consider seeking help from online forums, software support websites, or contacting the software developer's support team directly. Provide them with detailed information about the problem, including the software version, operating system, and any error messages received.

    Remember to exercise caution when downloading and installing software from the internet. Always use reputable sources and ensure your antivirus software is up to date to protect against any potential threats.

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