How to Retrieve .QCOW2 Files from Corrupted Drives on Mac and Windows

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 .QCOW2 file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve .QCOW2 Files from Corrupted Drives on Mac and Windows
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What is a .QCOW2 file?

Disk image file saved in the second version of the QEMU Copy On Write (QCOW2) format, a format used by QEMU virtualization software; stores the hard drive contents of a virtual machine; similar to the .QCOW extension which is saved in the QCOW format; features a different strategy for storing multiple snapshots of the virtual machine.

What Are Common Causes of ".QCOW2" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".QCOW2" file loss or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".QCOW2" file while managing or organizing their files, leading to its loss.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as power outages, hardware issues, or software errors. This corruption can result in the loss or failure of ".QCOW2" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".QCOW2" files. This can lead to their loss or failure.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Issues with virtualization software or hardware can cause ".QCOW2" files to become inaccessible or fail to open properly.
  5. Sudden system shutdown: If a system shuts down unexpectedly while a ".QCOW2" file is being accessed or modified, it can lead to file corruption or loss.
  6. Disk errors: Physical errors on the storage device where the ".QCOW2" files are stored, such as bad sectors or disk failures, can result in data loss or file corruption.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of a storage device or improper handling of virtual machine snapshots, can lead to the loss or failure of ".QCOW2" files.

It is important to regularly backup ".QCOW2" files to prevent permanent loss and to use reliable data recovery tools or services in case of file failure or loss.

How to recover lost ".QCOW2" 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 ".QCOW2" 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 ".QCOW2" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".QCOW2" 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 ".QCOW2" 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 ".QCOW2" 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 ".QCOW2" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo qEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image image file file?

Programs that open ".QCOW2" files

Windows
QEMU QEMU
Linux
QEMU QEMU

Additional Information

  • File type: QEMU Copy On Write Version 2 Disk Image

  • File extension: .QCOW2

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:42 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .QCOW2 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 the process of recovering a .QCOW2 file and what are the common methods used for this recovery?

    Recovering a .QCOW2 file involves restoring the file from a backup or using data recovery techniques to retrieve the lost or corrupted file. Here is a general process for recovering a .QCOW2 file:

    1. Identify the issue: Determine whether the file is lost, deleted, or corrupted. This will help in choosing the appropriate recovery method.
    2. Check backups: If you have a backup of the .QCOW2 file, restore it from the backup source. This is the easiest and most reliable way to recover the file.
    3. Use data recovery software: If there is no backup available, you can try using data recovery software to recover the .QCOW2 file. These tools scan the storage media for deleted or lost files and attempt to restore them. Some popular data recovery software includes EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, Recuva, and Disk Drill.
    4. Consult professional services: If the file is critically important and the above methods fail, it may be necessary to seek professional data recovery services. These services have specialized tools and expertise to recover data from various storage media, including .QCOW2 files.
    5. Prevent further data loss: Once the .QCOW2 file is recovered, it is crucial to ensure its safety. Regularly backup the file to prevent future loss or corruption.

    It is worth noting that the success of file recovery depends on various factors such as the extent of damage, availability of backups, and the effectiveness of the chosen recovery method.

  • Are there any specific tools or software available for .QCOW2 recovery, and if so, which ones are recommended?

    Yes, there are several tools and software available for .QCOW2 recovery. Here are a few recommended options:

    1. QEMU: QEMU is a popular open-source emulator and virtualization software that supports the QCOW2 format. It can be used to mount and access the contents of a QCOW2 file.
    2. qemu-img: qemu-img is a command-line tool that comes with the QEMU package. It allows you to convert, create, and modify QCOW2 files. You can use it to extract data from a corrupted QCOW2 image.
    3. TestDisk: TestDisk is a powerful data recovery tool that can recover lost partitions and repair damaged file systems. It supports QCOW2 format and can be used to recover data from a corrupted QCOW2 file.
    4. Virtualization Software: If you have virtualization software like VirtualBox or VMware installed, you can create a new virtual machine and attach the QCOW2 file as a disk. This will allow you to access the files stored within the QCOW2 image.
    5. Data Recovery Software: There are various data recovery software available in the market that support QCOW2 recovery. Some popular options include R-Studio, EaseUS Data Recovery Wizard, and Disk Drill.

    It's important to note that the success of recovery depends on the extent of the damage to the QCOW2 file. It's always recommended to create a backup of the corrupted file before attempting any recovery process.

  • Can .QCOW2 recovery be performed on both physical and virtual machines, and are there any limitations or considerations to keep in mind during the recovery process?

    Yes, .QCOW2 recovery can be performed on both physical and virtual machines. However, there are some limitations and considerations to keep in mind during the recovery process:

    1. Compatibility: Ensure that the recovery software or tool you are using supports .QCOW2 format. Not all recovery tools may be able to handle this format, so check for compatibility before proceeding.
    2. Virtualization platform: If you are recovering a .QCOW2 file on a virtual machine, make sure the virtualization platform supports the .QCOW2 format. For example, if you are using VMware, ensure that it can handle .QCOW2 files.
    3. Backup: It is always recommended to have a backup of the .QCOW2 file before attempting any recovery process. This ensures that you can revert back to the original state if something goes wrong during recovery.
    4. Storage space: .QCOW2 files can be large in size, so ensure that you have enough storage space available for the recovered data.
    5. Recovery software: Choose a reliable and reputable recovery software that supports .QCOW2 recovery. Read reviews and do thorough research before selecting a tool.
    6. Data integrity: Ensure that the .QCOW2 file is not corrupted or damaged before attempting recovery. If the file is corrupt, the recovery process may fail or result in incomplete or unusable data.
    7. Expert assistance: If you are not familiar with the recovery process or unsure about any step, it is advisable to seek expert assistance. They can guide you through the process and help avoid any potential issues or mistakes.

    Remember to always exercise caution and take necessary precautions during the recovery process to minimize the risk of data loss or further damage.
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