How to Retrieve .SAFE Files from Formatted External 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 .SAFE file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve .SAFE Files from Formatted External Drives

What is a .SAFE file?

A SAFE file is an encrypted file created by SIGLock, a file encryption application for Windows used to securely store and transfer files. It contains an encrypted version of a file, such as a .PDF or .XLSX file, that can only be decrypted by the SIGLock program. SAFE files also contain locking and unlocking data such as which users can open the file, where they can open it, and when they can open it.

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

There can be several common causes of ".SAFE" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".SAFE" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system.
  2. File system corruption: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors, can lead to the corruption or loss of ".SAFE" files.
  3. Malware or virus attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect and damage files, including ".SAFE" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. Hardware failure: Problems with the computer's hard drive or other hardware components can result in the loss or corruption of ".SAFE" files.
  5. Software or application issues: Errors or bugs in the software or applications used to create or access ".SAFE" files can cause them to become inaccessible or fail.
  6. Power outages: Sudden power outages or system shutdowns can interrupt the saving or accessing process of ".SAFE" files, leading to their loss or corruption.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling, accidental formatting, or incorrect file transfers, can result in the loss or failure of ".SAFE" files.
  8. Operating system upgrades or updates: Sometimes, upgrading or updating the operating system can lead to compatibility issues with existing ".SAFE" files, causing them to become inaccessible or fail.

It is important to regularly backup ".SAFE" files to prevent permanent loss and to use reliable data recovery methods in case of any failure or loss.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo sIGLock Encrypted File image file file?

Programs that open ".SAFE" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: SIGLock Encrypted File

  • File extension: .SAFE

  • Developer: Sigza Authentication Systems

  • Category: Encoded Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:41 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SAFE 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 ".SAFE backup" and how does it differ from other backup methods?

    A ".SAFE backup" refers to a specific type of backup method provided by the software called "SAFE" (Secure Access For Everyone). It is a secure cloud storage and backup solution offered by SAFE Network, a decentralized data storage and communications network.

    The main difference between a ".SAFE backup" and other backup methods lies in its underlying technology and approach. Here are a few key distinctions:

    1. Decentralization: SAFE Network is built on a decentralized architecture, meaning that data is not stored on centralized servers but distributed across multiple nodes in the network. This decentralized nature enhances security, as there is no single point of failure or vulnerability.
    2. Privacy and Security: ".SAFE backup" ensures privacy and security by encrypting data before it leaves the user's device. Only the user holds the encryption keys, providing them with complete control over their data. Additionally, the decentralized nature of SAFE Network adds an extra layer of security, making it difficult for unauthorized access or data breaches to occur.
    3. Self-Authentication: SAFE Network utilizes a self-authentication mechanism, eliminating the need for usernames and passwords. Instead, users are identified by their unique cryptographic keys. This approach enhances security by reducing the risk of password-related vulnerabilities.
    4. Autonomous Network: SAFE Network is designed to be self-managing and autonomous. It utilizes a consensus algorithm to handle network operations, ensuring data integrity and reliability. This autonomous nature reduces reliance on third-party entities and minimizes the risk of data loss.

    Overall, ".SAFE backup" provides users with a secure, private, and decentralized backup solution, differentiating it from traditional backup methods that rely on centralized servers and may be more susceptible to data breaches or privacy concerns.

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

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

    1. Data security: ".SAFE backup" ensures that the data is securely stored and protected from unauthorized access. It uses encryption algorithms to safeguard the data, making it difficult for hackers to breach.
    2. Easy recovery: The backup system allows for easy and quick recovery of data in case of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other data loss scenarios. It simplifies the recovery process by providing a single backup file that contains all the necessary data.
    3. Cost-effective: ".SAFE backup" can be an affordable option for data protection and recovery, especially compared to other backup solutions that may require expensive hardware or software. It eliminates the need for additional infrastructure and reduces the cost of data recovery.
    4. Automated backups: The backup process can be automated, ensuring that data is regularly and consistently backed up without manual intervention. This reduces the risk of human error and ensures that data is always up to date.
    5. Versatility: ".SAFE backup" can be used for various types of data, including files, databases, and system configurations. It provides a comprehensive backup solution for different types of data, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

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

    1. Limited storage capacity: The storage capacity of ".SAFE backup" may be limited, depending on the specific implementation. This can be a disadvantage for organizations that generate large amounts of data and require extensive storage capabilities.
    2. Dependency on backup software: ".SAFE backup" typically relies on specific backup software or tools. This dependency can create compatibility issues if the software becomes outdated or unsupported in the future. It may require additional efforts to migrate to a new backup solution.
    3. Vulnerability to malware: While ".SAFE backup" provides security against unauthorized access, it can still be vulnerable to malware attacks. If the backup files get infected with malware, it can compromise the integrity of the data and hinder the recovery process.
    4. Backup and recovery time: Depending on the size of the data and the backup infrastructure, the backup and recovery time can be relatively slow. This can be a disadvantage for organizations that require near-instantaneous data recovery to minimize downtime.
    5. Single point of failure: If the ".SAFE backup" system fails or experiences a technical issue, it can become a single point of failure for data protection and recovery. This emphasizes the importance of regular testing, monitoring, and redundancy to ensure the reliability of the backup system.
  • Can you explain the process of creating and restoring a ".SAFE backup" for personal or business use?

    Creating and restoring a ".SAFE backup" involves the following steps:

    1. Install Backup Software: First, you need to install backup software that supports ".SAFE backup" format. Various software options are available, such as Acronis True Image, Norton Ghost, or Macrium Reflect.
    2. Launch Backup Software: Open the backup software and select the option to create a new backup.
    3. Select Backup Source: Choose the files, folders, or drives you want to include in the backup. You can select specific files or entire drives based on your requirements.
    4. Choose Backup Destination: Specify where you want to store the backup. It could be an external hard drive, network storage, cloud storage, or any other location accessible by the backup software.
    5. Configure Backup Settings: Set up backup settings such as compression level, encryption, scheduling, and incremental or differential backups. These options may vary depending on the software you are using.
    6. Start Backup Process: Once all settings are configured, start the backup process. The software will create a ".SAFE backup" file containing all the selected data and settings.
    7. Securely Store the Backup: Ensure that you store the ".SAFE backup" file in a safe and accessible location. It is recommended to have multiple copies of the backup in separate locations to avoid data loss.

    Restoring a ".SAFE backup":

    1. Launch Backup Software: Open the backup software and select the option to restore data from a backup.
    2. Locate Backup File: Specify the location of the ".SAFE backup" file you want to restore from. It could be an external hard drive, network storage, or cloud storage.
    3. Select Files to Restore: Choose the specific files or folders you want to restore from the backup. You may have the option to restore the entire backup or select individual items.
    4. Choose Restore Destination: Specify where you want to restore the files. It could be the original location or a different location on your computer.
    5. Configure Restore Settings: Set up restore settings such as overwriting existing files, preserving file attributes, or maintaining folder structures. These options may vary depending on the software you are using.
    6. Start Restore Process: Once all settings are configured, start the restore process. The software will extract the selected files from the ".SAFE backup" file and restore them to the specified location.
    7. Verify Restored Data: After the restore process completes, verify that the restored data is intact and accessible. Ensure that all required files are successfully restored.

    Remember to regularly update and maintain your backups to ensure the safety of your personal or business data.

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