How to Recover .SC4DESC Files from Formatted SSD 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 .SC4DESC file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .SC4DESC Files from Formatted SSD Drives
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SC4DESC file?

Game description file used by SimCity 4, a city-building and simulation game; describes game properties such as the location and type of buildings and props; also specifies how people in the city interact with the buildings.

What Are Common Causes of ".SC4DESC" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes for ".SC4DESC" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".SC4DESC" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer system.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware can lead to file corruption or loss. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, or other technical problems.
  3. Virus or malware infections: Malicious programs can infect and damage files, including ".SC4DESC" files. They can either corrupt the files or delete them entirely.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or bad sectors, can cause files to become inaccessible or corrupt, resulting in the loss of ".SC4DESC" files.
  5. Incompatible software or updates: Installing incompatible software or updates can sometimes lead to file compatibility issues, causing the ".SC4DESC" files to fail or become unreadable.
  6. Human error: Human mistakes, such as improper file handling, accidental formatting of storage devices, or improper shutdowns, can result in the loss of ".SC4DESC" files.
  7. Storage device failure: Physical damage or failure of the storage device, such as a hard drive or memory card, can lead to the loss of ".SC4DESC" files.
  8. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a storage device from one format to another can sometimes result in file loss or corruption, including ".SC4DESC" files.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important files, including ".SC4DESC" files, to prevent permanent loss in case of any unforeseen events.

How to recover lost ".SC4DESC" 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 ".SC4DESC" 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 ".SC4DESC" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SC4DESC" 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 ".SC4DESC" 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 ".SC4DESC" 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 ".SC4DESC" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo simCity 4 Description File image file file?

Programs that open ".SC4DESC" files

Windows
Electronic Arts SimCity 4 Electronic Arts SimCity 4
Electronic Arts Building Architect Tool Electronic Arts Building Architect Tool
iLive Reader iLive Reader
SC4Tool SC4Tool
Mac
Electronic Arts SimCity 4 Electronic Arts SimCity 4

Additional Information

  • File type: SimCity 4 Description File

  • File extension: .SC4DESC

  • Developer: Electronic Arts

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:58 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SC4DESC 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 ".SC4DESC backup" file and how is it created?

    A ".SC4DESC backup" file is a backup file associated with the SimCity 4 game. SimCity 4 is a city-building simulation game where players construct and manage cities. The ".SC4DESC" file extension refers to the game's description file, which contains information about various in-game elements such as buildings, landmarks, and other objects.

    When creating a backup of a ".SC4DESC" file, the game essentially duplicates the original file and saves it with the ".SC4DESC backup" extension. This backup file serves as a safeguard against potential data loss or corruption. In case the original ".SC4DESC" file gets damaged or modified unintentionally, the backup file can be used to restore the original data.

    The backup file is typically created automatically by the game itself whenever changes are made to the original ".SC4DESC" file.

  • How can I restore a ".SC4DESC backup" file in the SimCity 4 game?

    To restore a ".SC4DESC backup" file in SimCity 4, you can follow these steps:

    1. Locate the backup file: Look for the ".SC4DESC backup" file on your computer. It is typically saved in the same directory as your SimCity 4 game files or in the "Documents" folder.
    2. Rename the backup file: Right-click on the backup file and select "Rename." Change the file extension from ".SC4DESC backup" to ".SC4DESC". Make sure to remove the word "backup" from the file name.
    3. Backup original file (optional): Before proceeding with the restoration, it is recommended to create a backup of the original ".SC4DESC" file. Right-click on the original file, select "Copy," and then paste it in a different location on your computer. This step ensures that you can revert to the original file if needed.
    4. Replace the original file: Once you have renamed the backup file, copy it. Navigate to the directory where the original ".SC4DESC" file is located. Right-click on the original file and select "Paste" to replace it with the backup file.
    5. Confirm the restoration: Launch the SimCity 4 game and check if the changes made by the backup file are successfully restored. Verify that the desired modifications or updates are now applied in the game.

    Note: It is advisable to always keep backups of important game files and modifications before making any changes. This way, you can easily revert to the original state if any issues arise.

  • Are ".SC4DESC backup" files compatible with different versions or mods of SimCity 4?

    The ".SC4DESC backup" files are typically created by SimCity 4's Plugin Manager when you make changes to a building or lot. These backup files are not specific to any particular version or mod of SimCity 4.

    However, it's important to note that the compatibility of these files depends on the specific modifications made to the game. If you are using mods or custom content that alter the building or lot files, the compatibility may vary. It's always recommended to refer to the instructions or documentation provided by the mod or custom content creator to ensure compatibility with different versions or mods of SimCity 4.
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