How to Retrieve .SDI Files from Formatted Devices Using Recovery Software

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 .SDI file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Retrieve .SDI Files from Formatted Devices Using Recovery Software
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SDI file?

System Deployment Image (SDI) file created with Windows Embedded Studio, a program used for creating disk images for Windows; contains a boot blob, load blob, and part blob; commonly used to create RAM disks or boot disks for loading and installing Windows.

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SDI" files while organizing or cleaning up their system, leading to their loss.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons like power outages, system crashes, or malware infections. This can result in the loss or failure of ".SDI" files.
  3. Hardware failure: Hard drive failure, bad sectors, or other hardware issues can lead to the loss or corruption of ".SDI" files stored on the affected drive.
  4. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause ".SDI" files to become inaccessible or fail to open.
  5. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".SDI" files, making them unusable or causing them to be deleted.
  6. Improper system shutdown: Abrupt system shutdowns, such as power outages or forced restarts, can interrupt the saving or opening process of ".SDI" files, leading to their failure.
  7. Software bugs or glitches: Sometimes, software bugs or glitches can cause ".SDI" files to become corrupted or fail to function properly.
  8. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".SDI" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  9. Unsupported file format: If an application or operating system does not support the ".SDI" file format, it may fail to open or recognize the file.
  10. File transfer errors: Errors during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete uploads, can result in ".SDI" file loss or corruption.

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

Use programs for recovering ".SDI" 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 ".SDI" 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™ 5.0
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 ".SDI" 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 ".SDI" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows System Deployment Image image file file?

Programs that open ".SDI" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Embedded Studio Microsoft Windows Embedded Studio

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows System Deployment Image

  • File extension: .SDI

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:18 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SDI 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 an .SDI backup file and how does it differ from other backup formats?

    An .SDI backup file, also known as a System Deployment Image, is a file format used for creating and restoring system images in Windows operating systems. It is primarily used for system deployment and recovery purposes.

    Here are a few ways in which .SDI backup files differ from other backup formats:

    1. Image-based Backup: .SDI files are image-based backups, meaning they create a complete snapshot of the entire system, including the operating system, applications, settings, and data. This differs from other backup formats that may focus on specific files or folders.
    2. File Compression: .SDI files use file compression techniques to reduce the size of the backup file. This allows for efficient storage and faster backup and restore processes.
    3. Hardware Independence: .SDI backup files are hardware-independent, which means they can be restored to different hardware configurations without compatibility issues. This flexibility is particularly useful in system deployment scenarios where multiple computers need to be set up with the same system image.
    4. Bootable Media: .SDI files can be used to create bootable media, such as a DVD or USB drive, which can be used to boot a system and restore the backup image. This feature is beneficial when the system is not operational or needs to be restored to a clean state.
    5. Limited Compatibility: One limitation of .SDI backup files is that they are specific to Windows operating systems and are not compatible with other platforms. Therefore, they cannot be used for cross-platform backup and restore operations.

    Overall, .SDI backup files provide a comprehensive solution for system deployment and recovery, offering a full system image, compression, hardware independence, and bootable media capabilities.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using .SDI backup for data backup and recovery?

    Advantages of using .SDI backup for data backup and recovery:

    1. Simplicity: .SDI backup is easy to set up and use, making it suitable for users who are not familiar with complex backup solutions.
    2. Cost-effective: .SDI backup does not require any additional hardware or software, making it a more affordable option for small businesses or individuals.
    3. Quick recovery: Since .SDI backup creates a single image file of the entire system, recovery is faster as the entire system can be restored in one go.
    4. Full system backup: .SDI backup captures the entire system, including the operating system, applications, and data, ensuring comprehensive backup and recovery.

    Disadvantages of using .SDI backup for data backup and recovery:

    1. Storage space: .SDI backup creates a single image file of the entire system, which can take up a significant amount of storage space, especially for large systems.
    2. Lack of granularity: Since .SDI backup captures the entire system, it may not offer the flexibility to restore specific files or folders, which can be a disadvantage if only certain data needs to be recovered.
    3. Limited compatibility: .SDI backup may not be compatible with all operating systems or hardware configurations, limiting its usability in certain environments.
    4. Limited scalability: .SDI backup may not be suitable for large-scale backup and recovery needs, as it lacks advanced features such as incremental or differential backups, which can save storage space and time.
  • How can I create or restore an .SDI backup file using specific software or tools?

    To create or restore an .SDI backup file, you can use the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (MDT) or the System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM). Here are the steps for each:

    Creating an .SDI Backup File:

    1. Install and configure either MDT or SCCM on your computer.
    2. Launch the respective tool and create a new task sequence or deployment.
    3. Customize the deployment settings, such as selecting the operating system, applications, drivers, and other configurations.
    4. Once the customization is complete, select the option to create a backup file (.SDI).
    5. Specify the location where you want to save the backup file and provide a name for it.
    6. Start the backup process, and the tool will create the .SDI backup file containing all the selected settings.

    Restoring an .SDI Backup File:

    1. Launch MDT or SCCM on your computer.
    2. Create a new task sequence or deployment.
    3. Specify the deployment settings, such as the operating system, applications, drivers, and other configurations.
    4. When prompted to select the installation source, choose the option to use an existing .SDI backup file.
    5. Browse and select the .SDI backup file you want to restore.
    6. Continue with the deployment process, and the tool will restore the settings from the .SDI backup file onto the target system.

    Note: The specific steps may vary slightly depending on the version of MDT or SCCM you are using. It is recommended to refer to the official documentation or user guides provided by Microsoft for detailed instructions.
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