Can You Retrieve .SEARCH-MS Files After Formatting a MicroSD Card?

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 .SEARCH-MS file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Can You Retrieve .SEARCH-MS Files After Formatting a MicroSD Card?
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What is a .SEARCH-MS file?

File created by the Windows operating system; stores Windows Explorer saved search results in an XML format; created when a user selects the Save Search

What Are Common Causes of ".SEARCH-MS" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".SEARCH-MS" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may mistakenly delete ".SEARCH-MS" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing files, leading to their loss.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as improper system shutdown, hardware failure, or malware infection. This corruption can result in the loss or failure of ".SEARCH-MS" files.
  3. Software issues: Problems with the software responsible for handling ".SEARCH-MS" files can lead to their loss or failure. This can include bugs, compatibility issues, or errors during file conversion.
  4. Virus or malware attack: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".SEARCH-MS" files. This can render them inaccessible or cause them to fail.
  5. Disk errors: Physical issues with the hard drive or storage media can cause data loss or corruption, including ".SEARCH-MS" files. This can occur due to bad sectors, disk fragmentation, or hardware malfunctions.
  6. Operating system upgrade or reinstallation: When upgrading or reinstalling the operating system, there is a risk of data loss, including ".SEARCH-MS" files. If not properly backed up or migrated, these files may be lost during the process.
  7. Human error: Accidental formatting of a storage device, improper file manipulation, or other human errors can lead to the loss or failure of ".SEARCH-MS" files.
  8. Power failure: Sudden power outages or improper shutdowns can result in data loss or corruption, including ".SEARCH-MS" files.
  9. Hardware failure: Malfunctioning hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or faulty memory, can cause the loss or failure of ".SEARCH-MS" files.
  10. Natural disasters: Events like floods, fires, or earthquakes can damage computer systems and storage devices, leading to the loss of ".SEARCH-MS" files.

To minimize the risk of ".SEARCH-MS" file loss, it is recommended to regularly backup important files, use reliable antivirus software, maintain a stable power supply, and handle files with caution.

How to recover lost ".SEARCH-MS" 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 ".SEARCH-MS" 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 ".SEARCH-MS" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SEARCH-MS" 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 ".SEARCH-MS" 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.
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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 ".SEARCH-MS" 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 ".SEARCH-MS" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Saved Search File image file file?

Programs that open ".SEARCH-MS" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Saved Search File

  • File extension: .SEARCH-MS

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: XML

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:51 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SEARCH-MS 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 purpose of the ".SEARCH-MS backup" file?

    The ".SEARCH-MS backup" file is a temporary file created by the Windows operating system during the search indexing process. The purpose of this file is to store backup information about the search index, which allows for faster and more efficient searching of files and documents on the computer. This backup file ensures that the search index can be restored in case of any issues or corruption in the main search index file.

  • How can I create a backup of the ".SEARCH-MS" file?

    To create a backup of the ".SEARCH-MS" file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open the File Explorer on your Windows computer.
    2. Navigate to the folder where the ".SEARCH-MS" file is located. It is typically found in the following directory: "C:Users[YourUsername]AppDataRoamingMicrosoftWindowsRecentAutomaticDestinations".
    3. Locate the ".SEARCH-MS" file in the folder.
    4. Right-click on the ".SEARCH-MS" file and select "Copy" from the context menu.
    5. Navigate to the location where you want to create the backup of the file (e.g., an external hard drive, a different folder on your computer).
    6. Right-click on the destination folder and select "Paste" from the context menu. This will create a copy of the ".SEARCH-MS" file in the backup location.

    Now you have successfully created a backup of the ".SEARCH-MS" file.

  • Is it possible to restore a ".SEARCH-MS backup" file to its original state?

    No, it is not possible to restore a ".SEARCH-MS backup" file to its original state. The ".SEARCH-MS" file extension is used by Windows Search to store indexed search results. It is not a backup file format, and it does not contain the original files or data. Therefore, it cannot be restored to its original state.
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