How to Retrieve .SETTINGCONTENT-MS Files from Formatted Flash 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 .SETTINGCONTENT-MS file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Retrieve .SETTINGCONTENT-MS Files from Formatted Flash Drives
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What is a .SETTINGCONTENT-MS file?

File created for the Windows 8.1 operating system; contains setting content for Windows functions, such as how updates are installed or what default apps should be used to open particular file types; contained content is written in XML language.

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

There are several common causes of ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files while trying to clean up their system or mistakenly remove them along with other files.
  2. System errors: System errors, such as crashes, power outages, or software conflicts, can cause the ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files to become corrupted or lost.
  3. Malware or virus attacks: Malicious software or viruses can infect and damage the ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as disk errors or file system corruption, can lead to the loss or failure of ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files.
  5. Software or hardware issues: Problems with software applications or hardware components can result in the loss or failure of ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files. This could include issues with the operating system, incompatible software updates, or faulty hardware components.
  6. Improper file handling: Mishandling or improper manipulation of ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files, such as forceful termination of applications or improper shutdowns, can lead to file corruption or loss.
  7. Storage media failure: If the ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files are stored on a faulty or failing storage device, such as a hard drive or flash drive, they may become lost or inaccessible.
  8. Synchronization errors: If the ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files are being synced or backed up to a cloud storage service or another device, synchronization errors can occur, resulting in file loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up important files, including ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files, to prevent permanent loss in case of any of these issues.

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

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

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

Programs that open ".SETTINGCONTENT-MS" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Settings File

  • File extension: .SETTINGCONTENT-MS

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: XML

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:59 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SETTINGCONTENT-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 are the main features and functionalities of the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format?

    The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is a file format used by Windows to store settings and configurations. Some of its main features and functionalities include:

    1. Customization: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format allows users to customize various settings and configurations on their Windows system. This includes settings related to the desktop, taskbar, Start menu, file explorer, and more.
    2. Easy deployment: The format enables easy deployment of settings across multiple Windows systems. Administrators can create a .SETTINGCONTENT-MS file with predefined settings and distribute it to other devices or users, ensuring consistent configurations.
    3. XML-based format: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS file is based on XML (eXtensible Markup Language), which is a widely used markup language for storing and exchanging data. This allows for easy parsing and manipulation of the settings stored in the file.
    4. Hierarchical structure: The format organizes settings in a hierarchical structure, allowing for nested configurations. This enables users to set preferences at different levels, such as system-wide settings, user-specific settings, or settings specific to a particular application.
    5. Support for various settings: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format supports a wide range of settings and configurations, including visual appearance settings, accessibility options, privacy settings, network configurations, and more. This allows users to fine-tune their Windows experience according to their preferences.
    6. Integration with Group Policy: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format can be used in conjunction with Group Policy, a feature in Windows that allows administrators to manage and enforce settings across a network. This integration provides centralized control over settings and simplifies administration in enterprise environments.

    Overall, the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format provides a flexible and efficient way to store and distribute settings and configurations in Windows, enabling users to personalize their experience and administrators to manage settings at scale.

  • How does the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format differ from other file formats commonly used for settings and configuration data?

    The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is specific to Windows and is used by the operating system to store settings and configuration data. It differs from other file formats commonly used for settings and configuration data in a few ways:

    1. Structure: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is structured as an XML file, which allows for easy parsing and manipulation of the data. Other file formats like .ini or .conf may have different structures, such as key-value pairs or sections.
    2. Integration: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is tightly integrated with the Windows operating system. It is primarily used by the Windows Settings app and other system components to store and retrieve settings. Other file formats may be more generic and used across different platforms or applications.
    3. Accessibility: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is typically located in system folders and may require administrative privileges to modify. It is designed to store system-level settings that affect the behavior of the operating system. Other file formats may be more accessible to users and applications for storing application-specific settings.
    4. Extensibility: The .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format allows for extensibility through the use of custom schema definitions. This means that specific settings and configuration options can be defined and enforced by the operating system. Other file formats may not have built-in extensibility features.

    Overall, the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is specific to Windows, tightly integrated with the operating system, and primarily used for system-level settings and configuration data.

  • Can the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format be easily converted or imported into other software applications for managing settings and configurations?

    No, the .SETTINGCONTENT-MS format is specific to the Windows operating system and is primarily used for managing settings and configurations within the Windows Settings app. It is not designed to be easily converted or imported into other software applications. Other software applications may have their own file formats or mechanisms for managing settings and configurations.
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