Step-by-Step Guide to Recover .SFCACHE Files from Formatted 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 .SFCACHE file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Step-by-Step Guide to Recover .SFCACHE Files from Formatted Drives

What is a .SFCACHE file?

An SFCACHE file is a cache file used by Windows Vista and 7 that may be created on a flash memory device. It adds additional memory that Windows may access as virtual RAM, which may help improve system performance.

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

There are several common causes of ".SFCACHE" files lost or failure:

  1. Disk or file system corruption: If the disk or file system where the ".SFCACHE" files are stored becomes corrupted, it can lead to the loss or failure of these files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware components involved in creating or managing ".SFCACHE" files can cause their loss or failure. This can include bugs, crashes, or compatibility problems.
  3. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SFCACHE" files, either by mistakenly selecting them for deletion or using disk cleanup tools that remove temporary files.
  4. Antivirus or security software: Sometimes, antivirus or security software may mistakenly identify ".SFCACHE" files as threats and quarantine or delete them, resulting in their loss or failure.
  5. System updates or upgrades: During system updates or upgrades, ".SFCACHE" files may be overwritten or removed, leading to their loss or failure.
  6. Power outages or system shutdowns: Unexpected power outages or improper system shutdowns can cause ".SFCACHE" files to become corrupted or lost.
  7. Disk space limitations: If the disk where ".SFCACHE" files are stored runs out of space, it can result in the loss or failure of these files.
  8. User actions: Users may intentionally delete ".SFCACHE" files, thinking they are unnecessary or taking up too much space, without realizing the potential consequences.

It is important to note that ".SFCACHE" files are temporary files created by the Windows System File Checker (SFC) utility, which verifies the integrity of system files. These files are typically stored in the WindowsWinSxSTemp folder and are used for system recovery and repair purposes.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo readyBoost Cache File image file file?

Programs that open ".SFCACHE" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: ReadyBoost Cache File

  • File extension: .SFCACHE

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:21 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SFCACHE 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 some common causes of problems opening .SFCACHE files and how can they be fixed?

    Some common causes of problems opening .SFCACHE files include:

    File corruption: If the .SFCACHE file is corrupted or incomplete, it may not open properly.

    • Fix: Try to obtain a new copy of the .SFCACHE file from the original source or recreate the file if possible.

    Incompatible software: If you don't have the appropriate software or application installed to open .SFCACHE files, it may result in an error.

    • Fix: Identify the software associated with .SFCACHE files and install it on your system. Alternatively, try using a universal file viewer that can open multiple file types.

    Incorrect file association: If the .SFCACHE file is not associated with the correct program, your operating system may not know how to open it.

    • Fix: Right-click on the .SFCACHE file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate program to associate it with. You can also change the default program for opening .SFCACHE files in the settings of your operating system.

    Outdated software: If the software used to create or open .SFCACHE files is outdated, it may not support the file format or have compatibility issues.

    • Fix: Update the software to the latest version available, as newer versions often include bug fixes and improved file format support.

    File format incompatibility: .SFCACHE files are typically cache files used by various applications to improve performance. If you're trying to open it with an application that doesn't recognize or support cache files, it may cause problems.

    • Fix: Verify that you are using the correct application to open the .SFCACHE file. If not, try using the appropriate software or consult the documentation of the application to understand how to open cache files.

    If none of these solutions work, it's possible that the .SFCACHE file is not meant to be opened directly by users, but rather accessed by specific applications. In such cases, it's best to consult the documentation or support resources of the associated software for further assistance.

  • Are there any specific troubleshooting steps or software tools that can help resolve issues with opening .SFCACHE files?

    There are a few troubleshooting steps and software tools that can help resolve issues with opening .SFCACHE files:

    1. Rename the file extension: Sometimes, the file extension may have been incorrectly named or changed. Try renaming the file extension from .SFCACHE to .SFV and see if it opens with any compatible software.
    2. Use a different program: Try opening the .SFCACHE file with different programs that are known to handle cache files. Some popular options include VLC media player, WinRAR, and 7-Zip. If one program doesn't work, try another.
    3. Clear cache: If you're trying to open a .SFCACHE file related to a specific application, clearing the cache of that application might help. Look for options within the application's settings to clear cache or temporary files.
    4. Check for file corruption: It's possible that the .SFCACHE file itself is corrupted. You can try downloading or obtaining the file again from the original source to ensure it is not damaged.
    5. Use specialized file repair tools: There are software tools available that specialize in repairing and recovering corrupted files. Tools like File Repair, File Viewer Plus, or File Magic may be able to repair the .SFCACHE file and allow it to be opened.

    Remember to exercise caution when downloading and using third-party software tools. Always ensure you download from trusted sources and scan files for malware before executing them.

  • Is it possible to recover or recreate a corrupted or missing .SFCACHE file, and if so, what are the recommended methods to do so?

    The .SFCACHE file is a system file used by Windows to store cached font information. If the file becomes corrupted or goes missing, it can be regenerated by Windows automatically. Here are the recommended methods to recover or recreate the .SFCACHE file:

    1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can resolve temporary file issues. Restarting may recreate the .SFCACHE file automatically.
    2. Clear font caches: Windows has built-in tools to clear font caches, which can help regenerate the .SFCACHE file. Follow these steps:
    • Press Win + R to open the Run dialog box.
    • Type "services.msc" and hit Enter to open the Services window.
    • Scroll down and find "Windows Font Cache Service" in the list.
    • Right-click on it and select "Stop" to stop the service.
    • Open File Explorer and navigate to the following location:

    C:WindowsServiceProfilesLocalServiceAppDataLocal

    • Locate the "FontCache" folder and delete its contents.
    • Go back to the Services window, right-click on "Windows Font Cache Service" and select "Start" to restart the service.

    Run System File Checker (SFC) scan: The SFC tool can scan and repair system files, including the .SFCACHE file. Follow these steps:

    • Open Command Prompt as an administrator. (Press Win + X, then choose "Command Prompt (Admin)" or "Windows PowerShell (Admin)".)
    • Type the command "sfc /scannow" and hit Enter.
    • Wait for the scan to complete. If any corrupted system files are found, they will be repaired.

    Reinstall fonts: If the above methods don't work, you can try reinstalling the fonts associated with the missing or corrupted .SFCACHE file. Here's how:

    • Open Control Panel and go to "Fonts".
    • Select the fonts you want to reinstall (or reinstall all fonts).
    • Right-click and choose "Delete" to remove them.
    • Restart your computer.
    • Reinstall the fonts by either copying them back to the Fonts folder or reinstalling them from the original source.

    Note: It's important to create a backup of important files and settings before attempting any of these methods.

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