Top Software for Recovering .SFO Files After Formatting

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 .SFO file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Top Software for Recovering .SFO Files After Formatting

What is a .SFO file?

Contains information about a Playstation Portable (PSP) game, such as the category, disc version, parental level, region code, titles, and updater version; usually stored within a .PBP file

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

There can be several common causes for ".SFO" file loss or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SFO" files while organizing or cleaning up their files and folders.
  2. Software or hardware issues: System crashes, software conflicts, or hardware failures can result in the loss or corruption of ".SFO" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".SFO" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to be deleted.
  4. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or improper handling, can lead to the loss or failure of ".SFO" files.
  5. Power outages: Abrupt power outages or improper shutdowns can interrupt the saving or accessing process of ".SFO" files, leading to data loss or corruption.
  6. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting, improper file transfers, or incorrect file operations, can result in the loss of ".SFO" files.
  7. Storage media failure: If the storage device where the ".SFO" files are stored, such as a hard drive or memory card, fails or becomes damaged, it can lead to file loss or failure.
  8. Incompatible software or updates: Using incompatible software or installing updates that are not compatible with the ".SFO" file format can cause issues and result in file loss or failure.
  9. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a storage device without proper backup or precautions can lead to the loss or corruption of ".SFO" files.
  10. Physical damage: Physical damage to the storage device, such as dropping a hard drive or exposing it to extreme conditions, can result in the loss or failure of ".SFO" files.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo pSP Game Parameters File image file file?

Programs that open ".SFO" files

Windows
PBP Unpacker PBP Unpacker

Additional Information

  • File type: PSP Game Parameters File

  • File extension: .SFO

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Game Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .SFO:

    • PSP Game Parameters File

    • CuteFTP Search File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:41 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SFO 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 process of repairing a corrupted .SFO file and what are the common causes of such corruption?

    Repairing a corrupted .SFO (System File Object) file involves several steps, including identifying the cause of corruption, attempting manual repairs, and using specialized software if necessary. Here is a general process for repairing a corrupted .SFO file:

    1. Identify the cause of corruption: Understanding the common causes of .SFO file corruption can help in the repair process. Some common causes include software bugs, hardware issues, improper shutdowns, malware or virus infections, or file system errors.
    2. Make a backup: Before attempting any repairs, it is crucial to create a backup of the corrupted .SFO file. This ensures that even if the repair process fails, the original file is still preserved.
    3. Attempt manual repairs: In some cases, simple manual repairs can fix the corruption. Try the following steps:
    • Rename the corrupted .SFO file with a different extension (e.g., .bak).
    • Copy a known good .SFO file from a backup or a similar source and replace the corrupted file.
    • Use a text editor or hex editor to open the .SFO file and manually fix any obvious errors.
    1. Use specialized software: If manual repairs do not work, specialized software designed for repairing corrupted files can be utilized. These tools can scan the file, identify the corruption, and attempt to fix it. Some popular file repair tools include File Repair, DataNumen File Repair, and File Salvage.
    2. Seek professional help: If all else fails, consulting a professional data recovery service may be the best option. They have advanced tools and expertise to handle complex file corruption cases.

    It's important to note that the success of repairing a corrupted .SFO file depends on the extent and nature of the corruption. Some severe cases may result in partial or complete data loss.

    Common causes of .SFO file corruption include sudden power outages, hardware failure (e.g., bad sectors on the storage device), improper handling of the file by software applications, malware or virus infections, software bugs, or issues with the file system.

  • Are there any specific tools or software available for repairing .SFO files, and if so, which ones are recommended?

    There are several tools and software available for repairing .SFO files, which are commonly used by PlayStation game developers. Some of the recommended tools for repairing .SFO files include:

    1. PSFTool: PSFTool is a command-line tool that allows you to extract, create, and modify various PlayStation file formats, including .SFO files. It is widely used and provides extensive functionality for repairing and editing .SFO files.
    2. PS3 ISO Tools: PS3 ISO Tools is a graphical interface tool that provides a range of functionalities for working with PlayStation files, including .SFO files. It allows you to extract, create, and modify .SFO files easily.
    3. SFO Editor: SFO Editor is a simple and user-friendly tool specifically designed for editing .SFO files. It provides a straightforward interface for repairing and modifying .SFO files without any complex features.
    4. PS3 Game List: PS3 Game List is a tool primarily used for managing and organizing PlayStation game backups. It also has the ability to repair and modify .SFO files, making it a convenient option for users looking for a comprehensive solution.

    It's important to note that these tools are primarily intended for use by game developers and enthusiasts. Always ensure you have the necessary permissions and rights to modify any files, and exercise caution when making changes to system files.

  • Can a repaired .SFO file be guaranteed to function properly, or are there potential risks or limitations associated with the repair process?

    Repairing a .SFO file does not guarantee that it will function properly. The repair process may fix some issues, but there are potential risks and limitations associated with it.

    Some potential risks and limitations include:

    1. Incomplete repair: The repair process may not be able to fix all the issues present in the .SFO file, leading to continued malfunctioning or errors.
    2. Data loss: During the repair process, there is a possibility of data loss or corruption, especially if the file is not backed up properly.
    3. Compatibility issues: If the .SFO file is repaired using a tool or method that is not compatible with the specific file format or software it belongs to, it may cause further issues or incompatibility with the associated program.
    4. Dependency on underlying issues: The .SFO file may have been corrupted due to underlying issues with the software or system. Repairing the .SFO file alone may not address these underlying issues, and the file may continue to have problems.
    5. Security risks: Using third-party tools or methods for repairing .SFO files may pose security risks if the tools are not from trusted sources. They may contain malware or cause unintended changes to the file or system.

    It is important to note that the effectiveness of the repair process depends on the specific circumstances and the complexity of the file corruption. It is always recommended to have proper backups of important files and consult with professionals or the software's support team for guidance on file repair.

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