Can You Retrieve .SFX Files After Formatting a Disk?

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

Can You Retrieve .SFX Files After Formatting a Disk?
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SFX file?

Compressed archive containing one or more files; may use one of several different types of compression, such as .7Z, .ZIP, or .RAR compression; runs itself when opened and decompresses and extracts the contents; allows users to open the archive without needing a file decompression program.

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

There can be several common causes of ".SFX" (self-extracting) files lost or failure, including:

  1. File corruption: If the ".SFX" file becomes corrupted due to errors during file transfer, storage, or extraction, it may fail to open or function properly.
  2. Malware or viruses: If the ".SFX" file is infected with malware or viruses, it may be deleted or blocked by antivirus software, resulting in loss or failure.
  3. Incompatible software: If the software used to extract or open the ".SFX" file is incompatible or outdated, it may fail to recognize or process the file correctly.
  4. Insufficient disk space: If there is not enough available disk space to extract the contents of the ".SFX" file, the extraction process may fail or result in partial loss of data.
  5. Human error: Accidental deletion, improper handling, or accidental formatting of the storage device containing the ".SFX" file can lead to its loss or failure.
  6. Hardware or system issues: Problems with the storage device, such as a hard drive failure or system crashes, can cause ".SFX" files to become lost or inaccessible.
  7. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or versions can lead to errors or failures when working with ".SFX" files.

It is important to regularly backup ".SFX" files and ensure the use of reliable antivirus software to minimize the risk of loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Self-Extracting Archive image file file?

Programs that open ".SFX" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows
WinRAR 5 WinRAR 5
Corel WinZip 23 Corel WinZip 23
7-Zip 7-Zip
PeaZip PeaZip
Mac
Incredible Bee Archiver Incredible Bee Archiver

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Self-Extracting Archive

  • File extension: .SFX

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Compressed Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 01

  • ASCII: 

  • File types that use the extension .SFX:

    • Windows Self-Extracting Archive

    • SoundFX Audio File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:40 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SFX 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 reasons for encountering problems when opening .SFX files?

    There can be several reasons for encountering problems when opening .SFX files. Some common reasons include:

    1. Incompatible software: The .SFX file may require a specific software program to open it, and if you don't have the right program installed, you may encounter problems.
    2. File corruption: The .SFX file may be corrupted or damaged, which can prevent it from opening properly. This can happen due to errors during download, transfer, or storage.
    3. Outdated software: If the software you are using to open .SFX files is outdated, it may not be able to recognize or handle the file format correctly. Updating the software to the latest version may resolve the issue.
    4. Missing file associations: If the .SFX file is not associated with any specific program on your computer, you may face difficulties in opening it. You might need to manually associate the file extension with a compatible program.
    5. Insufficient permissions: If you don't have the necessary permissions to access or open the .SFX file, you may encounter problems. This can happen if the file is located in a restricted folder or if your user account doesn't have sufficient privileges.
    6. Malware or virus infection: Sometimes, .SFX files can be infected with malware or viruses, which can cause issues when trying to open them. Antivirus software may detect the file as a threat and prevent it from opening.
    7. File format mismatch: It's possible that the file you are trying to open is not actually a .SFX file, but has been mislabeled with the wrong file extension. In such cases, attempting to open it as a .SFX file will result in errors.

    If you are experiencing problems when opening .SFX files, it is recommended to double-check the file integrity, ensure you have the appropriate software, and update your programs if necessary.

  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .SFX files?
    1. Update the software: Ensure that you have the latest version of the software installed on your computer that can open .SFX files. Sometimes, older versions may have compatibility issues.
    2. Check file associations: Verify that the .SFX file extension is associated with the correct program. Right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate software. If it is not listed, click on "Choose another app" and select the correct program.
    3. Use a different program: If the default program fails to open the .SFX file, try using a different software that supports this file type. There are various file archivers available, such as WinRAR, 7-Zip, or WinZip, which can handle .SFX files.
    4. Repair the file: If the .SFX file is corrupted, it may cause issues while opening. Try repairing the file using the software that created it. For example, if the .SFX file is a self-extracting archive created with WinRAR, open WinRAR, select "Tools," and choose "Repair archive."
    5. Scan for malware: It is possible that the .SFX file is infected with malware, causing problems while opening. Run a comprehensive antivirus scan on your computer to ensure it is clean.
    6. Extract manually: If none of the above steps work, you can try manually extracting the contents of the .SFX file. Rename the file extension from .SFX to .ZIP, and then use a file archiver program to extract the contents. This method may work if the .SFX file is actually a compressed archive.
    7. Contact the file source: If you received the .SFX file from someone else or downloaded it from the internet, there is a possibility that the file itself is corrupt or incomplete. Contact the source and request a new, intact copy of the file.
    8. Seek professional help: If all else fails, consider seeking help from a professional or the software's support team. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or solutions for opening .SFX files.
  • Are there any specific software or tools recommended for resolving problems with opening .SFX files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve problems with opening .SFX files. Here are a few recommendations:

    1. WinRAR: This popular file compression and extraction software can handle .SFX files. It allows you to extract the contents of the .SFX file and access the files within.
    2. 7-Zip: Another widely used file compression and extraction tool that supports .SFX files. It can open and extract the contents of .SFX files, allowing you to access the files contained within.
    3. WinZip: This file compression and extraction software also supports .SFX files. It enables you to extract the contents of the .SFX file and access the files within.
    4. Universal Extractor: A versatile tool designed to extract files from various types of archives, including .SFX files. It can handle a wide range of file formats and extract the contents of .SFX files.

    These software tools should help you open and extract the contents of .SFX files.
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