How to Retrieve .SHD Files from Formatted Drives Using Mac Tools

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

How to Retrieve .SHD Files from Formatted Drives Using Mac Tools

What is a .SHD file?

File created by Windows when a user submits a print job; stores header information for a print job, but does not store the actual spooled document data; allows the print job settings to be "shadowed" so that the job can be resubmitted again if there is an interruption.

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

There can be several common causes of ".SHD" files lost or failure. Some of them include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SHD" files while cleaning up their system or mistakenly selecting the wrong files for deletion.
  2. System crashes: Sudden system crashes or power outages can lead to the loss of ".SHD" files that were being used or accessed at the time.
  3. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons, such as improper system shutdown, virus or malware infection, or hardware issues. This corruption can result in the loss or failure of ".SHD" files.
  4. Software or hardware issues: Issues with printer drivers, printer spooler software, or other hardware components can cause ".SHD" files to become lost or fail to print.
  5. Virus or malware infection: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt ".SHD" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  6. Disk errors: Errors on the hard drive or storage media where the ".SHD" files are located can lead to their loss or failure.
  7. Human error: Human error, such as accidental formatting of storage media containing ".SHD" files or improper handling of files, can result in their loss or failure.
  8. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause ".SHD" files to become lost or fail.

It is important to regularly backup ".SHD" files and maintain a reliable data recovery solution to minimize the impact of these common causes.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Print Job Shadow File image file file?

Programs that open ".SHD" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Print Job Shadow File

  • File extension: .SHD

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 68 49 00 00

  • ASCII: hI

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:55 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SHD 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 a ".SHD backup" file and how is it generated?

    A ".SHD backup" file is a type of file generated by the Windows operating system. It is associated with the Spooler Shadow File, which is a component of the print spooler service.

    When a document is sent to a printer, it is first spooled into a print job file (.SPL file) and then sent to the printer for printing. Additionally, a shadow file (.SHD file) is created to store information about the print job, such as the printer settings, document properties, and other relevant data.

    The .SHD backup file is a backup copy of the .SHD file. It is generated automatically by the Windows print spooler service to ensure that the print job information is not lost in case of any issues or failures.

    The exact process of generating a .SHD backup file can vary depending on the Windows version and print spooler settings. However, it generally occurs when a print job is initiated and the spooler service creates the corresponding .SPL and .SHD files. The backup file is typically created alongside the original .SHD file, using a similar naming convention.

    It's important to note that .SHD backup files are temporary and are usually deleted once the print job is completed or canceled.

  • How can I restore a ".SHD backup" file and access the stored data?

    To restore a ".SHD backup" file and access the stored data, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open the Command Prompt: Press the Windows key + R to open the Run dialog box, type "cmd," and press Enter.
    2. Navigate to the spool folder: In the Command Prompt, type "cd %systemroot%System32SpoolPrinters" and press Enter. This will take you to the folder where the print spooler files are stored.
    3. Stop the print spooler service: Type "net stop spooler" and press Enter. This will stop the print spooler service, allowing you to access the files.
    4. Copy the backup file: Locate the ".SHD backup" file you want to restore. It should have a name like "FP00000.SHD" or similar. Copy the file to another location on your computer, such as the desktop.
    5. Rename the file: Change the file extension from ".SHD backup" to ".SHD". This will make it recognizable as a print spooler file.
    6. Start the print spooler service: Type "net start spooler" and press Enter. This will restart the print spooler service.
    7. Open the file: Double-click the renamed ".SHD" file. It should open with the default program associated with print spooler files, such as Notepad or WordPad.
    8. Access the stored data: The ".SHD" file contains the print job information, including the document content. You can view and extract the data from the file using a text editor or by printing it again.

    Note: ".SHD backup" files are generated by the print spooler service when a print job is sent to a printer. They are temporary files used to store the job data until it is printed.

  • Are there any limitations or compatibility issues when using ".SHD backup" files across different operating systems or software applications?

    .SHD backup files are specific to the Windows operating system and are used by the Print Spooler service to store print job data. These files are not meant to be directly accessed or used by other software applications.

    As such, .SHD backup files are not compatible with different operating systems like macOS or Linux. They can only be used within the Windows environment.

    Additionally, these files are not designed to be opened or manipulated by software applications other than the Print Spooler service. Therefore, compatibility issues may arise if you try to use .SHD backup files in other applications.

    It's important to note that .SHD backup files are temporary files created during the printing process and are typically deleted once the print job is completed. They are not intended for general file sharing or data transfer purposes.

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