How to Recover .SIM Files from Formatted Flash Memory Cards

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

How to Recover .SIM Files from Formatted Flash Memory Cards

What is a .SIM file?

Backup information file used by Steam's backup service, which allows users to backup and restore games using DVDs or other external media; contains settings and other information for the backup, along with a corresponding .SIS file.

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

There are several common causes for ".SIM" files being lost or experiencing failure. Some of these causes include:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SIM" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or system crashes: If the software or system crashes while working with ".SIM" files, it can lead to data loss or corruption.
  3. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as corruption or damage, can result in the loss or failure of ".SIM" files.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can infect and damage ".SIM" files, rendering them inaccessible or corrupt.
  5. Hardware failures: Problems with the storage device where ".SIM" files are stored, such as a hard drive failure or bad sectors, can cause data loss or corruption.
  6. Power outages: Unexpected power outages or improper shutdowns can interrupt file operations and lead to ".SIM" file loss or failure.
  7. Software conflicts: Incompatibilities or conflicts between different software applications can cause ".SIM" files to become unreadable or corrupted.
  8. Human error: Accidental overwriting, formatting, or improper handling of ".SIM" files by users can result in their loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up ".SIM" files to prevent data loss and to use reliable antivirus software to protect against malware or virus attacks.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo steam Game Backup Information File image file file?

Programs that open ".SIM" files

Windows
Valve Steam Valve Steam

Additional Information

  • File type: Steam Game Backup Information File

  • File extension: .SIM

  • Developer: Valve

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 69 54 75 74

  • ASCII: iTut

  • File types that use the extension .SIM:

    • Steam Game Backup Information File

    • SAP Tutor File

    • The Sims 3 Sim File

    • Aurora Image

    • LogikSim Simulation File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:15 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SIM 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 ".SIM backup" and how does it work?

    A ".SIM backup" refers to the process of creating a backup of the data stored on a SIM card. SIM (Subscriber Identity Module) cards are small memory chips used in mobile devices to store information such as contact numbers, text messages, and network authentication data.

    To perform a SIM backup, you typically need a SIM card reader or a mobile device with the capability to export SIM card data. The process may vary depending on the device and software used, but generally, it involves the following steps:

    1. Connect the SIM card reader to a computer or insert the SIM card into a compatible mobile device.
    2. Install any required drivers or software for the SIM card reader.
    3. Launch the backup software or utility.
    4. Select the option to create a backup of the SIM card.
    5. Choose the destination folder or location where the backup file will be saved.
    6. Start the backup process, which may take a few seconds to a few minutes depending on the amount of data stored on the SIM card.
    7. Once the backup is complete, the software will generate a backup file that contains all the data stored on the SIM card.

    The backup file can be stored on a computer's hard drive, external storage device, or cloud storage for safekeeping. It can be used to restore the data to the same or a different SIM card if needed, such as when switching to a new device or in case of data loss or damage to the original SIM card.

    SIM backups are useful for preserving important data, especially contacts and messages, which can be easily transferred to a new SIM card or device when required.

  • What are the benefits of performing a ".SIM backup" on a mobile device?

    Performing a ".SIM backup" on a mobile device, which involves backing up the data stored on the SIM card, can provide several benefits:

    1. Contact preservation: By backing up the SIM card, you ensure that all your contacts are safely stored and can be easily transferred to a new device or recovered in case of loss, theft, or damage to your current device.
    2. Seamless device transition: When switching to a new mobile device, a SIM backup allows you to effortlessly transfer your contacts to the new device, ensuring you don't lose any important information.
    3. Data recovery: In case your mobile device is lost, stolen, or damaged, having a SIM backup ensures that your contacts are safe and can be restored on a new device. This saves you the hassle of manually re-entering all your contacts.
    4. SIM card management: Backing up your SIM card enables you to manage your contacts more efficiently. You can easily edit, delete, or organize contacts on your computer or another device without the need to manipulate them directly on your mobile device.
    5. Security: By having a SIM backup, you have an additional layer of security for your contacts. Even if your mobile device is compromised, your contacts remain safe and can be recovered from the backup.
    6. Convenience: With a SIM backup, you can quickly and easily restore your contacts on a new SIM card or device, making it convenient for individuals who frequently switch devices or SIM cards.

    It's worth noting that a SIM backup typically only saves contact information stored on the SIM card and not other data like messages, photos, or app data. For a comprehensive backup, it is recommended to use additional methods like cloud backups or device-specific backup options.

  • Are there any risks or limitations associated with using a ".SIM backup" for storing data?

    There are a few risks and limitations associated with using a ".SIM backup" for storing data:

    1. Limited storage capacity: SIM cards typically have very limited storage capacity compared to other storage devices. They are primarily designed to store contact information and SMS messages, so they may not be suitable for storing large amounts of data such as photos, videos, or documents.
    2. Incompatibility with file formats: SIM cards usually have limited support for file formats. They may not support certain file types or have restrictions on the size of files that can be stored. This can limit the types of data that can be backed up or transferred to the SIM card.
    3. Vulnerability to damage or loss: SIM cards are small and fragile, making them susceptible to damage or loss. If a SIM card is damaged or lost, the data stored on it may become inaccessible or permanently lost.
    4. Security concerns: SIM cards do not typically offer advanced security features for data storage. They may not have encryption capabilities, making the data stored on them vulnerable to unauthorized access or theft.
    5. Limited backup and restore options: SIM cards are primarily intended for storing contact information and SMS messages, so the backup and restore options may be limited to these types of data. It may not be possible to backup or restore other types of data such as app data, settings, or multimedia files.
    6. Dependency on specific devices: SIM cards may be tied to specific devices or mobile networks, which can limit their portability and compatibility. If you switch to a different device or network, the SIM card backup may not be usable or transferable.

    Overall, while SIM card backups can be useful for certain types of data, they have limitations and may not be suitable for all data storage needs. It is important to consider these risks and limitations before relying solely on a SIM card backup for storing important data.

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