How to Recover .SN2 Files After Formatting a Laptop Hard Drive

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 .SN2 file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Recover .SN2 Files After Formatting a Laptop Hard Drive
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What is a .SN2 file?

Second differential backup created by Drive Snapshot; created after the primary .SNA backup and the first .SN1 backup files have been saved; contains only files and folders that have been changed since the first differential backup; can be mounted like a physical disk when opened with the Drive Snapshot program.

What Are Common Causes of ".SN2" Files Lost or Failure?

There can be several common causes for ".SN2" files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".SN2" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer storage.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware can lead to file corruption or loss. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, or faulty hardware components.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt files, including ".SN2" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system can cause files to become inaccessible or get deleted.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of files, such as forceful closure of applications or improper ejection of storage devices, can result in file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can cause ".SN2" files to become unreadable or get deleted.
  7. Human error: Human mistakes, such as accidentally formatting the wrong drive or overwriting files, can lead to the loss of ".SN2" files.
  8. Storage media failure: If the storage device where the ".SN2" files are stored (such as a hard drive or USB flash drive) fails, it can result in data loss.
  9. Synchronization issues: If ".SN2" files are being synchronized or backed up to a cloud storage service, issues with the synchronization process can cause file loss or failure.

It is always recommended to regularly back up important files, including ".SN2" files, to prevent data loss in case of any unforeseen issues.

How to recover lost ".SN2" 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 ".SN2" 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 ".SN2" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SN2" 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 ".SN2" 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™ 5.0
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 ".SN2" 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 ".SN2" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo drive Snapshot Second Differential Backup image file file?

Programs that open ".SN2" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Drive Snapshot Second Differential Backup

  • File extension: .SN2

  • Developer: Tom Ehlert

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:34 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SN2 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 purpose of a .SN2 backup file?

    A .SN2 backup file is typically associated with the software program "NotePad++." The purpose of this backup file is to provide a copy of the original file in case of accidental data loss or corruption. When you save a file in NotePad++, it automatically creates a backup with the .SN2 extension. This backup file serves as a safety net, allowing you to restore the previous version of the file if needed.

  • How can I create a .SN2 backup file for my data?

    To create a .SN2 backup file for your data, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install and open the software or application that supports .SN2 backup files. Usually, these files are associated with specific programs or devices, such as Samsung Kies or Samsung Smart Switch.
    2. Connect the device or storage medium that contains the data you want to back up. This could be a smartphone, tablet, external hard drive, or any other compatible device.
    3. Launch the backup software and ensure that it recognizes your connected device. It should display the device's name or model number.
    4. Look for the backup option within the software's interface. It might be labeled as "Backup," "Create Backup," or something similar. Click on it to proceed.
    5. Select the data you want to include in the backup. This can vary depending on the software, but common options include contacts, messages, photos, videos, documents, and settings.
    6. Choose the destination or storage location for the backup file. You can typically select a specific folder on your computer or an external storage device.
    7. Specify the backup file format as .SN2. Some backup software might automatically use this format, while others may require you to select it explicitly. If .SN2 is not available, check if there is an alternative backup format recommended by the software.
    8. Start the backup process and wait for it to complete. The time required will depend on the amount of data being backed up.
    9. Once the backup is finished, verify that the .SN2 file has been created in the chosen destination folder. You can check the file properties or search for it using the file explorer.

    Remember to store the backup file in a safe location, preferably separate from the original data, to ensure its availability for future use or restoration.

  • Are there any specific software or tools required to restore data from a .SN2 backup file?

    Yes, to restore data from a .SN2 backup file, you will need to use the appropriate software or tools. The .SN2 file format is associated with Samsung Kies, which is a software application used to manage data on Samsung mobile devices. To restore data from a .SN2 backup file, you will need to have Samsung Kies installed on your computer. Once installed, you can use Samsung Kies to restore the backup file and retrieve the data.
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