How to Restore .SWM Files from a Formatted Drive with Data Recovery 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 .SWM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Restore .SWM Files from a Formatted Drive with Data Recovery Tools

What is a .SWM file?

File created by ImageX, a command-line program that allows users to create Windows disk images; contains one of multiple part files that have been split from a .WIM file; commonly used to create multiple smaller CD image files from a larger WIM file located on a DVD.

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

There are several common causes of ".SWM" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SWM" files while trying to clean up their storage or organizing files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the software or hardware on a computer can lead to ".SWM" file loss or failure. This can include issues with the operating system, file system errors, or hardware malfunctions.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can corrupt or delete ".SWM" files, making them inaccessible or unusable.
  4. Power outages or system crashes: Unexpected power outages or system crashes can interrupt the file saving process, leading to ".SWM" file loss or corruption.
  5. File system formatting: Formatting a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of all files, including ".SWM" files.
  6. Disk errors: Physical errors on the storage device, such as bad sectors or disk failures, can cause ".SWM" files to become unreadable or lost.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally formatting the wrong storage device or performing incorrect file operations, can result in ".SWM" file loss.
  8. Corrupted or incompatible software: Using incompatible or faulty software to create, modify, or extract ".SWM" files can lead to corruption or loss of the files.
  9. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of ".SWM" files.
  10. Unreliable storage media: Using unreliable or failing storage media, such as a damaged hard drive or a faulty USB drive, can lead to ".SWM" file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo split Windows Imaging Format File image file file?

Programs that open ".SWM" files

Windows
Microsoft ImageX Microsoft ImageX
ExtractNow ExtractNow

Additional Information

  • File type: Split Windows Imaging Format File

  • File extension: .SWM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Disk Image Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 16:06 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SWM 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 ".SWM backup" file and how does it differ from other backup file formats?

    A ".SWM backup" file is a file format used for backup purposes. SWM stands for Split WIM (Windows Imaging Format), which is a file format introduced by Microsoft for capturing and deploying Windows operating system images.

    The SWM backup file format differs from other backup file formats in the way it handles large files. When creating a backup using SWM, the backup image is split into multiple smaller files, each with a maximum size of 4 GB (or as specified by the user). These smaller files are then given the .SWM file extension.

    This splitting of the backup image into smaller files allows for easier storage and transfer, especially when dealing with large backup sizes. It also enables the backup to be stored on devices or file systems that have limitations on file size.

    To restore the backup, all the .SWM files must be present in the same location, and the backup software or tools capable of handling SWM files are required to merge the split files back into a single backup image for restoration.

    It's important to note that the SWM backup file format is specific to Windows operating systems and is primarily used for system image backups. Other backup file formats, such as ZIP, TAR, or proprietary formats like .bkf (Windows Backup Utility), may be used for different types of backups or by different backup software.

  • How can I create a ".SWM backup" file for my computer system?

    To create a ".SWM backup" file for your computer system, you can use the built-in Windows Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool. Here's a step-by-step guide:

    1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator. To do this, press the Windows key, type "Command Prompt," right-click on it, and select "Run as administrator."
    2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:

    ```

    dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile: /CaptureDir: /Name:

    ```

    Replace `` with the desired location and name for your backup file, `` with the directory or drive you want to back up, and `` with a name for your backup.

    For example:

    ```

    dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile:C:Backup.swm /CaptureDir:C: /Name:MyBackup

    ```

    1. DISM will start capturing the image of the specified directory or drive and create the .SWM backup file. This process may take some time depending on the size of your backup.
    2. Once the process is complete, you will have a .SWM backup file at the specified location. You can use this file to restore your system if needed.

    Note: Creating a system backup requires administrative privileges, and it's recommended to perform the backup on an external storage device or a separate drive to ensure the backup file is safe in case of system failure.

  • Are there any specific software programs or tools that can be used to open and restore data from a ".SWM backup" file?

    Yes, there are specific software programs and tools that can be used to open and restore data from a ".SWM backup" file. One such tool is the "Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD)".

    ICD is a tool provided by Microsoft that allows you to create and modify Windows images, including backup files with the ".SWM" extension. It can be used to open and restore data from these backup files.

    To use ICD, you need to follow these steps:

    1. Download and install the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit (ADK) from the Microsoft website. Make sure to select the "Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer" component during the installation process.
    2. Once the ADK is installed, launch the "Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer" application.
    3. In the ICD application, go to "Open Configuration File" and browse to the location of your ".SWM backup" file.
    4. Select the backup file and click "Open". This will open the backup file in ICD.
    5. In ICD, you can explore the contents of the backup file and restore specific data or settings as needed.

    It's important to note that the Windows Imaging and Configuration Designer (ICD) tool is primarily intended for IT professionals and system administrators. It may require some technical knowledge and familiarity with Windows imaging and deployment processes.

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