How to Retrieve .TSK Files from an External Hard Drive After You Deleted Them

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

How to Retrieve .TSK Files from an External Hard Drive After You Deleted Them
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .TSK file?

Skin, or theme, created for a Pocket PC-based PDA; contains a control file, main background image, and menu background image

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

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

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".TSK" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer's storage.
  2. Software or hardware malfunction: System crashes, power outages, or hardware failures can cause ".TSK" files to become corrupted or lost.
  3. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and damage ".TSK" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  4. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as corruption or errors, can result in the loss or failure of ".TSK" files.
  5. Formatting or partitioning errors: Incorrect formatting or partitioning of a storage device can lead to the loss of ".TSK" files stored on it.
  6. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".TSK" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  7. Software conflicts: Incompatibility or conflicts between different software applications can cause ".TSK" files to become inaccessible or fail to open.
  8. Storage media failure: Physical damage or failure of the storage device where ".TSK" files are stored can result in their loss or failure.
  9. Synchronization errors: Errors during file synchronization processes, such as interrupted transfers or conflicts, can lead to the loss or failure of ".TSK" files.
  10. Unintentional formatting: Users may unintentionally format a storage device containing ".TSK" files, resulting in their loss.

It is always recommended to regularly backup important files, including ".TSK" files, to prevent data loss in case of any of these situations.

How to recover lost ".TSK" 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 ".TSK" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 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 ".TSK" file is always to create it once more.

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

Looking for how to open a stereo pocket PC Skin image file file?

Programs that open ".TSK" files

Windows
Microsoft ActiveSync Microsoft ActiveSync

Additional Information

  • File type: Pocket PC Skin

  • File extension: .TSK

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: N/A

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: 4D 53 43 46 00 00 00 00

  • ASCII: MSCF

  • File types that use the extension .TSK:

    • Pocket PC Skin

    • Top Silkscreen File

    • TTPod Skin

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:21 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .TSK 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 .TSK format and what is its purpose?

    The .TSK format is a file format used for storing themes or skins in Windows Mobile operating systems. It stands for "Theme Skin" or "Theme File."

    The purpose of the .TSK format is to customize the visual appearance of Windows Mobile devices, such as smartphones or PDAs. It contains various elements like wallpapers, icons, colors, sounds, and other graphical assets that can be applied to change the overall look and feel of the user interface.

    Users can download or create .TSK theme files and then apply them to their Windows Mobile devices to personalize the device's visual style. This allows users to change the colors, icons, backgrounds, and other visual elements to suit their preferences or create a cohesive aesthetic theme.

  • What are the advantages and disadvantages of using .TSK format for file storage?

    Advantages of using .TSK format for file storage:

    1. Compatibility: .TSK format is compatible with various operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS. This ensures that the files can be accessed and used across different platforms.
    2. Security: .TSK format supports encryption and password protection, which helps in securing sensitive data stored in the files. This can be particularly useful for confidential or private information.
    3. Compression: .TSK format allows for file compression, which can help in reducing the file size and saving storage space. Compressed files can be easily transferred or shared without losing data integrity.
    4. Organization: .TSK format supports the creation of folders and directories, enabling users to organize their files in a structured manner. This helps in efficient file management and retrieval.
    5. Metadata: .TSK format allows the inclusion of metadata, such as file descriptions, tags, and timestamps. This additional information can be helpful in categorizing and searching for specific files.

    Disadvantages of using .TSK format for file storage:

    1. Limited software support: .TSK format may not be supported by all software applications. This can restrict the compatibility and usability of the files, especially if specific software is required to access or modify them.
    2. Complexity: Working with .TSK format may require specialized knowledge or skills, as it often involves using dedicated software tools or commands. This complexity can be a barrier for users who are unfamiliar with the format.
    3. Performance: Depending on the size and complexity of the files, accessing or modifying .TSK format files can sometimes be slower compared to other file storage formats. This can be a disadvantage when dealing with large or resource-intensive files.
    4. Data loss risk: If a .TSK file becomes corrupted or damaged, there is a risk of losing the entire file or its contents. It is important to have proper backup and recovery mechanisms in place to mitigate this risk.
    5. Limited file types: .TSK format may not support all types of files, especially those with complex file structures or specific file extensions. This limitation can be a disadvantage if users need to store or access unsupported file types.
  • Are there any specific software or tools required to open and work with .TSK format files?

    Yes, there are specific software and tools required to open and work with .TSK format files. The .TSK file format is typically associated with Windows Mobile Theme Files, which are used to customize the appearance of Windows Mobile devices. To open and work with .TSK files, you can use the following software:

    1. Windows Mobile Device Center: This software allows you to connect and synchronize your Windows Mobile device with your computer. It also provides an interface to manage and install themes, including .TSK files.
    2. Theme Generator for Pocket PC: This tool allows you to create and modify Windows Mobile themes, including .TSK files. It provides a graphical user interface for designing and customizing the appearance of your Windows Mobile device.
    3. Pocket PC Theme Manager: This software helps you manage and install themes on your Windows Mobile device. It supports the .TSK file format and allows you to easily apply and switch between different themes.

    Note that these tools are specific to Windows Mobile devices and may not be compatible with other operating systems or file types.
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