How to Recover .VST3 Files from a Faulty USB Stick or External Device

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 .VST3 file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .VST3 Files from a Faulty USB Stick or External Device
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .VST3 file?

A VST3 file is a plugin used by various digital audio workstations DAWs, such as Steinberg Cubase and Image-Line FL Studio. It contains information about an instrument or audio effect typically used to modify recorded sounds. VST3 files are saved in the VST 3 (Virtual Studio Technology 3) standard.

What Are Common Causes of ".VST3" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".VST3" file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".VST3" files while cleaning up their computer or organizing files, leading to their loss.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Problems with the digital audio workstation (DAW) software or hardware can cause ".VST3" files to become corrupted or inaccessible.
  3. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or corruption, can result in the loss or failure of ".VST3" files.
  4. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software can infect and damage ".VST3" files, rendering them unusable.
  5. Improper installation or uninstallation: Incorrect installation or removal of VST plugins can lead to the loss or failure of ".VST3" files.
  6. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes while working with ".VST3" files can cause data loss or corruption.
  7. File conflicts: If multiple plugins or software applications try to access the same ".VST3" file simultaneously, it can lead to conflicts and potential file loss.
  8. Storage device failure: If the storage device where ".VST3" files are stored (such as a hard drive or SSD) fails or becomes damaged, it can result in the loss of these files.

To prevent such issues, it is advisable to regularly back up ".VST3" files and maintain good file management practices.

How to recover lost ".VST3" 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 ".VST3" 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 ".VST3" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".VST3" 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 ".VST3" 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 ".VST3" 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 ".VST3" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo vST 3 Audio Plugin image file file?

Programs that open ".VST3" files

Windows
Steinberg Cubase Steinberg Cubase
Mac
Steinberg Cubase Steinberg Cubase
Image-Line FL Studio Image-Line FL Studio

Additional Information

  • File type: VST 3 Audio Plugin

  • File extension: .VST3

  • Developer: Steinberg

  • Category: Plugin Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 11:58 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .VST3 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 the ".VST3 Recovery" file and how does it work?

    The ".VST3 Recovery" file is created by certain digital audio workstations (DAWs) or VST3 plugin hosts to recover from a crash or unexpected termination. VST3 (Virtual Studio Technology 3) is a plugin format used in audio production software.

    When a DAW or VST3 host crashes, it may leave some VST3 plugins in an unstable state. To ensure stability and prevent further issues, the host software creates a ".VST3 Recovery" file. This file contains information about the crashed plugins, their current state, and any necessary recovery actions.

    Upon restarting the DAW or VST3 host, it checks for the presence of the ".VST3 Recovery" file. If found, it attempts to recover the plugins mentioned in the file. The host software reads the recovery instructions and performs necessary actions to restore the plugins to a stable state, such as resetting their parameters or reloading necessary resources. This recovery process helps to avoid potential crashes or errors caused by the unstable state of the plugins.

    Overall, the purpose of the ".VST3 Recovery" file is to ensure the stability and reliability of VST3 plugins after a crash, allowing the user to continue working without losing progress or encountering further issues.

  • How can I recover a corrupted or missing ".VST3 Recovery" file in my digital audio workstation (DAW)?

    If you are experiencing a corrupted or missing ".VST3 Recovery" file in your DAW, you can try the following steps to recover it:

    1. Restart your computer: Sometimes, a simple restart can fix temporary issues with missing or corrupted files.
    2. Check the recycle bin or trash folder: If you accidentally deleted the ".VST3 Recovery" file, it might be in your computer's recycle bin or trash folder. Restore it from there.
    3. Reinstall the affected plugin: If the ".VST3 Recovery" file is associated with a specific plugin, try reinstalling that plugin. Uninstall the plugin first, then download and install the latest version from the official website of the plugin manufacturer.
    4. Restore from a backup: If you have a backup of your DAW project or the plugin folder, you can restore the ".VST3 Recovery" file from there. Replace the corrupted or missing file with the backup copy.
    5. Contact the plugin manufacturer: If none of the above steps work, reach out to the plugin manufacturer's support team. They may have specific troubleshooting steps or provide you with a replacement ".VST3 Recovery" file.
    6. Use file recovery software: If you have exhausted all other options and the file is critical, you can try using file recovery software. These tools scan your computer's storage for deleted or corrupted files and attempt to recover them. However, note that the success of file recovery software depends on various factors, so there is no guarantee of recovering the file.

    Remember to always back up your important files, including your DAW projects and plugin files, to avoid data loss in the future.

  • Are there any potential risks or limitations associated with using a ".VST3 Recovery" file for plugin recovery in a DAW?

    There are a few potential risks and limitations associated with using a ".VST3 Recovery" file for plugin recovery in a DAW:

    1. Compatibility: The ".VST3 Recovery" file may not be compatible with all DAWs or versions of the same DAW. It is important to ensure that the recovery file is compatible with your specific DAW before attempting to use it.
    2. Plugin Version: The recovery file may only work for a specific version of the plugin. If you have a different version installed, the recovery file may not be able to restore your settings or preferences correctly.
    3. Incomplete Recovery: While the recovery file may restore some settings and preferences, it may not be able to recover all customizations or configurations made to the plugin. This can result in a loss of specific settings or presets.
    4. Data Loss: In some cases, attempting to use a recovery file may result in data loss or corruption. It is always recommended to create backups of your projects and plugins before attempting any recovery procedures.
    5. Third-Party Plugins: If the recovery file is for a third-party plugin, it may not be readily available or supported by the plugin developer. In such cases, it may be challenging to find a recovery file or receive support for recovering your plugin settings.

    It is important to note that the availability and effectiveness of a ".VST3 Recovery" file may vary depending on the specific plugin, DAW, and circumstances. It is always recommended to follow the instructions provided by the plugin developer or contact their support for assistance in case of any issues.
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