Retrieving Lost .YKCOL Files from Damaged SD 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 .YKCOL file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Retrieving Lost .YKCOL Files from Damaged SD Cards

What is a .YKCOL file?

A YKCOL file is a file encrypted by the Locky Virus, a trojan horse utilized by cybercriminals. It contains a user's file, such as a .PDF or .WMV file, encrypted with the Locky Virus. YKCOL files became prevalent in 2017 and are similar to .LOCKY files.

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

There could be several common causes for ".YKCOL" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".YKCOL" files while organizing or cleaning up their computer systems.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as power outages, hardware failure, or software errors. This corruption can lead to the loss or failure of ".YKCOL" files.
  3. Virus or malware attack: Malicious software can infect and damage files on a computer system, including ".YKCOL" files. Viruses or malware can corrupt or delete these files, rendering them inaccessible.
  4. Operating system issues: Problems with the operating system, such as crashes or errors, can result in the loss or failure of ".YKCOL" files.
  5. Hardware failure: Issues with the computer's hardware components, such as a failing hard drive or faulty storage device, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".YKCOL" files.
  6. Software conflicts: Incompatibility or conflicts between different software applications can cause errors or corruption in ".YKCOL" files.
  7. Human error: Users may accidentally overwrite or modify ".YKCOL" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  8. Unintentional formatting: Formatting a storage device without proper backup can result in the loss of all files stored on it, including ".YKCOL" files.

It is important to regularly back up important files to prevent permanent loss in case of any of these causes.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo locky Ransomware Encrypted File image file file?

Programs that open ".YKCOL" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Locky Ransomware Encrypted File

  • File extension: .YKCOL

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Encoded Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:09 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .YKCOL 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 are some common causes for encountering problems when trying to open .YKCOL files?

    There are several common causes for encountering problems when trying to open .YKCOL files:

    1. File corruption: The .YKCOL file may have become corrupted due to various reasons like incomplete downloads, transmission errors, or storage issues. In such cases, the file may not open properly or may display errors.
    2. Incorrect file association: If your computer does not have the appropriate software installed to open .YKCOL files, you may encounter problems. The file may try to open with the default program, which might not be compatible with the file format.
    3. Outdated software: If you are using an outdated version of the software associated with .YKCOL files, it may not support the file format. This can lead to errors or the inability to open the file.
    4. Incompatible software: Some .YKCOL files may require specific software or plugins to be installed in order to open them. If you don't have the necessary software or the correct version, you may face difficulties opening the file.
    5. File format mismatch: If the .YKCOL file is not in the format that your software expects, it may not open properly. This can happen if the file is mislabeled or if it was saved in an incompatible format.
    6. File encryption or protection: If the .YKCOL file is encrypted or protected, you may need a password or special permissions to access and open it. Without the necessary credentials, you may encounter problems opening the file.
    7. File compatibility issues: .YKCOL files may be created using software that is not widely supported or recognized. This can lead to difficulties opening the file on different systems or with different software.

    If you encounter problems opening .YKCOL files, it is recommended to check for file corruption, ensure you have the correct software installed, update your software to the latest version, verify file compatibility, and check for any encryption or protection requirements.

  • Are there any specific troubleshooting steps or solutions available to fix issues with opening .YKCOL files?

    There are several troubleshooting steps and solutions you can try to fix issues with opening .YKCOL files:

    1. Confirm the File Extension: Ensure that the file extension is indeed .YKCOL and not a typo or a different file format. Double-check the file extension to make sure it is correct.
    2. Use the Correct Program: Determine the program that is designed to open .YKCOL files. If you are unsure, research the file type and find the appropriate software to open it. Alternatively, try opening the file with different programs to see if any of them can recognize and open it.
    3. Update Software: Ensure that the software associated with .YKCOL files is up to date. Outdated software may have compatibility issues with newer file versions. Update the software to the latest version and try opening the file again.
    4. Convert the File: If you cannot find a specific program to open .YKCOL files, you can try converting the file to a different format using a file conversion tool or online converter. Once converted, you may be able to open the file with a different program.
    5. Scan for Malware: It is possible that the .YKCOL file is infected with malware, which can cause issues with opening it. Run a thorough scan of your system using reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any potential threats.
    6. Check File Integrity: If you received the .YKCOL file from someone else, verify its integrity. It is possible that the file is corrupted or incomplete, preventing it from being opened. Request a new copy of the file and try opening it again.
    7. Seek Expert Help: If none of the above steps work, consider reaching out to a technical expert or the support team of the software associated with .YKCOL files. They may provide specific guidance or solutions tailored to the file type or software you are using.
  • Are there any alternative file formats or software programs that can be used to open .YKCOL files if the problem persists?

    No, there are no known alternative file formats or software programs specifically designed to open .YKCOL files. If you are unable to open a .YKCOL file, it is likely that it is either a proprietary file format or a file with a different extension altogether. In such cases, it is recommended to contact the source or creator of the file for further assistance.

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