Solving the Mystery of Missing .Z Files After a Power Surge

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

Solving the Mystery of Missing .Z Files After a Power Surge

What is a .Z file?

Compressed file used to store, or "pack," files on Unix-based machines; incorporates a simple compression algorithm that is used to archive files and save disk space; can be decompressed on a Unix system by typing uncompress filename.z

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

There are several common causes for ".Z" files to be lost or fail:

  1. Accidental deletion: The most common cause is accidental deletion by the user. If you mistakenly delete a ".Z" file, it will be permanently lost unless you have a backup.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Sometimes, software or hardware malfunctions can lead to the loss or failure of ".Z" files. This can occur due to system crashes, power outages, or issues with the storage device.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Viruses or malware can corrupt or delete files on your system, including ".Z" files. It is essential to have updated antivirus software to protect your files from such attacks.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system can cause ".Z" files to become inaccessible or corrupted. This can happen due to improper shutdowns, disk errors, or other issues with the file system.
  5. Incompatible software: If you try to open or manipulate a ".Z" file with incompatible software, it may result in file corruption or failure. Always ensure that you are using the correct software that supports ".Z" files.
  6. Transfer or download errors: Errors during file transfer or downloading can lead to incomplete or corrupted ".Z" files. This can happen due to network issues, interrupted connections, or errors in the transfer process.
  7. Physical damage to storage media: Physical damage to the storage device where the ".Z" files are stored can result in loss or failure. This can occur due to accidents, mishandling, or age-related issues with the storage media.

To prevent the loss or failure of ".Z" files, it is advisable to regularly back up your data, use reliable antivirus software, avoid using incompatible software, and handle storage devices with care.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo unix Compressed File image file file?

Programs that open ".Z" files

Windows
File Viewer Plus File Viewer Plus
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe for Windows Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe for Windows
Corel WinZip 23 Corel WinZip 23
WinRAR 5 WinRAR 5
7-Zip 7-Zip
Mac
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16 Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16
Incredible Bee Archiver Incredible Bee Archiver
The Unarchiver The Unarchiver
Linux
uncompress uncompress
gzip gzip
zcat zcat
znew znew
Archive Manager Archive Manager
Android
File Viewer for Android File Viewer for Android

Additional Information

  • File type: Unix Compressed File

  • File extension: .Z

  • Developer: N/A

  • Category: Compressed Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/x-compress

  • HEX: 1F 9D 90

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:56 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .Z 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 ".Z Recovery" and how does it work?

    ".Z Recovery" is a data compression algorithm used to compress and decompress files. It is designed to reduce the size of files for efficient storage and transmission.

    The algorithm works by analyzing the data and finding repeated patterns or sequences of characters. It then replaces these repetitive patterns with shorter codes, resulting in a compressed version of the file. When the compressed file needs to be accessed or used, it is decompressed using the same algorithm to restore the original data.

    The purpose of ".Z Recovery" is to save disk space or reduce bandwidth usage when transferring files over a network. By compressing files, it allows for more efficient storage and faster transmission.

  • What are the key features and benefits of using ".Z Recovery"?

    The key features and benefits of using ".Z Recovery" include:

    1. Comprehensive data recovery: ".Z Recovery" is designed to recover lost or deleted data from various storage devices such as hard drives, SSDs, USB drives, memory cards, and more. It can recover a wide range of file types including documents, photos, videos, audio files, and archives.
    2. Easy-to-use interface: The software provides a user-friendly interface that makes the recovery process simple and intuitive. Even users with limited technical knowledge can easily navigate through the recovery process without any hassle.
    3. Deep scan and quick recovery: ".Z Recovery" performs a deep scan of the selected storage device to locate and recover all possible lost or deleted files. It ensures a thorough search to maximize the chances of successful recovery. Additionally, it also offers a quick scan option for faster recovery of recently deleted files.
    4. Preview and selective recovery: One of the key benefits of using ".Z Recovery" is the ability to preview recoverable files before initiating the recovery process. This feature allows users to selectively recover only the desired files, saving time and storage space.
    5. Wide compatibility: The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac operating systems, making it accessible to a wide range of users. It supports various file systems including NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, HFS+, and APFS.
    6. Safe and secure: ".Z Recovery" ensures the safety of your data throughout the recovery process. It does not overwrite or modify the original data, minimizing the risk of further data loss. Additionally, it provides a read-only mode to prevent any accidental changes to the storage device.
    7. Technical support: The software typically offers technical support to assist users in case of any issues or queries. This ensures a smooth recovery process and provides peace of mind to users.

    Overall, ".Z Recovery" offers a reliable and efficient solution for data recovery, with its user-friendly interface, comprehensive scanning capabilities, selective recovery options, and compatibility with various operating systems and file systems.

  • Are there any limitations or considerations to keep in mind when implementing ".Z Recovery" for data or system recovery purposes?

    When implementing ".Z Recovery" for data or system recovery purposes, there are several limitations and considerations to keep in mind:

    1. Compatibility: Ensure that the recovery tool or software you are using supports the ".Z Recovery" format. Not all recovery tools may have built-in support for this specific format, so it is important to choose a tool that is compatible.
    2. File Integrity: While ".Z Recovery" can help recover lost or damaged data, it is not a guarantee of complete file integrity. The recovered files may still have some corruption or missing parts, depending on the extent of the damage.
    3. Fragmentation: If the data or system you are trying to recover is heavily fragmented, the recovery process may be more challenging. Fragmented files may result in incomplete or disjointed recovery, leading to potential data loss or inconsistency.
    4. Disk Space: ".Z Recovery" requires a sufficient amount of disk space to store the recovered files. Ensure that you have enough free space on the target storage device to accommodate the recovered data.
    5. Time and Resources: The recovery process using ".Z Recovery" may be time-consuming, especially for larger data sets or complex systems. Consider the time and resources required for recovery, including CPU power, memory, and storage.
    6. Backup Strategy: While ".Z Recovery" can be useful for recovering lost or damaged data, it should not replace a proper backup strategy. Regularly backing up your data to a separate and secure location is still the best practice to ensure data safety and minimize the need for recovery.
    7. Expertise: Implementing ".Z Recovery" may require technical expertise or knowledge of data recovery techniques. If you are not familiar with the process, it is advisable to consult with experts or professionals to ensure a successful recovery without further data loss.
    8. Legal Considerations: Depending on the nature of the data being recovered, there may be legal considerations to keep in mind. Ensure that you comply with any applicable laws or regulations regarding data privacy, security, or confidentiality.
    9. Testing: Before implementing ".Z Recovery" on critical systems or data, it is recommended to perform thorough testing in a controlled environment. This will help identify any potential issues or limitations and allow you to fine-tune the recovery process if needed.

    Overall, while ".Z Recovery" can be a valuable tool for data or system recovery, it is important to understand its limitations and consider these factors to ensure a successful recovery process.

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