Fast and Effective Ways to Recover .ZONE.IDENTIFIER Files from System Errors

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

Fast and Effective Ways to Recover .ZONE.IDENTIFIER Files from System Errors

What is a .ZONE.IDENTIFIER file?

File that contains metadata describing the security zones associated with another file; generated automatically when a file is downloaded from the Internet or received as an email attachment; often created by Internet Explorer.

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

The ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files are created by Windows operating system to identify the security zone from which a file originated. These files are usually stored in the same directory as the downloaded file and contain information about the source of the file, such as the website or network location.

There are several common causes for the loss or failure of ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files:

  1. File transfer: If the file is transferred to a different location or system that does not support or recognize ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files, the files may be lost or ignored.
  2. File compression: If the file is compressed or archived using certain tools or methods, the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files may not be preserved or extracted along with the main file.
  3. File manipulation: If the file is moved, renamed, or modified manually, the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files may be accidentally deleted or separated from the main file.
  4. Anti-virus or security software: Some security software may consider ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files as potentially harmful or suspicious and automatically remove or quarantine them.
  5. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as disk corruption or errors, can cause the loss or corruption of ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files.
  6. Operating system updates: Certain updates or changes to the Windows operating system may alter the handling or recognition of ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files, leading to their loss or failure.

It's important to note that the loss or failure of ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files does not typically affect the functionality or usability of the main file. However, it may impact the security warnings or prompts that are normally associated with files downloaded from the internet.

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

Use programs for recovering ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" 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 ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" 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 ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" 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 ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Zone Identifier File image file file?

Programs that open ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Zone Identifier File

  • File extension: .ZONE.IDENTIFIER

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: N/A

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:52 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .ZONE.IDENTIFIER 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 ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file?

    The ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file is a metadata file created by the Windows operating system. Its purpose is to store information about the security zone from which a file was downloaded or accessed.

    When you download a file from the internet or copy it from an external source, Windows assigns a security zone to it based on its location. These zones include Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted Sites. Each zone has different security settings and restrictions.

    The ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file is created alongside the downloaded or copied file, and it contains the security zone information. This file helps Windows determine the appropriate security settings to apply to the file when it is opened or executed.

    By using the security zone information stored in the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file, Windows can apply the appropriate security measures to protect the system from potentially harmful files.

  • How can I create a backup of the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file?

    To create a backup of the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Open the folder containing the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file.
    2. Right-click on the file and select "Copy" from the context menu.
    3. Navigate to the desired backup location, such as an external hard drive or a different folder on your computer.
    4. Right-click in the backup location and select "Paste" to create a copy of the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file.

    Now you have successfully created a backup of the ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file.

  • Is it possible to restore a ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file if the original file gets corrupted or deleted?

    No, it is not possible to restore a ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER backup" file if the original file gets corrupted or deleted. The ".ZONE.IDENTIFIER" file is a metadata file created by Windows when a file is downloaded from the internet or copied from a different source. It contains information about the security zone from which the file originated. It does not serve as a backup or contain the actual contents of the original file. If the original file is corrupted or deleted, you would need to rely on other backup methods or data recovery techniques to restore the file.

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