Does this let me extract damaged files from my damaged devices?
Yes. Portable drives, SSDs, HDDs, USB sticks, microSD cards (and probably worth a try on hard-installed phone storage which can also get damaged over time – though untested).
What does this run on
Windows 7, 8, 10, 11. Linux (most flavours), MacOS.
Does this have a GUI interface or is it command line?
This is a command-line tool that comes with clear instructions on how to use it. Run it (DamagedFE.exe) without arguments and it will show the help screen.
There is a UI shell in the works but I may charge a small fee for that one down the road when its done. The core product is this command line tool available for free, right now.
What happens with files that are damaged?
There is an option to save these files into the destination (backup location) mirrored sub-directories, under a new folder that is called “FailedFiles“. This sub-folder will be created for every sub-folder you backup if any files could not be 100% extracted. You might get a 88% extraction on a jpeg, which is amazing and will allow the picture to render, versus the option of zero file at all, with most other tools.
In “FailedFiles”, you will see, specially for images like jpeg’s, that you can get almost the ENTIRE image back, it just looks distorted, and often you can salvage it with just basic drag and drop skills with a free photo editor like MS Paint, or just leave as is, with your friends now having a blue tinge to their skin.
What files can I Not extract?
You can extract any type of file (photos, games, business files, whatever). Some files are more sensitive to not being fully complete, however. Pictures work quite well, video’s get sketchy but that is separate issue – importantly, you extracted what you could and have something to work with.
Do I need to be an expert to use this tool?
No. You will need to know how to run a command line program, which I promise is learnable with low-effort, and your data is worth it.
See these youtube basics (timestamped) if you need: starting CLI apps on windows / or terminal on MacOS).
Can you extract stuff for me?
No sorry.
Can I use this in my business?
Yes. You’re welcome to be nice and link this website or mention the tool.
Where do I download it?
This is a filler question literally no human is dumb enough to ask this question. However, just in case:
Download the Damaged File Extractor tool.
Do I need to install this
This is a stand-alone exe tool that just runs. No need to install. Just download and run.
My Avast Anti-virus says this is a virus!
It is not virus. Some anti-virus products don’t like when you cram in everything that a program needs into the .exe file itself, as it detects a generic unpacking of those libraries from the exe file (so that it can reference them and run), and the anti-virus thinks it’s a virus unloading itself. It’s a stone-age anti-virus approach. I’ll apply one day to get an exception for this tool.
This tool is fantastic. I want to show appreciation!
Thank you. Please share with your friends. I don’t want money but getting a pat on the back by you sharing it on your social network would be nice, and appreciated!
Share the tool with your friends and favourite platform