DiskDigger FAQ

  • What versions of Windows does DiskDigger run on?
    • DiskDigger will run on Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7 (32 and 64-bit), Windows Vista (32 and 64-bit), and Windows XP.
      • The only additional system requirement is 4 GB of RAM. Additional RAM may be required depending on the complexity of the disk being scanned (i.e. the number of files on the disk) - the requirement is roughly 500 MB of RAM per million files on the disk. This is because DiskDigger holds metadata about each file in memory while the scan is performed.
    • Looking for the Android version of the DiskDigger? Here is the FAQ for that.
  • Does it run on Mac and/or Linux?
    • It sure does. Here are guides to get it running on Linux and Mac OS X.
  • How do I install it?
    • There is nothing to install. After downloading the Zip file, extract DiskDigger.exe and run it!
  • I'm running Windows XP, and nothing happens when I launch DiskDigger.
    • Make sure that you have .NET version 4.0 installed. You can download .NET from Microsoft.
  • The program shows the error "The application failed to initialize properly (0xc0000135)" when trying to run it.
    • DiskDigger requires the Microsoft .NET Framework to be installed on your computer. Newer versions of Windows (Vista and above) have .NET installed by default, but some installations of Windows XP may not have it installed. You can download .NET from Microsoft.
  • Is DiskDigger free?
    • When using it in Windows, DiskDigger is free for downloading, scanning your disk, and previewing any recoverable files. However, when saving the recoverable files, the program strongly encourages you to purchase a personal license. To use the program for commercial purposes, you must purchase a commercial license. (When using DiskDigger in Linux, it's completely free.)
  • What's the benefit of purchasing a license key?
    • Without a license key, DiskDigger will pop up an annoying message box that gently reminds you to purchase a key. It does, of course, allow you to continue without a key, and even proceeds to recover your files. However, it will keep popping up the message box for every file you're trying to recover. So just buy a license key already! It's a lot less expensive than comparable utilities out there.
  • But I don't feel like purchasing a license key. Can you convince me?
    • OK, fine. Think about this for a second: how much are your lost files worth to you? Whether it's your family's vacation photos, your Master's thesis, or that footage you took of the Ravenous Bugblatter Beast of Traal, each of these things has intrinsic value (or else you wouldn't be trying to recover it!). So then, let's convert that intrinsic value into a meaningful way for you to say "Thank you" for getting your files back. Aren't your lost files worth the equivalent of a couple beers at the pub? Well then, think of purchasing a license key as buying me a drink or two. Keep in mind that similar utilities cost way more than what I'm asking, and probably do a lot less.
  • When does a license key expire?
    • The license key will expire with the next major release of the program. Minor releases and updates to the current version will continue to work with the same license key. Rest assured, the next major release probably won't occur for a long while, and I'll give notifications well in advance of a major release, so there is no need to worry that a license key will expire without warning.
  • But aren't there utilities out there that do this kind of stuff for free?
    • Technically, yes. But DiskDigger is more powerful, more intuitive, and generally better than the completely free tools (as well as most, if not all, paid tools). If you feel that it's not, I would love to hear why!
  • How do I uninstall it?
    • Just delete the executable file (DiskDigger.exe). There's nothing else to uninstall! If you have purchased a license key, you can delete it from your computer by clicking on the About button in the program, then clicking the Delete License button.
  • I have purchased a license, but haven't received it in my email!
    • First, please check your spam/junk folder. If it's not there, please send me an email with your order number, and I'll send your license key.
  • Is it possible to get a refund after purchasing a license key?
    • You may request a refund up to thirty (30) days after purchase.
  • Does the program "phone home" for any reason?
    • DiskDigger does not send any analytics or telemetry data. It only connects to the Internet for verifying your license key (if you choose to purchase one), or if you click the "Check for updates" button in the About box. Now stop worrying.