How to Recover Deleted INX Files

What Is INX File Format?

The .inx file extension was developed by Adoble, most associated with InDesign, known as Adoble InDesign Interchange Files, categorized as Page Layout Files. The INX files are documents exported in XML format and include information on the pages, page content, text frames, colors, margins, guides, and other important elements.

Most of the InDesign CS2 files are exported in INX format and can be accessed through InDesign CS. It recognizes all page contents and formatting except for the features only available in InDesign CS2 alone such as the footnotes, tracked changes, imported PSD files with layers, SING glyphlets, etc.

Common Reasons for INX File Deletion

Several factors can lead to the deletion of INX files. Some common reasons include:

• Human error, such as accidental deletion, formatting, etc.
• Sudden power outage or system shutdown.
• Software glitches.
• Virus or malware attacks.
• Storage device failure or damage.
• ...

How to Recover Deleted INX Files

To recover deleted INX files, the first place is to check the Recycle Bin folder. If you find it there, simply restore your files to its original location. If not, continue to check the items below:

① Do you have any backup? InDesign offers users an automatic recovery feature to protect against unexpected power or system failures. In addition, if you enable Backup and Restore, File History, or third-party software like AOMEI Backupper Standard, you can also restore from them.

② Have your files been permanently deleted? If your files are not in the Recycle Bin or Adobe InDesign’s recovery folder, they are likely to be permanently deleted. In this case, restoring files backup images, or employing professional data recovery software will be a great choice.

Way 1: Restore from InDesign Automatic Recovery Feature

If there are any unexpected power or system failures, you can choose to recover Adobe InDesign files from its automatic recovery feature. It will save your changes every minute and store them in a temporary file, separating them from the original document.

Step 1. Restart your system after unexpected power or system failures.

Step 2. Then, open InDesign. It will check the recovery folder and display the recovered document. Its file name usually ends up with the “Recovered” word. Open it and click File > Save as.

Step 3. Specify a new location and click Save.

Or you can directly go to the InDesign recovery folder location and check if there are unsaved INX files. The path is: C:\Users\[User Name]\AppData\Local\Adobe\InDesign\Version [#].0\en_US\Caches\InDesign Recovery.

Way 2: Recover Previous Versions of INX Files

If you enable the File History feature, it will save a copy of your files and allows you to restore them to previous versions.

Step 1. Start File Explorer. Locate the folder containing deleted INX files.

Step 2. Right-click this folder and select Properties.

Step 3. In the Previous Version tab, check the folder version and select the previous one. Finally, click Restore.

Way 3: Recover Deleted INX using Backup and Restore (Windows 7)

Backup and Restore is a built-in Windows backup utility to help you backup and restore files on local disk. It was released in Windows 7 and later kept in Windows 8, 10, and 11 with new name - Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Try it if you create a file backup in advance.

Step 1. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7). Then, click Restore my files.

Step 2. In the Restore Files window, you can search or browse for VWX files and folders to restore.

• Search: type part of the name of the files and select the deleted files to restore.
• Browse for files: navigate to the folder containing deleted files and select it. Then, click Add Files.
• Browse for folders: select the entire folder with deleted files.  

Step 3. Select a location to restore deleted INX files. You can choose the original location or browse to a new location. Then, click Start Restore.

Way 4: Recover Adobe InDesign Files using Data Recovery Software

If the INX files are deleted permanently, don't worry, you still can rely on powerful data recovery software to scan your disk thoroughly and search for deleted files. We recommend you use MyRecover, a dedicated Windows backup software, which even allows you to preview files before recovery.

• Have a high success rate and fast recovery speed.
• Recover deleted files in over 200 file formats, such as XML, INX, VWX, JPG, SVG, HEIF, AVI, MP4, DOCX, TXT, XLS etc.
• Filter specific file types, such as images, videos, documents, audio, mails, etc. You can also set the date modified and size.
• Keep the recovered files with their original file name, path, format, and quality, depending on the storage device you are using.
• Support Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Windows 11, and Windows Server.

In addition, the software does not require technical expertise and is friendly to novices, making the recovery process seamless. Please download this professional Windows data recovery software to have a try!

Step 1. Launch Windows data recovery software - MyRecover. Then, select your disk and click Start Scan.

Step 2. It will run Quick Scan and Deep Scan automatically to find out all the deleted or lost files including the INX files. To locate them quickly, use the Filter feature or go to the original location in the left panel.

Step 3. Select your desired files and then click Recover x files to recover deleted INX files. You will then be asked to select a location. Please select a new location instead of the original location to prevent potential data overwriting.

Notes:  

• The restore button will display the number of selected files and their full size. You can use it to determine the integrity of the recovered files.
• You can perform INX file recovery for free, up to 30MB. Once exceeded, please upgrade to the advanced editions.
• In addition, you still can use this software to recover different file types, such as Recover deleted X3F, 3FR, WMV, DBF, ASPX, LAB, etc.

How to Open INX File

The simplest method is to double-click the .inx file. If your file associations are set correctly, the .inx file will be open. If not, right-click it and select Open with. Pick the right software to open your .inx file, such as Adobe InDesign, Galvanize ACL, Inkscape, Sublime Text, Vim, etc.

Among them, only Adobe InDesign has full permission to access your INX file. If you don’t have a full version of this software, you can download its free version on the official website. It allows you to do a quick edit on the INX file.

Prevention Tips to Avoid INX File Deletion

Taking precautions can help you avoid the stress of INX file deletion in the future. Here are some helpful tips:

1. Be Cautious with Deletion

When deleting files, double-check if there are any important files, such as INX files. Not using the full format method unless necessary. A little caution can go a long way in preventing accidental deletion.

2. Run Antivirus Software Regularly

Virus or malware infection is a common reason of INX file deletion. To avoid this, it’s suggested to employ reliable antivirus software, such as Windows Defender, and scan your disk regularly to be sure your files are always safe.

3. Regular Backups

Make it a habit to back up your critical files regularly. You can then recover deleted files in the event of any disaster. A user-friendly Windows backup software like AOMEI Backupper Standard makes it easy, and especially useful for newbies.

Conclusion

Losing INX files can be troublesome, but with the right approach, you can recover deleted INX files easily and quickly. Always check the Recycle Bin first, and if needed, employ reliable file recovery software.

Additionally, to prevent data from deleting in the future, it’s suggested to backup your INX files immediately after recovery. At the same time, you need to be cautious with deletion, run antivirus software regularly, etc.

FAQs