PQI File – What is .pqi file and how to open it?


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PQI File Extension

PowerQuest Drive Image – file format by Symantec

PQI (PowerQuest Drive Image) is a file extension developed by Symantec for backup images created using PowerQuest Drive Image software. These images are used to create full, sector-by-sector backups of hard drives.

PQI File Format

A PQI file is a proprietary file format developed by Symantec, primarily associated with their PowerQuest Drive Image software. This file format serves as a compressed archive containing a complete image of a hard drive or partition. PQI files are typically used for backup and recovery purposes, allowing users to create a compressed snapshot of their storage device and restore it if necessary.

The PQI file format employs a proprietary compression algorithm to reduce the size of the archived image. This compression minimizes the disk space required for storage while maintaining the integrity of the data. PQI files can be encrypted to protect the stored data from unauthorized access, enhancing security and safeguarding sensitive information. Additionally, PQI files support incremental backups, enabling users to efficiently update the archive with new or modified data, minimizing storage consumption and streamlining the backup process.

What is a .PQI File?

A PQI file extension stands for PowerQuest Drive Image, a file format developed by Symantec. It is a disk image file that contains an exact copy of the contents of a hard drive or partition. PQI files are typically used to create backups of important data or to transfer data between computers.

How to Open a .PQI File

There are several different ways to open a .PQI file. One option is to use the PowerQuest Drive Image software that was used to create the file. This software is available for free from the Symantec website. Another option is to use a third-party disk imaging software. There are many different disk imaging software programs available, both free and paid. Some popular options include:

Once you have installed a disk imaging software program, you can open a .PQI file by following these steps:

  1. Launch the disk imaging software program.
  2. Click on the “Open” menu and select the .PQI file that you want to open.
  3. The disk imaging software program will then open the .PQI file and display its contents.

PQI File Format

The PQI (PowerQuest Drive Image) file format is associated with PowerQuest Drive Image, a disk imaging software developed by Symantec. It is a container format used to store an exact copy of a computer’s hard drive or partition, including the operating system, applications, and data. PQI files provide a means of data backup and recovery, allowing users to create an image of their system and restore it in case of data loss or system failure.

PQI files employ a proprietary compression algorithm to reduce the file size while preserving the integrity of the data. They also support incremental backups, where only changes made since the last backup are saved, thereby saving storage space and backup time. PQI files can be encrypted for added security, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. Additionally, they can be split into smaller parts for easier transfer and storage on multiple devices.

Other Extensions