What the results mean
Cut short (incomplete)
The file ends before its own end marker. This happens when a copy to a pen drive is interrupted, a download fails, or a card is pulled out too early. The beginning of the file is fine; the rest has to come from the original device — so do not format the card or drive the file came from.
Damaged inside
A checksum does not match, or a section points to data that is not there. For Word and Excel files this is the classic "the file is corrupt and cannot be opened" message. Text and tables can often be rebuilt from the parts that are still intact.
Video will not play
Phones, dashcams and cameras write the video index at the very end of recording. If the battery dies or the card is removed, the index is never written and no player can open the file — but the footage is still inside it.
Encrypted by ransomware
Files renamed with extensions like .djvu, .lockbit or .phobos have been encrypted. Some families encrypt only the first part of each file, which is why many photos and videos can still be partly or fully rebuilt. Disconnect the computer from the network and do not run unknown "decryptors".
Filled with zeros
The file has its full size but contains no data. It usually comes from a failing drive or an interrupted copy. Recover from the original device instead of the copied file.