How to Recover Deleted TPL Files (3 Methods)

What Are TPL Files?

TPL files are template files created and used by various types of applications, which save default settings for a document’s page layout, text, and other formatting. They are used to create documents with a similar style and structure. Here we refer to ArchiCAD.

When a user creates a new document or page, the TPL file provides a pre-defined layout and formatting, saving time and effort. Any changes made in the TPL file are automatically reflected in all documents associated with it.

However, sometimes, your TPL files may be deleted accidentally or unsaved, resulting in data loss. Please take a deep breath and calm down! This article will introduce you to the possible causes and how to recover deleted TPL files successfully.

Possible Causes of Deleted TPL

One of the common reasons for deleted TPL files is accidental deletion. Or you add new data to it or format the disk containing TPL files after data loss. It may cause data overwriting, making data recovery more difficult.

Sometimes, software glitches, system crashes, or bugs can result in the deletion of TPL files. Anyway, these files are not deleted permanently, you still can recover deleted TPL files using different methods.

How to Recover Deleted TPL

Here are 3 effective TPL file recovery methods to help you get your template files back quickly. Please always try the first one.

Way 1: Check Recycle Bin

All deleted files will go into the Recycle Bin folder and remain there for a while. Just double-click the Recycle Bin icon and locate your TPL files. If it is there, right-click it and select Restore.

Way 2: Recover Deleted TPL Files from Backup

If deleted file is not in Recycle Bin, it may be deleted permanently. You can then continue to check if you have any available backup. Starting from File History or Backup and Restore (Windows 7) will be a good choice.

From File History:

Step 1. Type file history in the search box and select Restore your files with file history.

Step 2. In the Control Panel, check if File History is on and select Restore personal files.

Step 3. Browse the most recent backup for deleted TPL files. Then, select it and click Restore.

From Backup and Restore:

Step 1. Navigate to Control Panel > System and Security and select Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Step 2. It will list the last backup if you enable this software. Then, click Restore my files.

Step 3. In the Restore Files window, you can search or browse for files and folders to restore.

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

Step 4. Select the original location or browse to a new location. Then, click Start Restore to restore deleted TPL files.

Way 3: Perform TPL File Recovery using Data Recovery Software

If the above method fails, consider using professional data recovery software. We recommend you use MyRecover. With the help of its two advanced scanning methods, it will scan your storage device thoroughly in Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10, Windows 11, etc. and search all the deleted or lost TPL files for recovery.

• Retrieve deleted or lost TPL in any scenario, such as accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, etc.
• Support a wide range of file types and formats including the TPL files.
• Filter file types like images, videos, documents, etc. quickly. You can also set the date modified and size.
• Keep your TPL files with their original file name, path, format, and quality, depending on the storage device you are using.
• Multiple storage devices compatible, including internal or external disk, USB drive, memory card, etc.

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. Hover the mouse over the drive saved deleted files before, and click Scan.

Step 2. It will run Quick Scan and Deep Scan automatically to find out all the deleted TPL 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 TPL 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 TPL file recovery for free, up to 500MB. 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.

If you fail to recover deleted TPL files using software or the situation is complex, it's wise to seek help from data recovery services, such as CBL, Ontrack, Geek Squad, etc. They usually employ experienced specialists and own advanced equipment to handle even the most challenging data recovery scenarios.

How to Prevent TPL Data Loss in the Future

You may not want to lose TPL files as it saves time and effort. The best practice is to create regular backups of your template files. Store them on two different locations and be sure one of them is offsite, such as external disk, network drive, cloud storage, etc. Try user-friendly Windows backup software - AOMEI Backupper Standard!

• With its File Backup feature, you can select any type of file or the entire folder.
• It supports all the recognized storage devices, such as external disk, USB drive, network drive, cloud storage, etc.
• You can set daily, weekly, monthly, etc backup tasks. It will track changes made later or the newly added files in the selected folder.
• By default, in a scheduled task, it will enable the incremental backup feature and backup only changed files automatically.

Step 1. Download and install AOMEI Backupper Standard. Then, click Backup and File Backup subsequently.

Step 2. To distinguish the backup task from others, you need to set a unique task name. Click Add Folder or Add File and select your important TPL files.

Step 3. Select a local path, network or NAS devices, or cloud drive to save a copy of your TPL files.

Step 4. To back up your files automatically, click Schedule Backup and enable Daily, Weekly, Monthly, Event triggers, or USB plug in.

Step 5. Confirm your backup settings and click Start Backup to create a full copy of them. It will then backup changes or new TPL files at the next scheduled time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TPL files are invaluable assets for maintaining consistency and efficiency in digital projects. While accidental deletion or other reasons might lead to TPL loss, there are ways to recover deleted TPL files. Always check the Recycle Bin first. In addition, remember to create a backup of your files after data recovery and make it a habit in the future.

FAQs

Q1: Can I recover TPL files after formatting my storage device?

This varies depending on the formatting method. Windows uses the quick format by default, which will not erase your data. It gives you a chance to recover deleted files from a formatted drive. Conversely, the full format method does not.

Q2: Are TPL files the same as HTML templates?

While both serve as templates, TPL files are specific to certain software applications, while HTML templates are primarily used for web development.

Q3: How often should I back up my TPL files?

The recommended frequency is to back up your TPL files at least once a week or before making significant changes to your templates.

Q4: How to open TPL files on a Windows PC

TPL files are specific and created by different software. So the method is different. To open a TPL file in ArchiCAD:

Q5: How to recover deleted TPL files on Mac

Mac offers you a Trash folder, which will contain the recent deleted TPL files. Try to check if it there. If not, you still can try to restore TPL files from Time Machine (if there is a backup copy of  the files).