How to Recover Deleted TPL Files (3 Methods)

This article describes how to recover deleted TPL files step by step in 3 simple and effective methods below, including using a powerful recovery tool - MyRecover.

By @Ivy Last Updated October 31, 2024

Like other files, your TPL files may be deleted accidentally or unsaved, resulting in data loss. Please take a deep breath (if you are in such trouble) and calm down! This article will introduce you to the possible causes and how to recover deleted TPL files successfully.

Top 3 recovery methods How-to Steps 

🔁Check the Recycle Bin folder

Double-click the Recycle Bin icon to locate TPL files ...Full Guide

📂 Restore from backup

Type file history in the search box and select Restore your files with file history. Then, check if ...Full Guide

🥇 Consider using data recovery software

Download and launch Windows data recovery software - MyRecover. Hover the mouse over ...Full Guide

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.

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 to recover deleted files from Recycle Bin first.

Way 1: Check Recycle Bin

All deleted files will go into the Recycle Bin folder and remain there for a while. The default setting is 30 days, but this can be changed to 60 days at most.

To recover deleted TPL files, 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 the deleted file is not in the 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 Software

If the above method fails, consider using professional data recovery software - 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 files beyond TPL for recovery.

MyRecover
Why Choose MyRecover?
  • Apply to: Recover deleted TPL, TXT, DOC, XLSX, CSV, PDF, PPT, ODP, etc., over 1000 data formats.
  • It has a free edition that recovers up to 500MB data.
  • Filter data types like images, videos, documents, etc. quickly. You can also set the date modified and size.
  • Preview and recover deleted files while scanning.
  • Recover specific files instead of all.
  • Compatible with internal or external disk, USB drive, memory card, etc.
  • Support NTFS, FAT32, exFAT, and ReFS file systems.
  • Retrieve files in any scenario, such as accidental deletion, formatting, virus infection, etc.

In addition, the software does not require technical expertise and is friendly to novices, making the recovery process seamless.

Please download MyRecover to have a try!

Download SoftwareWin 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

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 automatically run Quick Scan and Deep Scan to find all recoverable data. To locate deleted TPL files quickly, you can directly type the .tpl extension in the search box. Or click the Filter button to specify the "Documents" type first.

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 recover deleted TPL files for free, up to 500MB. Once exceeded, please upgrade to advanced editions to enjoy unlimited data recovery.

  • 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. 

Seek Help from Data Recovery Service
Geek Squad Data Recovery

You need to visit the Best Buy store or other Geek Squad agents to evaluate your device and get a quote. If you feel comfortable, you can agree to proceed with TPL file recovery. Learn More >> 

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 an external disk, network drive, cloud storage, etc.

Try user-friendly Windows backup software- AOMEI Backupper Standard. You can enjoy the following features during backup:

  • 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 disks, USB drives, network drives, cloud storage, etc.
  • You can set daily, weekly, monthly, etc backup tasks to track changes made later or newly added files in the selected folder.
  • By default, in a scheduled task, it will enable the incremental backup feature to backup only changed files automatically.

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

Download FreewareWin 11/10/8.1/8/7/XP
Secure Download

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. However, accidental deletion or other reasons might lead to TPL  file loss.

Fortunately, there are ways to recover deleted TPL files. Always check the Recycle Bin first. and try data recovery software if necessary. In addition, remember to create a backup of your files after data recovery and make it a habit in the future.

Download SoftwareWin 11/10/8/7/Server
Secure Download

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:

  • Go to File > New,  and select Use a Template.
  • Select the required ArchiCAD template and click OK.
Q5: How to recover deleted TPL files on Mac
 
Mac offers you a Trash folder, which will contain the recently deleted TPL files. Try to check if it is there. If not, you still can try to restore TPL files from Time Machine (if there is a backup copy of the files).