PQI File Extension

PQI file icon

PowerQuest Drive Image

What is a PQI file?

Files with the PQI extension are specifically tied to PowerQuest Drive Image, a Disk Image Files type, and there are 133 files in this category.

Symantec, the developer of the PowerQuest Drive Image (PQI), has released file format and 26 programs designed to handle them.

PQI files are supported by Windows. There are 2 programs available to open a PQI file, including popular tools like PartitionMagic and Norton Ghost.

Programs that support PQI files

How to open a PQI file?

If you are having trouble opening a PQI file, it usually means the right software is not installed. Choose a program from the list that matches your operating system. Next, visit the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it on your device.

PartitionMagic and Norton Ghost stand out as the preferred programs to manage PQI files effectively. To get the latest version of PartitionMagic, open the Symantec website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.

Once installed, PartitionMagic will be set as the default program, and PQI files will open automatically.

Set PartitionMagic as the default PQI application

Change the default app that opens a file on Mac

  1. Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired PQI file to open a menu where you can choose from multiple actions;
  2. Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
  3. At the bottom of the window, find the "Enable" menu, where "Recommended Programs" is already selected by default;
  4. Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then locate PartitionMagic. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to set it as the default program.

Set default programs for Windows

  1. To get started, right-click your PQI file, then choose "Open With" and select "Choose Another Application" from the context menu;
  2. From the options listed in the pop-up window, specifically choose PartitionMagic as the application to handle your PQI file;
  3. Be sure to check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK" to save your preference.

Troubleshooting guide for PQI file complications

Certain problems with PQI files can be conveniently fixed with small software tweaks. Here are some helpful tips to address them.

How can I determine if my PQI file is damaged?

PQI disk image files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:

  • The file causes PartitionMagic or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
  • Error notifications appear during file manipulation;
  • The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
  • An unexplained increase in the size of the PQI file;
  • The file exhibits poor performance during editing operations in PartitionMagic;

Why does PartitionMagic quit or crash unexpectedly?

Insufficient software updates are a likely cause of PartitionMagic crashes. Be sure to install the latest updates for Symantec products.

Restarting your computer is a crucial troubleshooting measure that can alleviate numerous common problems. Therefore, it is advisable to restart your computer before modifying any settings related to the software.

What methods can be used to repair a damaged PQI file?

Start a data recovery program and open the damaged PQI file. Then, choose the "Repair" option from the menu. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged disk image files.

How to edit a PQI file?

To make changes to PQI files, you need specialized software that allows both opening and editing the disk image files. Online PQI editors offer fewer capabilities than applications optimized for PowerQuest Drive Image.

Best PQI editors 2026

Considering the mentioned criteria, we have compiled a list of PQI editors that may suit your needs.

PQI Editor SoftwareDeveloperPlatformsOverall Rating
Norton GhostSymantecWindows4.6 out of 5 (35 reviews)
PartitionMagicSymantecWindows4.2 out of 5 (41 review)