Windows operating system files are based on an assigned file extension. These file types as designated with such common suffixes as DOC and RTF almost always represent a simple explanation of the file type content. When a data recovery program searches for a Microsoft Word Doc file it can very often locate that file type simply by the coded information representing the file extension. When one wishes to recover Mac data, the process is a bit more complicated, as the proprietary nature of Mac files does not allow for such simple identification as recognizing the file extension. Many Mac OS files are designated by type/creator code.

Mac recovery software must locate and reconstruct files based solely upon ability to read and recognize machine code as being part of a specific file type. Consider this as if each file type was written in a foreign language. In order to find a paragraph written in French a program for such recognition would have to be able to differentiate the French language from English. The languages used for Mac file creation and Windows file creation are exactly this different.