Topaz Video 1.6 Contains Critical Bug That Wiped Users' Entire Hard Drives
Key Takeaways
- ▸Topaz Video 1.6 contains a critical bug that can delete all files on a user's C: drive when deleting application profiles
- ▸The bug appears to stem from the app's problematic practice of storing AI models and project files outside standard system directories (e.g., on the app bundle itself rather than Application Support)
- ▸Affected user lost all data on a 200GB drive after attempting a simple profile deletion, with only Windows system files remaining
Summary
Topaz Labs has confirmed a critical file deletion bug in Topaz Video 1.6 where users attempting to delete application profiles through the app's context menu inadvertently triggered complete data loss. In one reported case, a user's C: drive was wiped from 200GB down to just 18GB of Windows system files, rendering the machine unbootable. The bug stems from the application's flawed file management architecture, where AI models and project files are stored outside standard system directories, allowing file deletion operations to cascade uncontrollably across the drive. Users in community discussions have flagged this as a severe safety issue, particularly given the app's popularity among creative professionals handling valuable video projects and media assets.
- Topaz has acknowledged the issue but broader architectural changes to file management practices may be necessary to prevent similar incidents
