Each restored file adds a name, regiment, and last known location to an in-game . Collecting all files in a region unlocks a memorial cutscene.
Sledgehammer utilized a concept called "Streaming FastFiles." Instead of loading the entire English dictionary into RAM, the game streams only the needed English phrases from the hard drive based on the map. If you try to replace the English file with a modded one, the game’s SHA-1 checksum will fail—unless you utilize a DLL proxy loader (a concept for advanced modders).