How to Open BKF File without NTBACKUP in Windows 10?

Understanding- What is BKF File?

BKF stands for Backup File. It is a file format used by the NTBackup tool to store Windows backup data. You can store all the files and folders you chose, in a single file. This helps users to manage all files into one, rather than managing them individually.

Now, what is NTBackup? Well, NTBackup is a tool, traditionally available in older versions of Windows, like Windows XP and Windows Server 2003. It was used to create backup copies of files and folders on your computer. However, newer versions of Windows such as version 11, and 10, do not have this utility. So, you can’t open the BKF file on Windows 10 directly.

Why is the BKF File Important?

Backup file servers as a savior in certain situations, such as:

• If your computer crashes or you lose important files.
• Helps you manage all Windows files and folders in one file.
• When you have to share a large number of files and folders.

So, let us proceed to open and read BKF files on newer systems like Windows 10. However, for this, you may need a special approach. What are they?

Authentic Solutions to View BKF Files- How to?

There are two ways to deal with BKF files- with NTBackup Tool and without NTBackup Tool. Since newer versions of Windows do not have this utility, you need a professional tool to open BKF files. Let us discuss both for the ease of readers.

Way 1: Access BKF Files With NTBackup Tool

Although NTBackup is not included in Windows 10, you can still use it by installing the NTBackup.exe utility. Make sure you find the tool online from any of the trusted sources. Download it, along with .dll files (ntmsapi.dll, vssapi.dll), necessary executable and supporting files. Go to C:\Windows\System32 and further, extract these files at a desired location on your system.

Now, do as the steps follow:

1. Begin by, double-clicking NTBackup.exe to launch it. (or right-click and run it as an administrator).
2. You will see the Backup and Restore page. After Advanced Mode is opened, click on Next.
3. Next, select the ‘Restore and Manage Media’ tab.
4. Browse to the location of your BKF file you want to open and select it.
5. Further, view BKF files and follow the on-screen instructions to restore the data.

So, this is how you can open email and database files of the BKF file using NTBackup. However, using this tool on Windows 10, which is not meant to work on it can have aftereffects too. Still, if you are using it, be careful of the procedure and perform them right.

Moreover, in some cases, this process might fail. They are:

• If your BKF file is not stored on the system.
• It fails to open corrupt or damaged BKF files.
• Users with less or no technical knowledge.

So, a safe and straightforward recommendation is to use a professional tool. Know how!

Way 2: Open BKF File Online Without the NTBackup Tool

Download the BKF Viewer Tool, which is a direct way to view and read Windows Backup Files (.bkf). It also supports opening corrupt backup files and allows saving the recovered data. With minimal technicalities and a simple GUI, opening BKF files is easy for everyone. Go through the steps below to understand the procedure:

1. Install the online tool on your PC. Run it as an administrator.
2. Click on Open and add a BKF file you want to view.
3. You can read all the data in the preview section of the tool.

This is how easily you can read healthy as well as corrupt BKF files. However, if you are running the free version of the tool, you cannot save data locally.

Conclusion

Hence, this was a complete blog on how to open a BKF file on Windows 10. Amazon the two essential procedures explained, external tools play important roles. You can either use the NTBackup Tool or a professional tool to accomplish the task. However, when working on Windows 10, opting for the recommended professional tool is a secure and smart choice. Because the NTBackup tool cannot perform better than BKF viewer software.

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About The Author:

Deep Shikha

Deep Shikha Pandey is a Tech Writing Expert having deep knowledge about Outlook, Gmail, Yahoo, SQL, and other databases and email clients. She will guide you the best about email migration and SQL Database recovery using her expertise and making all the processes a cakewalk for the readers. Make your technical journey easy with simple layman’s blogs and accurate technical information.