The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used.

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How to Fix Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data & Cannot be Used?

Whenever you are trying to take a backup of Windows data, you may encounter “The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used” error. This type of error can be solved manually. Here, in this guide, we are telling you all the manual ways that can help you to move out of this state. So keep reading this post till the end for fixing such errors.

Now, you're thinking about the main reasons behind this error. So, start with the reasons for it first.

Why Windows Backup Error Occurs?

By using the NTbackup feature that already exists in Windows XP, users can easily take backup of their important data. There could be several different reasons behind the error. Some of those are listed below:

  • If users attempt to restore backup files that were generated on Windows XP / Server 2003 using the Windows 7, 8, 10 and other editions of the NTBackup utility, this error will occur.
  • The same error arises when users attempt to recover a corrupted backup file. BKF file corruption may have some cause behind it, such as virus intrusion, software fraud, hard drive malfunction, CRC error etc.

These are the two main reasons for this backup error of Windows. Now, have a look on tha main section that will help you in solving the issue.

Solutions to Fix “The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used” Error:

To solve this issue you can take help from NT Backup Utility.

Use the NT Backup Utility:

The NT Backup Software is available for download. The installed utility has the two dll files that are used to back up Windows 7 , 8, 8.1, 10 files and restore System XP backup. The following files are:

  • ntmsapi.dll
  • vssapi.dll

Follow the below tips after downloading the NT Backup utility:

  • It is mandatory that the location of the above two files are the same as that of ntbackup.exe. If these locations differ from each other then this tool will not be able to perform its operation.
  • Make sure files aren't stored at the original location as it can render the current files useless.

Now use the below steps to move ahead:

Step to use the NT Backup Utility:

  1. Firstly, download and extract the nt5backup.cab file, make sure there are 3 files in it: 2 dll files and ntbackup.exe
  2. Press the ntbackup.exe file, then you will see a popup message that relates to Removable Storage service. Hit the Ok button.
  3. Then, a Backup or Restore Wizard will open; here, you can pick the Advanced Mode if needed. Tap Next.
  4. Pick any one option from the given three options Backup Wizard (Advanced), Restore Wizard (Advanced), Automated System Recovery Wizard.
  5. Next, select the path where you want to save your backup files.
  6. Choose the correct backup file to be retrieved and search, and pick files to restore.
  7. Click on the Start Restore button after that. Verify the message on the pop-up window.

If you still receive the Windows backup error when restoring Windows XP backup after performing above methods, then it means that your BKF file is corrupted. So, to recover a BKF file quickly, you can use third party tools.

Use a Best BKF Recovery Software for fast recovery of corrupted Windows BKF files without data loss. It is an exceptionally move forward outcome-oriented BKF Recovery Tool with an extremely efficient recovery algorithm that restores optimum useful data from corrupted backup files in minimum time.

Steps for BKF Files Recovery using the Tool:

Step 1: Start the tool and hit Open, and pick the corrupted BKF file you want to repair.

step1

Step 2: Opt for either Complete Range or Partial Range of recovery.

step2

Step 3: To test their preview, now extend the scanned BKF file into the preview pane.

step3

Step 4: Pick the file items which you want to save in the tree structure. Then just press Save.

step4

Step 5: Pick Browse, and choose where to store the recovered data.

step5

Step 6: The saving process is performed at your computer. Then quit the tool.

step6
Verdict!!

All the causes for “The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used” are explained in detail here. The above guide discussed a quick solution for faster restoration of Windows backup file. Thanks for reading this post, hope you like these given solutions.

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