How to Retrieve .BKF Files Lost During a Windows System Crash

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .BKF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

How to Retrieve .BKF Files Lost During a Windows System Crash
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .BKF file?

A BKF file is a backup file created using Windows Backup Utility, which is included with Windows NT and XP Pro (located in Programs → Accessories → System Tools

What Are Common Causes of ".BKF" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".BKF" files lost or failure, including:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".BKF" files while performing file management tasks, such as cleaning up their computer or organizing files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware used for creating or storing the ".BKF" files can lead to their loss or failure. This can include software crashes, system errors, disk corruption, or hardware failures.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".BKF" files, making them inaccessible or causing them to fail.
  4. File system errors: Errors in the file system structure, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can lead to the loss or failure of ".BKF" files.
  5. Power outages or improper system shutdown: Abrupt power outages or improper system shutdowns while working with ".BKF" files can result in their loss or corruption.
  6. Incompatible or outdated software: Using incompatible or outdated backup software can cause issues with the ".BKF" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling of backup files, accidental formatting of storage devices, or overwriting existing ".BKF" files, can result in their loss or failure.
  8. Physical damage to storage media: Physical damage to the storage media, such as hard drive failure, can lead to the loss or corruption of ".BKF" files stored on it.

It is important to regularly back up ".BKF" files and ensure proper storage and handling practices to minimize the risk of loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".BKF" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".BKF" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".BKF" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".BKF" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".BKF" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 5.0
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".BKF" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".BKF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Backup Utility File image file file?

Programs that open ".BKF" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Backup Utility Microsoft Windows Backup Utility
Microsoft Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility Microsoft Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility
Aryson BKF Recovery Aryson BKF Recovery

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Backup Utility File

  • File extension: .BKF

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Backup Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: 54 41 50 45 00 00

  • ASCII: TAPE

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:01 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .BKF files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is the purpose of .BKF formats and what type of data do they typically store?

    The .BKF format is a file extension used for backup files created by the Windows NT Backup utility. The purpose of .BKF formats is to store backup copies of files and folders on Windows operating systems.

    These backup files can contain various types of data, including user files, system files, application data, and other important information. The .BKF format is commonly used for creating backups of files and folders to prevent data loss in case of system failures, accidental deletion, or other unforeseen events.

  • How can I open and access .BKF files on my computer?

    To open and access .BKF files on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Check if your Windows operating system has built-in support for .BKF files. Windows 7, Windows 8, and Windows 10 have a built-in utility called NTBackup Restore Utility that can open and extract data from .BKF files. If you have one of these operating systems, you can skip to step 4.
    2. If you are using a different version of Windows or the built-in utility is not available, you will need to download a third-party software that supports .BKF files. Some popular options include "SysInfoTools BKF Recovery Tool," "Backup Exec BKF Repair Pro," and "Stellar Phoenix BKF Recovery."
    3. Download and install the chosen software from a trusted source. Make sure to follow the installation instructions provided by the software vendor.
    4. Once the software is installed, launch it on your computer.
    5. In the software's interface, look for an option to open or browse for .BKF files. Click on it.
    6. Navigate to the location where the .BKF file is stored on your computer and select it.
    7. Click on the "Open" or "Extract" button (may vary depending on the software) to start the extraction process.
    8. The software will extract the contents of the .BKF file and display them in a readable format.
    9. You can now access and view the extracted files from the .BKF backup.

    Note: It is always recommended to create a backup of the .BKF file before attempting to open or extract it, as some third-party software may modify the file during the extraction process.

  • Are there any specific software tools or utilities available for converting .BKF formats to other file formats?

    Yes, there are several software tools and utilities available for converting .BKF formats to other file formats. Some popular options include:

    1. Aryson BKF File Converter: It is a reliable tool that allows you to convert BKF files to various formats like PST, PDF, MBOX, EML, MSG, and more.
    2. SysInfoTools BKF Recovery: This utility not only recovers data from corrupt BKF files but also allows you to save them in different formats like PST, EML, MSG, HTML, and more.
    3. Kernel for BKF Recovery: It is a powerful tool that can repair and restore data from corrupt BKF files and allows you to save them in different formats like PST, PDF, EML, MSG, and more.
    4. Stellar Converter for BKF: This software can convert BKF files to various formats like PST, MSG, EML, PDF, HTML, and more. It also supports the recovery of corrupt BKF files.
    5. Backup Exec BKF Repair Pro: This utility is specifically designed to repair and convert corrupt BKF files created by Backup Exec software. It can convert BKF files to PST, PDF, EML, MSG, and other formats.

    These are just a few examples, and there are many other software tools available in the market that offer similar functionality. It is recommended to research and choose a tool that best fits your requirements and offers reliable conversion capabilities.
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