Recover .PBK Files After a System Error in Just a Few Steps

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 .PBK file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recover .PBK Files After a System Error in Just a Few Steps
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .PBK file?

Data file used by the Network Connections utility in Microsoft Windows, which is also referred to as the Remote Access Phonebook; stores saved dial-up connection settings, which include phone numbers, logins, and passwords; can save data for multiple connections.

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

There are several common causes for ".PBK" files to be lost or fail:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".PBK" file while trying to clean up their computer or storage devices.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the operating system, software conflicts, or hardware failures can result in the corruption or loss of ".PBK" files.
  3. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".PBK" files, making them inaccessible or completely lost.
  4. File system errors: Errors within the file system, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can lead to the loss or failure of ".PBK" files.
  5. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes while working with ".PBK" files can cause them to become damaged or lost.
  6. Improper file transfer or storage: Errors during file transfer, such as interrupted downloads or incomplete backups, can result in the loss or failure of ".PBK" files.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally formatting the storage device or overwriting the ".PBK" file with incorrect data, can lead to its loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up ".PBK" files and take necessary precautions to prevent their loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".PBK" 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 ".PBK" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".PBK" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".PBK" 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 ".PBK" 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™ 4.9
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 ".PBK" 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 ".PBK" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo dial-Up Phone Book File image file file?

Programs that open ".PBK" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Microsoft Windows

Additional Information

  • File type: Dial-Up Phone Book File

  • File extension: .PBK

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Data Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: text/plain

  • HEX: 2F 2A

  • ASCII: /*

  • File types that use the extension .PBK:

    • Dial-Up Phone Book File

    • Pixel Bender Kernel File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:41 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PBK 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 a .PBK recovery file and how does it work?

    A .PBK (Phonebook) recovery file is used to restore or recover a phonebook that has been backed up or saved. It is commonly used in the context of Microsoft Windows operating systems.

    The purpose of a .PBK recovery file is to ensure that the contact information stored in the phonebook is not lost in case of data corruption, system crashes, or accidental deletion. By creating a backup in the form of a .PBK file, users can restore their phonebook entries to their original state.

    The .PBK recovery file works by saving all the contact information, including names, phone numbers, email addresses, and other details, in a structured format. When the need arises to recover the phonebook, the .PBK file can be accessed and opened using compatible software or applications.

    Once the .PBK file is opened, the recovery software or application reads the stored data and restores it to the phonebook. This process ensures that all the contacts are recovered and available for use.

    Overall, the purpose of a .PBK recovery file is to provide a means of safeguarding and recovering phonebook data, allowing users to restore their contact information in case of any data loss or corruption.

  • What are the common scenarios where a .PBK recovery file is used and what data can be recovered from it?

    A .PBK recovery file is typically used in scenarios where a user needs to recover data from a Microsoft Phonebook (.PBK) file. This file format is commonly associated with the Windows operating system and is used to store information related to dial-up networking connections.

    Some common scenarios where a .PBK recovery file may be used include:

    1. Restoring dial-up networking settings: If a user has lost or accidentally deleted their dial-up networking settings, a .PBK recovery file can be used to restore these settings.
    2. Recovering deleted connections: If a user has deleted a dial-up networking connection and needs to recover it, a .PBK recovery file can be helpful in restoring the deleted connection.
    3. Migrating settings to a new computer: When setting up a new computer or transferring settings to another system, a .PBK recovery file can be used to migrate dial-up networking connections and settings.
    4. Troubleshooting network connectivity issues: In case of network connectivity problems, analyzing the information stored in a .PBK recovery file can provide insights into the configuration of dial-up networking connections and help diagnose the issue.

    The data that can be recovered from a .PBK recovery file includes:

    1. Connection settings: This includes information such as the name of the connection, phone numbers, authentication details (username and password), protocols used, and other settings specific to the dial-up networking connection.
    2. Network settings: The .PBK recovery file may also contain network-related settings, such as DNS server addresses, IP configuration details, and proxy settings.
    3. Advanced settings: Some advanced settings related to dial-up networking, such as script files, security options, and callback settings, can also be recovered from a .PBK recovery file.

    It's important to note that the exact data recoverable from a .PBK recovery file may vary depending on the specific configuration and settings of the original dial-up networking connection.

  • Are there any specific tools or software available for .PBK recovery, and what are the recommended steps for recovering data from a .PBK file?

    Yes, there are specific tools and software available for .PBK recovery. One such tool is the "Advanced PBK Recovery" software by ElcomSoft. This tool is designed specifically for recovering data from .PBK files.

    To recover data from a .PBK file, you can follow these recommended steps:

    1. Download and install a .PBK recovery tool like "Advanced PBK Recovery" by ElcomSoft.
    2. Launch the software and open the .PBK file you want to recover data from.
    3. The software will analyze the file and display the recovered data, such as phonebook entries, call logs, SMS messages, etc.
    4. Select the desired data you want to recover and choose a location on your computer to save the recovered data.
    5. Click on the "Recover" button to initiate the recovery process.
    6. Wait for the software to complete the recovery process. The time required will depend on the size of the .PBK file and the amount of data being recovered.
    7. Once the recovery is complete, you can access the recovered data from the location you specified earlier.

    It's important to note that .PBK files are typically associated with Microsoft Remote Access Phonebook, which stores VPN connection details. The recovery process may vary depending on the specific purpose and structure of the .PBK file you are dealing with.
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