Fixing a BKF backup that won't restore
You go to restore a backup made with NTBackup.exe or the Microsoft backup utility, and Windows stops you with a message like "The backup file is unusable. You must erase it, or choose another file". The data you need is inside that file, but the file itself has been damaged. This is the situation SysTools BKF Repair is built for, and it is what the MS Backup Restore listing refers to.
Quick facts
- Purpose: repair corrupt or broken BKF files made by NTBackup.exe or the MS Backup utility
- Platforms: Windows 2000, XP, 2003 and Vista are listed on the vendor's page
- Evaluation: a free evaluation version is offered (listed file size 980 KB)
- Full version: a paid license is needed to recover files and folders from BKF files
Errors it targets
The vendor lists these messages as typical signs of a damaged BKF file:
- The backup file is unusable and must be erased or replaced
- The fixed media is full, so the backup operation stops
- The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used
- An inconsistency was encountered on the requested media
Corruption can come from an interrupted backup, a backup program malfunction, a failing hard drive, a virus or trojan, an unexpected shutdown or a system software failure.
Key features
Pull out images, music, email and documents from a file Windows rejects
The tool extracts files and folders on the fly from a corrupt or broken BKF file, so you don't have to rebuild the whole backup first.
Keep original file creation dates
It restores the original creation dates of extracted files. The vendor points to this as useful for litigation, e-Discovery and forensic work.
Check a file's contents before you save it
You can view file contents before saving, to confirm a recovered file is intact.
No size cap on the BKF you repair
The vendor says repair works on BKF files of unlimited size.
Choose how deeply to scan
The listing describes a Quick Scan (one phase), a Deep Scan (two phases, for harder cases), a Partial Scan for large BKF files, and a Load Scan option for reopening a saved scan.
Read older XP backups on newer Windows
The vendor says it also works as a restore utility on Windows Vista and Windows Server "Longhorn" for older backups made with Windows NT Backup on XP or Server 2003.
Who it's for
It suits you if you have an old .bkf file that NTBackup or the Windows restore tool refuses to open and you need the files inside it. It is also for IT staff and forensic or e-Discovery users who need files recovered with their original dates.
Pros and cons
- Pro: a free evaluation version lets you see what can be recovered before you buy
- Pro: a small download of about 980 KB
- Pro: original file dates are kept, and you get a content preview
- Con: it does not recover Exchange Server mailbox stores from a corrupt backup file
- Con: the full license is required to recover files and folders
- Con: the vendor's page lists only older Windows versions
FAQs
Which backups does it repair?
BKF files created with NTBackup.exe or the MS Backup utility.
Can I try it first?
Yes. The vendor offers a free evaluation download. Recovering files and folders needs the full license.
Does it handle Exchange mailboxes?
No. The vendor says it does not recover Exchange Server mailbox stores from a corrupt backup file.
Does it limit file size?
The vendor says BKF files of unlimited size can be repaired.
System requirements
- Windows 2000, XP, 2003 or Vista, as stated on the vendor's page
- Download size: about 980 KB