How to Repair Corrupt BKF Files- A Complete Guide

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  • Published on: September 18th, 2014

  • Updated on: May 26, 2025

Summary: BKF or backup files are created with the NTBackup utility in Windows for data restoration. These are the ultimate sources to retrieve the database. However, these are also not immune to corruption, and therefore, users can face difficulties. The BKF files can be corrupted for any reason, and when it does, other things are interrupted. So, it is very necessary to repair corrupt BKF file correctly and reliably. In this blog, we discuss the same and also learn about the SysInfo BKF Recovery Tool for effective results.

Prominent Causes of BKF File Corruption

Before we find out how to restore corrupt BKF file, let’s get to know how the files get corrupted. Some common reasons are:

  • Physical degradation of the hard disk due to bad sectors.
  • Unexpected power interruptions during the full or partial data backup.
  • Failed RAID arrays or incomplete and interrupted backup processes.
  • Conflicting network issues, software conflicts, and system instability.
  • Attacks by threats and ransomware, or bugs due to viruses.
  • Accidental deletion, modification, or incorrect handling of the backup file.

Generally, when all this happens, and BKF files stop supporting, then these issues may occur:

  • Backup failures and resulting error messages
  • File unavailability or inaccessibility of the data
  • Slow restoration speed and unexpected behavior of the PC

Recover Corrupt BKF Files: Best Practices

If you have encountered corruption in BKF files, there are two ways to resolve it: either manually or professionally. These methods differ from one another, but those that are free have some limitations. So, after exploring them all, you’ll find why it is better to directly opt a professional software.

Hands-On Methods to Repair BKF Files

We have three different ways to repair corrupt BKF file for free, straightforwardly. These are:

Method 1: Windows Built-In Restore Utility

If you have backup files originating from Windows 7, 10, or above, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Control Panel on the Windows OS and go to the Backup and Restore option.
  2. Then, click Restore my files and search for the BKF file on the computer.
  3. Once found, select it and click Restore to initiate the recovery of the file.

Method 2: Using Command Line Utility

  1. Simply, run the chkdsk /f driveletter: command to repair the file.

Here, replace the drive letter with the letter of the drive containing the BKF file.

Method 3: Recover Corrupt BKF Files with NTBackup

If you are on a system with NTBackup.exe, such as Windows 7, etc., then follow these steps:

  1. Locate NTBackup.exe, right-click it, and run it as an administrator.
  2. A removal storage service message displays on the system’s screen. Click OK.
  3. Further, proceed with the setup with Next. Choose the restore file and the setting options, and hit Next.
  4. After that, press Browse to locate the .bkf file on your PC. Select it and click OK.
  5. Now, expand the files and folders from the left pane, select them, and click OK.
  6. A restoring wizard appears, where later, the user needs to click on Advanced.
  7. There, choose a saving location for the restored BKF file and tap Next.
  8. Finally, press Finish to initiate and complete repairing the .bkf file.

Loopholes of these Manual Methods

  • NTBackup is an outdated method suitable for older Windows versions.
  • Not all the methods support recovery from the significantly corrupted BKF files.
  • Method 1 is unsuitable if the structure of your BKF file is corrupted, too.
  • CHKDSK only repairs the low-level file system errors.
  • There are chances of major data loss and irreparable damage.

Professional Technique to Repair Corrupt BKF File

Since the manual methods are only good for limited and low-level corruption, we need a more optimal solution. It is the BKF Recovery Tool with system compatibility to repair the BKF files created on any Windows version. The software is highly efficient in restoring data without any limitations on file size or other factors. Moreover, the software has advanced modes and several search and snapshot features for the best user experience. Its easy-to-use interface can be operated by any techie and non-techie user with ease.

Ultimate Guide to Repair BKF Files

  1. Launch the BKF File Recovery Software on the desktop. Press Open.
  2. Search and add the BKF file to the tool’s interface and proceed with Next.
  3. Then, set a complete or partial range for the BKF recovery and click OK.
  4. Further, browse all the files and tables in the added BKF from the preview pane.
  5. Afterward, click Save and, with (…), opt for a destination for the recovered data.
  6. At last, click on Save File(s) to finish repairing the .bkf file.

Conclusion

In the blog above, we learned all about the corruption in the BKF file and different ways to handle it. You can recover corrupt BKF files through any of the four ways given above for free or with a tool. The manual methods have some drawbacks, the main being that it isn’t suitable for handling hard damage in BKF files. So, the best option is to use the automated software and make the task easy with no hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Can I fix and restore a corrupt BKF file on my Windows 10?

Ans. Yes, seamlessly repair BKF files on Windows 10 with the given manual methods, and also with the professional tool.

Q2. How to Repair Batch BKF Files?

Ans. To resolve BKF file corruption in batch, use the BKF Repair Tool and follow these steps:
1. Initiate the given utility to open BKF, and next, select a recovery range.
2. Click OK and then preview the data within it in the next window.
3. Further, click Save to choose the destination, and finally, press Save File(s).

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About The Author:

As a content writer, I specialize in Email Migration, Data Recovery, Email Backup, and File Management. I have been writing professionally for two years now. There is so much information available in this field that I am intrigued by the newer technologies and techniques.

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