BKF files come from NTBackup in XP and Server 2003. Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 can open them with a restore only utility. Official documentation lists those two systems and does not list Windows 10. Restore the files on a Windows 7 system and copy them to your current PC. Remove the utility afterward because it is not meant for permanent use.
You found an old backup file with the BKF extension and Windows 10 cannot open it. NTBackup created that file years ago and current Windows no longer includes the tool.
This guide explains what a BKF file is, what the official restore utility does and how to restore your files without losing the backup.
What is a BKF File and What is NTBackup?
NTBackup is the backup tool that shipped with Windows XP and Server 2003. It saved backups in files with the BKF extension and could write them to tape or to a disk.
Microsoft describes a restore only version of this tool for newer systems. It restores backups made on XP and Server 2003. See Windows NT Backup Restore Utility.
Which Windows Versions does the Restore Utility Support?
| Item | What Microsoft States |
|---|---|
| Supported systems | Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 |
| Windows 10 | Not listed on the page |
| Purpose | Restore only. It does not create backups |
| Tape | Use Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista or Server 2008 for tape restores |
| Duration | Temporary use only. Remove it after the restore |
Microsoft does not mention Windows 10 on that page, so it documents no supported path there. Treat any Windows 10 workaround as untested.
How do You Restore a BKF File With the Utility?
- Use a Windows 7 or Server 2008 R2 system. Your system language must be English or have the EN-US language pack installed.
- Download the package for your system type from the Microsoft Download Center. Choose x86, x64 or IA-64.
- Install the package. No restart is required.
- Open Start then All Programs then Accessories then System Tools and select NTBackup-RestoreUtility.
- Choose the BKF file and restore the files to a folder on a different disk.
Copy the restored files to your current PC afterward. Then remove the utility. Microsoft states that it is not intended to remain on those systems indefinitely.
What can You Do on Windows 10?
Microsoft names Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 only. One practical option is to restore the BKF file on a Windows 7 system or on a Windows 7 virtual machine and then copy the files to Windows 10. This is a workaround and not a Microsoft instruction.
- Copy the BKF file first. Work from the copy so the original file remains untouched.
- Restore to a separate disk. Do not restore over your current documents.
- Check the files. Open a few documents before you delete the backup.
How do You Protect Your New Backups?
Create backups with a current tool and store a copy on a second disk. For deleted files that no backup contains see how to recover deleted data from a desktop computer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a BKF File?
It is a backup file that NTBackup created in XP and Server 2003.
Can Windows 10 Open a BKF File?
Not on its own. Microsoft lists its restore utility for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 only.
Can the Utility Create New Backups?
No. Microsoft describes it as the restore only version.
Can I Restore BKF Files From Tape?
Not on Windows 7. Microsoft states that tape restores need Windows XP, Server 2003, Vista or Server 2008.
Should I Leave the Utility Installed?
No. Microsoft states that it is not intended to remain installed indefinitely.
Key Takeaways
- BKF files are NTBackup backups from XP and Server 2003.
- Official documentation lists the restore utility for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2.
- Microsoft does not list Windows 10 so any Windows 10 method is a workaround.
- Utility use is restore only and it cannot create backups.
- Remove the utility after the restore.
Sources and References
This guide follows Microsoft documentation.
- Description of the Windows NT Backup Restore Utility (Microsoft Support) support.microsoft.com