The BAK file extension denotes a backup file. This file type is used by several programs for the same purpose to keep a backup copy of one or more files.
Most applications that require a backup generate BAK files. Anything that backs up web browser bookmarks or archives one or more files in a specialized backup program qualifies.
Business software such as AutoCAD, Google Chrome, Notepad++, Outlook Express, SQL Server, WhatsApp, Windows, and Word produces a supplementary file with the .bak file extension for backup purposes. These .bak files are useful if you mistakenly lose the original files. The very thing meant to protect you from losing your crucial work data is now causing the problem. However, you can lose those backup files for various reasons, such as physical or logical damage to the storage device, permanent deletion of the data, or formatting of the disc.
Reasons Behind BAK Files Getting Deleted
There are several reasons why user lose their delete or lose their BAK files:
Manual deletion: Users or administrators may deliberately delete BAK files to free up storage space or as part of a cleanup process. They might delete the backup files if they no longer need them or if they have become outdated.
Automatic cleanup: Some programs or systems have built-in features that enable them to routinely erase unneeded or outdated BAK files. This function ensures that only current backups are kept, preventing an excessive accumulation of backup files.
File system issues: File system failures, such as disc corruption, unintentional formatting, or problems with storage media, may mistakenly erase BAK files. If the file system becomes corrupted, you can lose various files, including BAK files.
Malware or viruses: Malicious software might target and delete BAK files and other important data. Some malware varieties actively look for backup files to harm data recovery efforts or hide their activities once they’ve infected a machine.
Human error: Users might unintentionally destroy BAK files, particularly if they are unaware of their significance or function. When managing files, organizing directories, or attempting to delete irrelevant files, accidental deletion might happen.
Methods To Recover Deleted or Lost BAK Files
Follow the methods below how to recover deleted .bak files:
- Restore Lost BAK Files using Recycle Bin
- Recover Lost BAK File(s) using the SFWare Deleted File Recovery Tool
- Recover Lost BAK File using the Previous Version
- Recovery of Lost BAK File using Backup
Restore Lost BAK Files using Recycle Bin
- Go to the Recycle Bin icon on Windows 10 Desktop and see if your BAK files are found here.
- If your BAK files are found then right-click on that files and click on Restore.
- Now the BAK Files will be restored to the original location.
Note: If you cannot restore your BAK files or do not find them in the Recycle Bin using the above method, follow the methods below.
Recover Lost BAK Files using the SFWare Data Recovery Tool
SFWare Data Recovery Software can recover files in any format, including Backup Files, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PDFs, images, videos, and audio files. The SFWare Recovery tool uses a deep scan algorithm that reaches every sector of the hard drive to recover deleted BAK files.
Click on the download button to install the tool on your computer.
Steps To Recover Deleted or Lost BAK Files Using SFWare
- First, Launch the tool, from the main screen.
- In the next screen, you can able to see the list of drives, select the drive from which you want to recover lost or deleted BAK files, and click on Start Scan.
- Now it will start the scanning process. After completion of the scanning process, the tool will display the recovered lost BAK files.
- You can Preview the recovered BAK files using the preview option. If you are satisfied with the recovered results, activate the software and save the recovered BAK files to a safe location.
Recover Lost BAK Files using the Previous Version
You can restore deleted BAK files and folders from previous versions if you use Windows Backup or restore points.
- Navigate to the previously deleted file or folder’s location. Select “Restore previous versions” from the context menu when you right-click the file.
- A list of previous versions will be displayed. To recover the lost BAK files, select a prior folder version. You can preview it by clicking the “Open” button to ensure that it is the correct version.
- Once confirmed, click “Restore” to recover the deleted files.
Recover Lost BAK File using Backup
To restore a deleted BAK file on a Windows system from a backup, ensure that you have turned on Windows backup. To recover deleted .bak files from a backup, follow these steps.
- Select “Control Panel” from the “Start”.
- Select “Backup and Restore” from the “System and Maintenance”.
- Next, choose “Restore my files” and follow the screen instructions to restore and save your files.
Tips to Avoid BAK Files Getting Deleted
To prevent accidental or unintentional deletion of BAK (backup) files, consider implementing the following tips:
- Keep your file system organized and set aside specific folders for BAK files. This can make it simpler to discover and manage your backups as well as assist prevent accidental loss.
- Set the proper access controls for files and folders to limit access and stop unauthorized deletion. Review and update the permissions frequently to make sure they comply with your backup files’ protection needs.
- Please use trustworthy Antivirus software to protect your PC from external threats.
- Avoid uninterrupted transferring of files.
Conclusion:
Here we end our article on how to recover lost BAK file. SFWare Deleted File Recovery tool makes retrieving deleted bak files Autocad, easy and safe. If you have any trouble during the how-to restore .bak file, you can contact our tech experts to assist you.
Frequently Asked Questions on BAK File Recovery
1: Can I Recover a .BAK File?
The quick answer is yes. If you manually deleted it.BAK files, the first thing you should do is look for them in your system’s recycle bin. If you delete, lose, or can’t access your files, you’ll want strong data recovery software like SFWare Deleted File Recovery Software to recover all of your permanently deleted or lost data. Easily recover files from any folder, formatted drive, or damaged storage drive.
2: Can .BAK File Deleted?
In most cases, you can safely erase BAK files without harming any files saved on your computer, as they are only backup files. However, unless you’re certain the master copies are secure, we recommend keeping the BAK files, as you may need them to recover your data in the future.
3: How Do I Open a .BAk File?
Most of the time, as we have already stated. No single app can read all BAK files because their associated software automatically creates and stores them. However, some media players can play certain types of BAK files, depending on the file format.
Therefore, determining the context is the first step in opening a.BAK file. Which program specifically prepares the .BAK file? Once you identify the program that uses the .BAK file, it becomes easy to open it with the correct application. If you’re still unsure, give it a try and see if it works. If you find a .BAK file in a music folder, try opening it with a music player. You can also rename the file with a different extension, like “.mp3” or “.wav,” and see if it plays.
