Recovering BKF file saved on multiple-tape set

NTBackup is an in-built utility in the Windows (NT, 2000, Server 2003, and XP) systems that is used to create the backup of all kinds of files and folders. It is an extremely useful utility that can be backed up to tapes, ZIP drives, floppy disks, and hard drives. It also provides seamless integration with Task Scheduler to enable automated backup of selected files and folders. However, as happens with most things, the BKF files are also prone to corruption. This can happen because of various reasons such as power surges, virus infections, incomplete backup process, etc. You can get the backup again if you have the data whose backup was created. Otherwise, you should use a third-party BKF recovery application to repair BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you have created a backup in the form of a .bkf file using NTBackup on a multiple tape set. When you try to restore the data, you are unable to do so and the following error message is displayed:

“Error: An Inconsistency Was Encountered on the Requested Media" Error Message with NTBackup.”

The error message signifies that the backup created on the tape has corrupted and is, therefore, inaccessible.

Cause:
The most possible cause for this error message is that the backup may have corrupted. It could have happened because of various reasons such as power surges, virus infections, corrupt operating system, problem in the storage media.
Another possible reasons is that as you have taken the backup on a multiple-tape set and the data is placed in two different backup sets on two different tapes. Sometimes NTBackup prompts you to mount the incorrect set of media to restore the data. This is also the reason why the error message is displayed.

Resolution:
To solve this issue, you should try to select and restore only from one backup set at one time. This would address the issue. However, if the issue is not resolved then you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to repair BKF file. Such read-only tools are capable of safe BKF recovery without overwriting the corrupt data.

How to Open Windows XP Backup File in Windows Vista?

NTBackup is a command-line tool included in Windows Server 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000 for backing up data on to storage media like, tapes, floppy disks, and ZIP drives. In Windows Vista and later operating systems, this tool has been replaced by Windows Backup and Restore Center. Unlike NTBackup, which uses BKF file format to backup data, Windows Backup and Restore Center uses its own proprietary file format - VHD (Virtual Hard Disk). Thus, you cannot directly open and access old backups created with earlier operating systems in Windows Vista. For BKF Recovery in Windows Vista, Microsoft provides a special tool, which has been mentioned further.

Before explaining the use of this tool, let's first consider a realistic problem. Suppose you use Windows XP and for future restoration purposes, you run NTBackup utility and store the backed up data on a floppy disk. Next, you perform a clean reinstall of Windows Vista and lose important data in this process.

Expecting that you can restore this lost data from the BKF file created in Windows XP, you insert your floppy disk in computer and try to restore the file. But you observe that you cannot restore this file and cannot regain lost data.

Solution
As mentioned, Windows Vista cannot restore the BKF file directly. To read and restore BKF files in Windows Vista (also in Windows Server 2008), Microsoft offers NTBackup Restore utility. This is a supplemental utility that can read backup file of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 and allows its access in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 computers.

However, if even NTBackup Restore utility cannot read the file, it could be due to corruption of BKF file. To read such files, you need to take aid of a third-party utility to Repair BKF File.

BKF Recovery software are exclusive tools built for repairing and restoring the corrupted BKF file contents at a safe location. Once installed, you can safely run these applications and read corrupted file without any hassle. However, keep in mind that the utility you choose must be compatible with Windows Vista or any other operating system you use.

BKF Error: 'Access Denied' for Each File

Performing data backup is no doubt a preventive measure against data loss. But a user can fall in more disastrous situations when his/her backup fails to restore. Such situations are usually observed with Windows NTBackup file. This is a Windows built-in utility that uses BKF as its proprietary file format to create the backup. If corrupted, in most of the cases, Windows finds it unfeasible to recognize a BKF file and denies to restore it. In a rare situation, when a user tries to restore the BKF file, The BKF file is recognizable but not the included files. The following reading will give you some BKF Recovery action plans to deal with such problems.

Before explaining the causes and measures of this issue, let's make it more clear with a related example. A user creates a backup of some important files and folders using Windows XP backup utility. But when it comes to restoring them, the files cannot be restored. Running Restore utility for each of the included files gives the below error message:

“Access denied”

Cause
Some possible reasons for the above behavior to occur are listed underneath:

• You are trying to restore Windows XP backup in Windows 7 without using specific utility.
• An anti-virus software is running that is preventing the files from being accessed.
• BKF file is corrupted.

User Action
The corresponding solutions are as follows:

• Download and install Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 and use it to restore Windows XP backup.
• Disable the anti-virus program and try restoring the files
• Use a third-party BKF Repair program to restore the contents from a corrupted BKF file

The commercial solutions for repairing the corrupted BKF file can scan it and extract the file components and save them into a new file, without affecting the original one. BKF Recovery software can be easily used, irrespective of the level of technical skills. Using safe scanning procedures and providing user-friendly interface, these software enable error-free recovery of corrupted NTBackup file.

Restoring BKF file when the “BKF file is unusable...” error is displayed

The storage media, these days, are becoming more and more sophisticated and economical. And we have to spend these devices to create a repository for storing our ever-increasing data. But we must take certain measures to safeguard the data to avoid any data loss. For this purpose, there is NTBackup utility in the Windows NT (Server 2003, XP, and Server 2000) systems. This utility enables you to create backups of your valuable data in the form of BKF files. However, sometimes things can go really bad when these BKF files get corrupt when you try to restore the data from them. In such cases, you should try appropriate measures to restore the data. One of such measure is to use a third-party BKF repair tool that is used to repair BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you have created a backup for your data in the Incremental mode in Windows 2000. In this mode, the utility backs up the selected files only if they were created or modified since the previous backup. When you use the NTBackup utility to restore the backed up data, it displays an error message, that is:

“[Unrecognized Media]
The backup file is unusable. You must erase it, or choose another file.”

The only thing that you can do after getting this message is to click the OK button to close the dialog box.

Cause:
The main cause of this error message is that the BKF file is corrupted. The reasons for the corruption could be either virus infections, human errors, CRC errors, etc.

Resolution:
To start with, you should select the “Verify data after the backup completes” check box while performing any backups. This will ensure that the system check the integrity of the backup after completing it. You should also check the backup report and event logs after performing unattended backup operations.
Now, to repair BKF file, you should use a third-party BKF repair tool. Such read-only tools are able to restore all the data from BKF files using fast yet sophisticated scanning algorithms.

How to repair “An inconsistency...” error in corrupt BKF file

Most of us understand the how significant it is to safeguard our computer data against various data loss scenarios. That is why some of us are always looking for ways to make our data safe and sound. For the same reason, the Windows NT (Windows Server 2003, XP, and Server 2000) users have got the NTBackup utility that enables to create BKF files to backup our data. The BKF files can be restored as and when the need arises. However, sometimes these BKF, too, can get corrupt making the situation quite miserable as this is the time you need them the most. In such cases, you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to repair BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you are working on a Windows Server 2003 system that you have to format. So, you take the backup using NTBackup on a multiple-tape set. After formatting and reinstalling the system, you try to restore the BKF file. However, you are unable to do so. An error message is displayed, that is:

“Error: An inconsistency was encountered on the requested media”

Cause:
One of the reasons of this error message is that since you took the backup on multiple-tape set, now you are trying to mount the incorrect set of media to restore the BKF file. The other reason for this message is that the BKF file is corrupted. The reasons for BKF file corruption could be virus infections, human errors, CRC errors, interruptions during the backup process, power outages, etc.

Resolution:
To resolve this error message, you should select the BKF file from only one backup set at one time and try to restore it. That should resolve the problem. However, if the problem is still not resolved that would mean that the BKF file is corrupted. In such cases, you should use a third-party BKF recovery software to repair the corrupted BKF file. Such read-only tools are able to repair BKF file without overwriting its original contents.

Restoring data from corrupt BKF file in Windows 2000

Taking timely backups of your valuable data is a very safe and effective practice. It helps you in safeguarding your data against various data loss reasons. For such reasons, you have the NTBackup utility in the Windows NT (Server 2003, XP, and 2000) systems. It enables you to create backups in the form of BKF files that can be restored in case of any emergency. Having said that, sometimes these BKF files too can get corrupt because of various reasons such as virus infections, CRC errors, inappropriate backup operation, etc. In such situations, you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to repair BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you are using Windows 2000. You are a member of the Backup Operators group and the Users group. You have created a BKF file in a new tape. Now, when you try to restore the BKF file, you are unable to do so. An error message is displayed, that is:

“This set cannot be catalogued because the media containing the set data is missing.”

Cause:
The root cause of this erroneous situation is that the members of the Backup Operators group do not have the required Control permissions of the library objects. These permissions are required by the NTBackup tool to perform data restoration. When the group does not have the permissions and a member tries to use the NTBackup tool, the backup media is rendered as incomplete and the error is raised. The other reason for this message is that the BKF file is corrupt.

Resolution:
To resolve this issue, you should assign the Control permissions to the Backup Operators group. This can be done by performing the following steps:

• On your desktop, right-click My Computer and click the Manage option.
• Expand the Storage group.
• Right-click on the Removable Storage group and select the Properties option.
• Click the Security tab.
• Click Backup Operators in the Name list.
• Select the Allow check box in the Permissions list.
• Click the OK button to save the settings. Now, try to restore the BKF file. It should work now.

However, if you are not able to resolve the issue even after the aforementioned steps that means that the BKF file is corrupt. In such cases, you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to restore the trapped data. Such read-only tools are able to perform complete BKF recovery using fast yet sophisticated scanning algorithms.

How to repair corrupt BKF file after CRC error

How often you have cursed yourself when there is a data loss in your computer system. These days, there are numerous ways through which you can lose the valuable computer data. For such scenarios, you are suggested to make a habit of keeping a backup of the data you need frequently. Now, it is almost a boon that the Windows NT (Server 2003, XP, Server 2000) users have the inbuilt NTBackup option. This utility enables them to backup their valuable data on a regular basis in the form of BKF files. Having said that, you should take precautions to safeguard the BKF files as well otherwise these files may, too, get corrupt. These files can get corrupt because of various reasons such as human errors, virus infections, interruptions while taking backups, power surges, corrupt file system, etc. To repair these files, you should use appropriate methods. However, if you are not able to resolve the situation then you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to do so.

Consider a scenario wherein you have backed up your data using the NTBackup utility over the network in your organization. Later, when you try to restore the BKF file you are unable to do so.

Cause:
This root cause of this error is that the BKF file would have got corrupt because of CRC error. The CRC error is an error-checking method in data transmission where a CRC character is produced at the transmission end. The value of this character depends upon the hexadecimal value of all the 1s in the data block. This check is used to validate data blocks integrity. The error occurs if some bytes inside the file get lost or are overwritten.

Resolution:
To resolve this issue, you should try to recreate the BKF file if the data is not lost. However, if you have lost or deleted the data then you should use a third-party BKF recovery software to repair BKF file. Such read-only tools are able to recover data from the BKF files using fast yet sophisticated scanning algorithms without overwriting the original contents.

Repairing corrupt BKF file from a tape drive

A tape drive is a storage device that is used to read from and write data to a magnetic tape. It is, basically, used to take offline and archival data storage. This is because the tape drives are very economical and can be used well for taking backups of huge amount of data. However, at times the BKF files that are created using NTBakcup utility in the Windows NT systems get corrupt when they are archived in the tape drives. In such situations, you should perform appropriate corrective methods to repair BKF file. However, if you are not able to resolve the situation then you should use a third-party BKF repair software to repair BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you are using Windows 2000. You are trying to restore a BKF file that you have taken in a tape drive. However, the following erroneous situations are occurring:
NTBackup displays that there is data in the tape drive but no files are shown.
In the Restore tab, you click the Catalog option and the following error message is displayed:
“The next media required in the active family is not currently on-line. Please insert the media name of the media in the drive.”

Cause:
The root cause of this situation is that you have created the backup in the same tape and another user has created a backup after you. Another reason for this situation could be that the BKF file has corrupted.

The NTBackup utility keeps the backup catalogs according to the users. This does not let you in viewing backups created by other users.

Resolution:
To resolve this erroneous situation, you should download the latest service pack for Windows 2000. After this, check if the situation is resolved. However, if the issue is not addressed then you should use a third-party BKF repair tool to do the needful. Such read-only tools use fast yet sophisticated scanning algorithms to restore the BKF file.

Restoring BKF files when created in USB drives that use USB Storage Driver

In the Windows NT (Windows Server 2003, XP, and Server 2000) systems, there is the NTBackup utility that enables you to take the backups of your valuable data in the form of BKF files. This tool can prove to be very useful in case of data loss as you can restore the BKF files when the need arises to do so. However, sometimes it may happen that the BKF files themselves can get corrupt due to various reasons such as virus infections, human errors, CRC errors, etc. In such cases, you should use a third-party BKF recovery software to rectify the situation.

Consider a scenario wherein you have a Seagate USB 2.0 TR-5 Travan USB drive. Using this USB drive, you have created a BKF file in your Windows XP system. When you try to restore the BKF file, you fail to do so. An error message is displayed, that is:

“Required Media Missing
The next media required in the active family is not currently on-line.
Please insert the media:

Name_of_backup_media, media #0

or click Cancel to stop the current operation.”

And when you click Cancel to stop the current operation, the following message is displayed:
“Drive Error
The device reported an error on a request to mount the media.
Error reported: Unknown error.
There may be a hardware or media problem.
Please check the system event log for relevant failures.”

Cause:
This situation is caused if you create a BKF file in the USB drives that use the USB storage driver. The BKF files created in such drives cannot be restored.

Resolution:
To resolve this situation, you should try to again the take backup again if you have the data intact with you, this time without using that USB drive. If you do not have the data, then you should download the latest service pack for Windows XP. This should resolve the problem. However, if you are still not able to restore the BKF file then you should use a third-party BKF repair software to do so. Such read-only tools are able to repair BKF files from all instances of corruption without overwriting the original data.

File Header Corruption Prevents you From Restoring BKF File

Microsoft Windows Operating system enables you to create backup of your valuable files to prevent data loss situations. MS Windows XP and earlier versions include NTBackup.exe utility backup your data from Windows hard drive and store it to desired location. In case system failure occurs, you can restore data from backup file easily. The backup is stored in the form of BKF file. However, in some situations, the BKF file gets damaged and you can not access its contents. In such cases, it becomes essential to repair BKF file to extract data out of it.

In a practical scenario of this problem, you may come across the below error messages when you try to restore your backup, irrespective of the partition type, either system/boot partition or non-system partition:

Type: Warning
Date and time: 12/6/2009 10:27:27 PM
Backup plan: Backup 12/6/2009 10:26:01 PM
Task: Simple backup task
Code: 10,551,337(0xA10029)
Module: 161
Owner: xxxxxxx
Message:
The header of the backup file is corrupt.
Additional info:

Error code: 41
Module: 161
LineInfo: 6b233907fd5acd9c
Fields: Volume : FAAA1.TIB, $module : C:\Program Files (x86)\Acronis\BackupAndRecovery\DiskBundle.dll
Message: The header of the backup file is corrupt.
After the above errors, the restore process gets interrupted. In order to resume the restore process, you need to find out the cause of this behavior and repair BKF by resolving it.

Cause
As stated in the above error messages, this problem occurs due to corrupt header of the backup file. Header is the most important component of every file. It contains significant file information, such as file type, file size, file location, and more. The problem can also occur due blocked access of backup file.

Resolution
In order to verify the file header corruption, you should validate the backup file. On the other hand, if blocked access is causing this problem, copy the file to another location and try restoring it.
If both of the above methods does not work, BKF recovery is the only way to go.
You can easily repair and restore damaged BKF file using third-party BKF repair tool. The applications help you to restore the file in a safe and easy way.

Restoring BKF files in case of missing catalog files

Almost everybody, who is using the computers, must have lost his or her data at some point or the other. Losing your valuable data can be very troublesome as you would have devoted you time, efforts, and money to collate it. This situation can well be avoided if the practice of backing up your data as a routine is followed. For the Windows NT (Server 2003, XP, and Server 2000) users, there is the in-built NTBackup utility, using which backups can be created in the form of BKF files. However, there are times when these BKF files, too, can get corrupt. This may happen due to various reasons, such as virus infections, improper or incomplete backup process, human errors, power outages, etc. In such cases, you should use a third-party bkf repair tool to restore data from the corrupted BKF file.

Consider a scenario wherein you have created multiple BKF files from various systems in your department. For this, you ran multiple instances of NTBackup and took the backup almost at the same time. Now, when you try to restore the BKF files you are unable to find one or more catalog files in the Restore tab.

Cause:
The root cause of this situation is that as more than two backup jobs were started at the same time, only the catalog file of the first backup job is displayed in the Restore tab. This is so because the multiple backup jobs share the same timestamp attribute as they were started at almost the same time.

Resolution:
As a workaround of this situation, you can perform the following methods:

• Login as a different user having permissions to restore BKF file. Then, create the catalog for the backup set from which you want to restore data. This way, the catalog file will be created in that user's profile.
• Remove all the existing catalog files from the Restore tab. And then, only create the catalog from which you want to restore from.

However, if you still are unable to restore data from the BKF file then you should use a third-party Microsoft backup repair software. Such tools are read-only in nature and repair BKF file by using fast and sophisticated scanning algorithms.