Data forms the center of all business operations today. Even so, we all depend on data to make certain decisions affecting our personal lives. But there are so many data issues to deal with, including accidental deletion and loss of data—.BAK files are no exception. They can be deleted accidentally and infected by viruses and malware in equal measure, like the other forms of data.

You probably already know that you can recover files once deleted from the Recycle Bin. that doesn’t seem so hard to execute right?  Let’s first explore what .BAK files are.

What are .BAK Files?

BAK or .BAK file extension means a backup file. Generally, these file types are used to keep backup copies of other files.

Majorly, backup files are generated by apps that require them. For instance, business software such as Google chrome, Outlook Express, and WhatsApp produces supplementary files with a .bak file extension.

Back up files like these are very important especially when you lose the original copies of them. Remember, there can be several possible reasons for losing data such as due to logical damage to a storage device, disk formatting, or permanent deletion.

Can I Recover .BAK File?

Absolutely yes! Like any other files, when you delete .BAK files, they will quickly get into the Recycle Bin. deleted, became inaccessible, or lost in whichever way, you need to think of a better way to recover them. One best move will be to use a data recovery software such as Disk Drill to recover the lost .BAK files.

How Do I Open .BAK Files?

You should be able to open most files most of the time. With .BAK files, you don’t have any single app that will be able to read all of them. This is because the files are created automatically and kept by the associated apps.

Therefore, the process of opening .BAK files depends on the context within which you intend to open the files. You need to understand the program in which the files were prepared. That is why it becomes very easy to open .BAK files using the program once you can clearly identify the files made for it. But you never stop trying and figuring out which program works best with the files you are just about to open. For instance, when you encounter a .BAK file among music files, you need to try opening it using a music player. If it works, then you can go ahead and rename it using a better file extension, such as .mp3 or even .wav.

What Causes BAK Files to be Deleted?

There are many possible reasons why .BAK files may have been deleted from a hard drive, whether Windows or Mac computers. Some of the common reasons include:

• Manual deletion – manual deletion can either be accidental or intentional. Where they have been purposefully deleted by the user, it comes up for some of the very good reasons. For example, you could delete .BAK files to clear space for additional memory. Also, you may just require to get rid of .BAK files that you no longer need. Where deletion was accidental, it is usually for bad reasons like exposing your data to the wrong user.
• File system issues – sometimes, .BAK files are deleted because they face certain file system issues. Some of these issues include disk corruption and erratic formatting.
• Automatic cleanup – some systems come with in-built programs that make it easier for them to erase old or outdated files regularly. Such functions help you keep only the current versions of files while preventing the unnecessary build-up of backup files.
• Viruses – viruses and malware may target certain file types in your storage. You could expose your files to viruses and malware if you do not take good care of the storage devices you use. Malicious software, for instance, could delete some of your .BAK files, causing you big file losses.
• Human error – Many users have destroyed their data systems, especially because they lack proper understanding of their importance. Another cause would be when you erratically format your disk! That can be a gross human error to bet with especially when you are dealing with very expensive business .BAK files.

How to Recover Deleted BAK Files

Method 1: Recover with Recycle Bin

Recycle Bin recovery is one of the easiest and quickest recovery methods you can ever execute. The method requires no expertise at all to run and you only need your computer where the data was deleted. Follow the steps below to recover data from Recycle Bin.

Step 1: Locate the Recycle Bin icon on your Desktop.

Step 2: Launch the Recycle Bin and check if your deleted BAK files are there.

Step 3: If your BAK files are there, select them, right-click on them, and hit the “Restore” button to recover them.

Method 2: Recover Deleted BAK Files with Software

You don’t want to gamble too much with BAK files containing your key backup files. One of the most effective data recovery software options is Disk Drill developed by Cleverfiles. It is one of the best data recovery apps you can use for such high-risk tasks. Follow the steps below:

Step 1: Begin by visiting Cleverfiles’s website and downloading and installing Disk Drill for Windows or Mac.

Step 2: Launch the software and choose the volume where your BAK files were deleted from.

Step 3: Initiate the scanning process to search for the deleted or lost BAK files.

Step 4: Preview the identified files in the results section.

Step 5: Select the right .BAK files to restore and hit the “Restore” button to complete the process.

Ensure you choose a different location to send the files after they are found. This trick helps you prevent overwriting the files you just recovered.

Method 3: Recover Deleted BAK Files with Backup

If you have been working with your Windows backup system activated, then this method will work perfectly well for you. Follow the steps below to recover deleted BAK files from the backup.

Step 1: Go to the Start menu and open the Control Panel.

Step 2: Go to the System and Maintenance tab and choose Backup and Restore.

Step 3: Choose the Restore My Files tab, hit on it, and follow the on-screen prompts to restore the files.

How Do I Avoid Losing BAK Files?

If you want to avoid losing .BAK files for whatever reason, you need to be very vigilant and observant of all the operations you execute with your computer. Follow the guidelines below to safeguard your BAK files from accidental deletion or any form of data loss.

• Organize your file system and have separate folders for BAK files.
• Use trustworthy antivirus systems only.
• Set full proof access controls to bar your files from unauthorized access.
• Only transfer files using safe methods and when it is safe to do so.

Conclusion 

To recover deleted files, you always need to act with speed and precision. This is because if you delay the process and continue using the storage device for other purposes, you could easily get your deleted or lost .BAK files overwritten.