What are BKUP (Backup) Files & How to Open Them [2024]

Key Takeaways
  • BKUP files are used to back up important data, helping recover it if something goes wrong with your computer.
  • You need the specific program that created the BKUP file to open it, as the content varies by software.
  • BKUP files are safe as long as they come from a trusted source, so always check where they originate from.

Let’s say you have some important personal or professional data records on your computer when it suddenly starts malfunctioning. This not only puts the data at risk of deletion but also jeopardizes your peace of mind!

So, it’s always a good idea to have some sort of a backup plan for your crucial files or documents in case of a mishap. This is where BKUP file extensions come in handy, providing additional security against unexpected data loss.

bkup

What is a BKUP File?

A BKUP file is a file extension used for backing up various types of data such as data files, log files, or word processing documents. This generic backup file is used by different software and scripts to protect data by allowing data recovery in case of any incident that may lead to data deletion, corruption, or system failure.

READ MORE: How to Stop Google Photos Backup on Mobile & Desktop ➜

What is BKUP Used For?

BKUP files usually come to the rescue when the original file is either damaged or deleted by accident. These ‘.bkup’ file extensions are usually saved in the installation directory of the program where they were created. BKUP files are also used to restore systems to a previous state if there’s a malware attack or malfunction within the system.

backup icon

READ MORE: What is .DAT File and How to Open it in Windows? ➜

How to Open BKUP Files

BKUP files are generated by specific programs, and their format and content are unique to the software that creates them. Therefore, the process of opening BKUP files can vary.

To give you an example, BKUP files storing Awstats traffic logs are created by cPanel, so they can only be accessed through it.

  1. Locate the .BKUP file, right-click on it, and choose Open With.
  2. Next, click on Choose another app.
select choose another app option from bkup file menu
  1. A pop-up will appear with a list of apps. From there, select the More apps drop-down option.
  2. Scroll down and select Choose an app on your PC.
select choose an app on your PC
  1. The File Explorer window will open. From there, locate and click on the cPanel Installation folder and select OK.

READ MORE: How to Open, See, & Convert an HEIC File on Any Device! ➜

Are BKUP Files Safe?

In general, the safety of any file type largely depends on its source. So, while BKUP files are considered safe for installation and use, it is crucial to verify the authenticity and reliability of their source.

↪ Examples of Programs Where BKUP is Used

Apart from cPanel, other programs and software also use BKUP files for backup and data storage reasons, such as:

  • WHM
  • Wherigo.

READ MORE: What are desktop.ini files and how to hide them? ➜

Conclusion

Having BKUP files for any software is like having an emergency plan in case an incident occurs and puts your data at risk. While it may require you to think pessimistically at times, it’s best to be prepared beforehand. After all, that’s peak crisis management!

”BKUP’

What are the different backup file extensions?

Backup files are available in a range of file extensions, which typically vary from program to program. The most common ones include .BAK, .GHO, and .TMP.

Is it okay to delete backup files?

If you no longer need the backup files for data recovery or if they’re redundant, you can delete backup files without any issue.

Can a BKUP file be converted to another format?

As the purpose of a BKUP file is data storage or recovery, converting it to another format is not an ideal option as that could result in data loss or damage.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kamil Anwar


Kamil is a certified MCITP, CCNA (W), CCNA (S) and a former British Computer Society Member with over 9 years of experience Configuring, Deploying and Managing Switches, Firewalls and Domain Controllers also an old-school still active on FreeNode.