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

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.

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 utilized by different software and scripts to protect data, enabling data recovery in case of incidents that may lead to data deletion, corruption, or system failure.

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

backup
backup icon

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.

For 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.
choose another app from bkup file menu
select “choose another app” option from the 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.
choose an app on your PC option
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.

Having BKUP files for any software is akin to having an emergency plan in case an incident occurs that 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!

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.