File Extension/BAK
alphabetical list of extensions

File extension .BAK

File description

Files with the BAK extension is basically used for general backup files. A large number of computer processes and applications make use of the BAK file format to create the backup of documents that the application has created.

The BAK file format is a general file type that are created by the auto-save function that are available in most of the computer programs. For instance, when you have edited a file in Microsoft Word and the auto-save feature pops up, a BAK file extension will be created. These files are generally deleted automatically by the program that generated them when the file is no longer required.

Description of the problem
If you have on your computer a .BAK file that you cannot open, you are in exactly the same situation as thousands of other people who have similar problems with this or any other unknown file.

There may be several reasons why you cannot open the file with .BAK extension. Directly on this website you can find a solution of the most common problem with the .BAK file – that you do not have on your computer the appropriate program to open the file.
Solution
From the list below, select the appropriate program, install it and double click on the icon of a file that did not want to open - the problem with the .BAK file extension should be solved. However, if this does not happen, go back to the website to learn about other possible causes of the error, which have been described at the bottom of the website.
Category
Backup Files
Developer
N/A
Popularity
StarStarStarStarStar
File name: Backup File
Programs that will open this file:
Windows
Windows
AutoCAD AutoCAD
Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software Suite Light-O-Rama ShowTime Software Suite
Original program Original program
Mac OS
Mac OS
Original program Original program
Category
Backup Files
Developer
Mozilla
Popularity
StarStarStar
File name: Firefox Bookmarks Backup
Programs that will open this file:
Windows
Windows
Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox
Mac OS
Mac OS
Mozilla Firefox Mozilla Firefox
Category
Backup Files
Developer
The Sage Group
Popularity
StarStarStar
File name: ACT! Backup File
Programs that will open this file:
Windows
Windows
Sage ACT Sage ACT
Remember!
The .BAK file extension can correspond to several not related file formats. If there is more than one file format with the .BAK extension, you will probably find most of them at this website. Remember that you need to download a program to support a particular file type. So first look through the entire contents of the website to select a program to support just the file you have.

Other possible reasons why your .BAK file does not want to open

In addition to the problem described above, i.e. the lack of the appropriate application to support the .BAK file, there may be several reasons that cause problems with opening and operation of the data format:

1. Incorrect version of the installed application

A quite common problem is the lack of application in the appropriate version. Even if you have an application, with the help of which you should open the .BAK file, you may have a problem with it because of its version. Perhaps in previous versions the application has not yet supported the .BAK file, so download the update and check again.

2. Incorrect .BAK file association with the program

If you have already installed the appropriate application, and it is the correct version, the file may not open correctly, because the operating system does not have information that this program supports the file. So you need to "show" which program the computer should use. To do this:

  • Right-click the .BAK file
  • Go to the "Open with" - then "Choose default program ..."
  • Locate the appropriate application
  • Click "OK"

3. The file is corrupt

It also happens that the file you want to open is corrupt and therefore there is no such possibility. In this situation, you should find its different version, or ask a person from whom you got, to send it again.