Applies ToWindows 7 Enterprise Windows 7 Home Basic Windows 7 Home Premium Windows 7 Professional Windows 7 Starter Windows 7 Ultimate Windows Server 2008 R2 Datacenter Windows Server 2008 R2 Enterprise Windows Server 2008 R2 Standard Windows Server 2008 R2 Web Edition
INTRODUCTION
This article describes theWindowsNT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7and for Windows Server 2008 R2. The utility restores backups that are made on Windows XP and on Windows Server 2003 to computers that are running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. To download the utility, go to the «How to obtain this update» section.
Notes
-
Removable Storage Manager (RSM) is no longer included in Windows 7 or in Windows Server 2008 R2. If you want to restore a backup from a tape device, please perform the restore on one of the following operating systems:
-
Windows XP
-
Windows Server 2003
-
Windows Vista
-
Windows Server 2008
-
-
To download the NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows Vista or for Windows Server 2008, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/download/details.aspx?FamilyID=7da725e2-8b69-4c65-afa3-2a53107d54a7
-
The Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2 is not intended to remain on computers that are running Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 indefinitely and should be removed once you have restored backups that were made on Windows XP and on Windows Server 2003.
More Information
Update information
How to obtain this update
The following files are available for download from the Microsoft Download Center:
|
Operating system |
Update |
|---|---|
|
All supported x86-based versions of Windows 7 |
Download the update package now. |
|
All supported x64-based versions of Windows 7 |
Download the update package now. |
|
All supported x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 |
Download the update package now. |
|
All supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2 |
Download the update package now. |
For more information about how to download Microsoft support files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
119591 How to obtain Microsoft support files from online servicesMicrosoft scanned this file for viruses. Microsoft used the most current virus-detection software that was available on the date that the file was posted. The file is stored on security-enhanced servers that help prevent any unauthorized changes to the file.
Prerequisites
To apply this update, your computer must be running one of the following operating system:
-
An English version of Windows 7 or of Windows Server 2008 R2.
-
A non-English version of Windows 7 or of Windows Server 2008 R2 that has the EN-US language pack installed.
You need to install En-Us Language Pack before installing Windows NT Backup Restore Utility if you use non-English environment.Please see Workaround section for details of how to install this utility on non-English environment.
Registry information
To use the update in this package, you do not have to make any changes to the registry.
Restart requirement
You do not have to restart the computer after you apply this update.
Hotfix replacement information
This update does not replace a previously released update.
File information
The English (United States) version of this update installs files that have the attributes that are listed in the following tables. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). The dates and times for these files on your local computer are displayed in your local time and with your current daylight saving time (DST) bias. Additionally, the dates and times may change when you perform certain operations on the files.
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 file information notes
-
The files that apply to a specific product, milestone (RTM, SPn), and service branch (LDR, GDR) can be identified by examining the file version numbers as shown in the following table:
Version
Product
Milestone
Service branch
6.1.760 0.16xxx
Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
RTM
GDR
-
GDR service branches contain only those fixes that are widely released to address widespread, extremely important issues. LDR service branches contain hotfixes in addition to widely released fixes.
For all supported x86-based versions of Windows 7
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe |
6.1.7600.16444 |
866,304 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:46 |
x86 |
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.chm |
68,630 |
26-Sep-2009 |
09:48 |
Not Applicable |
|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe.mui |
6.1.7600.16444 |
153,088 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:58 |
Not Applicable |
For all supported x64-based versions of Windows 7 and of Windows Server 2008 R2
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe |
6.1.7600.16444 |
1,068,544 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:39 |
x64 |
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.chm |
68,630 |
26-Sep-2009 |
09:48 |
Not Applicable |
|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe.mui |
6.1.7600.16444 |
153,088 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:58 |
Not Applicable |
For all supported IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2
|
File name |
File version |
File size |
Date |
Time |
Platform |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe |
6.1.7600.16444 |
2,266,112 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:30 |
IA-64 |
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.chm |
68,630 |
26-Sep-2009 |
09:48 |
Not Applicable |
|
|
Ntbackuprestoreutility.exe.mui |
6.1.7600.16444 |
153,088 |
20-Oct-2009 |
09:58 |
Not Applicable |
More Information
After you install the NT Backup Restore Utility, follow these steps to start the utility:
-
Click Start .
-
Click All Programs, click Accessories, and then click System Tools.
-
Click NTBackup-RestoreUtility.
-
For instructions about how to use the utility, click Help Topics on the Help menu.
Workaround
Here are the steps to install Windows NT Backup Restore Utility on non-English environment.
1. Install En-Us Language Pack on non-English environment
Please see following KB when Windows 7 is used.
Windows 7 language packs are available for computers that are running Windows 7 Ultimate or Windows 7 Enterprise
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/972813
En-us language pack can be downloaded from following site when Windows 2008 R2 is used.
Windows Server 2008 R2 Multilingual User Interface Language Packs
a) Download the package from KB974674
b) Start Command Prompt
c) Create temp folder. (Example: C:\Temp)
d) Run following command
x86-based versions of Windows 7:
expand -f:* c:\Windows6.1-KB974674-x86.msu c:\temp
x64-based versions of Windows 7:
expand -f:* c:\Windows6.1-KB974674-x64.msu c:\temp
x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
expand -f:* c:\Windows6.1-KB974674-x64.msu c:\temp
IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
xpand -f:* c:\Windows6.1-KB974674-ia64.msu c:\temp3. Install Package with pkgmgr as follows (PkgMgr is command line utility):
x86-based versions of Windows 7: pkgmgr /ip /m:c:\temp\Windows6.1-KB974674-x86.cab
x64-based versions of Windows 7: pkgmgr /ip /m:c:\temp\Windows6.1-KB974674-x64.cab
x64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
pkgmgr /ip /m:c:\temp\Windows6.1-KB974674-x64.cab
IA-64-based versions of Windows Server 2008 R2:
pkgmgr /ip /m:c:\temp\Windows6.1-KB974674-ia64.cab
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Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 10, 11 & Latest Version
Published On
March 4th, 2025
Reading Time
5 Minutes Reading
If you are looking for a Windows NT backup restore utility to restore data from BKF files on Windows 10 and 11 versions then you have come to the right blog. In this blog, we will show you how you can restore your BKF file in any Windows system using nt5backup.cab.
This blog will be very useful for those users who have some technical knowledge. If you do not have technical knowledge at all, then we have also told another method for that in this blog, with the help of which you can restore the data stored in the BKF file without any loss. Let us first understand what is NT Backup Utility and after that, we will know why we need to use it.
Know What is ntbackup.exe Restore Utility
Windows NT backup restore utility was invented by Microsoft, that was also done because if a user has 50 folders in his system and that user wants to back them up, then he can take the backup with the help of that utility. But on Windows systems, this utility was built-in only in Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows 2003 versions.
After that stop this utility in Microsoft, if you have the latest system of Windows have to create a BKF file or if you already have BKF and you want to restore it then you have to first nt5backup.cab must download. After that, you can restore or create any new BKF file with the help of this Windows NT backup restore utility.
Note: How to Fix this “Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and Cannot be Used” Error?
Why Does User Need to Use nt5backup.exe Utility?
- Some users already had the BKF file, but now they are unable to restore it due to the latest version of Windows 10 or 11.
- Or someone sent you a BKF file and you want to restore it to see what data is inside it.
- If you have any BKF files and you want to view or check them.
Here are some reasons why you might need to download the Windows NT backup restore utility. Apart from this, there can be many reasons for every user. To restore the data of the BKF file, first, you have to download nt5backup.cab utility, after that we have described the steps for how to use this utility below.
How to Use Windows NT Backup Restore Utility on Windows 10 & 11?
- On Windows 10 and other latest versions download ntbackup.exe, then double click on the ntbackup.exe setup file option.
- After this, the “Backup and Restore Wizard Screen” will open automatically, and click the Next button to continue the process
- Thereafter, choose the Restore files and Settings open and then click on the Next button
- To upload the BKF file to this software, click on the browse button and then a new popup screen will open, from there select your file and click on the OK button.
- After that you will come back to the previous screen, on that screen you will be showing your files on the right side, if you want to deselect any file from that, you can do that too, then click on the next button.
- Finally, click on the Finish button, now your restore process will be running, please wait for a few minutes
- Restore is complete, if you can see the report click on the Report button
- Eventually, Now you can see the Report
Some Limitations of NTBackup Restore Utility
Microsoft has officially removed the link for the Windows NT backup restore utility from Windows 7, 8, 10 and 11, so you will need to download this utility externally. Because of this, even Microsoft does not recommend reinstalling the BKF file on Windows. Because many times there is a risk of losing your important data while restoring the data.
You cannot use the Windows NT backup restore utility if the BKF file has some problems like your files are corrupted or virus affected. Because it does not have any scanning feature so that your corrupted file can be repaired and restored. If you have such files then you have to go through the second method we have mentioned below.
Alternative Solution of Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7, 8, 10, 11 & Latest Version
Looking at the limitation of the Windows NT backup restore utility, we have also come up with another solution, with the help of which you will be able to restore the data of your BKF file very easily, the name of this software is 4n6 BKF Repair Tool. This software is the best software to repair all types of files and restore data, whether your file is corrupted or affected by the virus.
Free Download
Conclusion
In response to customer demand, we have outlined the whole, step-by-step procedure to get the Windows NT backup restore utility program for Windows 10/11/Server 2022/2019/2016/2012. However, it is advised to substitute the indicated professional solution for this antiquated NTBackup. To recover Windows backup data, you may use the free nt5backup.cab Windows 10 program.
Next Read: Download Office 365 Mailbox to PST
Windows NT Backup — Restore Utility |
Utility for restoring backups made on Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 to computers running Windows Vista and Microsoft® Windows Server® 2008.
- This Windows® operating system supplemental utility restores backups made on Microsoft® Windows XP and Windows Server® 2003 to computers running Microsoft Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
This utility requires that the Removable Storage Management feature is enabled (see Instructions).
System Requirements
Operating Systems: Longhorn (Windows Code Name), Windows Server 2008, Windows Server 2008 Enterprise, Windows Server 2008 Standard, Windows Vista, Windows Vista 64-bit Editions Service Pack 1, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Business N, Windows Vista Enterprise, Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Home Basic, Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Home Basic N, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition, Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Windows Vista Starter, Windows Vista Starter N, Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition
-
- Required disk space: 5 MB
Installation Instructions
- Before you install and run Windows NT Backup — Restore Utility, you need to turn on or install the Removable Storage Management feature.
- Note: An NTSMAPI.dll error may occur if Removable Storage Management is not enabled.
To turn on Removable Storage Management in Windows Vista
- Click the Start button, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Turn Windows Features on or off. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
- Select the check box next to Removable Storage Management to turn the feature on, and then click OK.
To install Removable Storage Management on Windows Server 2008
- Click Control Panel and then click Administrative Tools.
- Open Server Manager, navigate to the Features Summary section, and click Add features.
- Select the check box next to Removable Storage Manager, click Next, and then click Install.
To install Windows NT Backup — Restore Utility
- Click the Download button next to a file listed below.
- To start the installation immediately, click Run.
-or-
To copy the download to your computer for installation at a later time, click Save.
To start Windows NT Backup — Restore Utility
- Click the Start button, click Programs, click Windows NT Backup Restore — Utility, and then click Ntbackup-RestoreUtility.
Looking for a Windows NT backup restore utility for Windows 10 and the latest Windows 11 OS? Don’t worry, you can download the nt5backup.cab windows 10 utility from here. Using Windows NTBackup Tool, you can easily restore the crucial data available in BKF files.
Let’s Know Windows NT Backup Restore Utility
Microsoft introduced the NTBackup utility to backup Windows files in Windows NT OS. This is an inbuilt backup application that came with the old Windows Operating System, i.e., Windows NT, XP, Vista, and Server 2003 / 2008. Windows NT Backup Restore Utility allows to create BKF files to store windows backup data.
However, it has been replaced in Windows 11 / 10 / 8 / Windows Server 2022 / 2019 / 2016 / 2012 by the Windows Backup and Restores program, which creates VHD disc image files. If you simply try to use the Windows NT Backup utility on the latest Windows operating systems, then it shows an error message, i.e., The procedure entry point SetCatalogState could not be located NTBackup.
Why Do Users Want to Download NTBackup.exe for Windows 10?
- Some users still have BKF files but they are using the latest Windows 11 or 10.
- Many users have archived their crucial data for future use in BKF files.
- Sometimes, users received their required data in the BKF format.
- Several users want to do some R&D on BKF files for multiple purposes.
These are some possible situations where users may want to download nt5backup.cab windows 10 / 11. Users also wish to restore their critical data after obtaining Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 10.
Steps to Use Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 11, 10, 8, 7
-
- Download ntbackup.exe for Windows 10 and other operating systems. Double click the ntbackup.exe setup file.
- After that, the welcome screen of the backup and restore wizard will open. Click Next to proceed.
- Now, choose the Restore files and settings option and select Next.
- Select the required BKF file from GUI or hit on the Browse button to choose a specific file.
- After selecting the backup file from your pc, press the OK button.
- Choose the BKF file and press the Next button to continue.
- Thereafter, completing the backup or restore wizard screenshot will open. Click the Finish button.
- Download ntbackup.exe for Windows 10 and other operating systems. Double click the ntbackup.exe setup file.
The process of restoring data is running. Please wait for a while.
- The restoration process is complete. Click on the Close button.
- You can also click on the Report button to see the restore status report.
Limitations of NTBackup
Microsoft officially eliminated the official download link of the Windows NT backup restore utility for Windows 10 and other editions. So, this is not a recommended method to restore data from Windows backup BKF files as it may lead to data loss.
Sometimes, your BKF files may have some issues, i.e., they are affected by viruses or missing some items. In such cases, you cannot recover your data by using the NTBackup utility as there is no scanning option available for corrupt files.
Alternative for Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 / 8 / 10 / 11
Windows BKF Restore Utility is available for extracting data from BKF files in actual formatting. The tool comes with multiple advanced features that make it the most recommended utility. Let’s look at its features.
Download Now Purchase Now
- Dual scanning modes are available to successfully deal with virus-infected BKF files.
- Supports data recovery from corrupted, damaged, missing internal items, and all types of BKF Zip files.
- Windows file explorer view is available for selecting specific files and folders for restoring.
- Users can specify where they want the extracted files and directories to be saved.
Conclusion
As per the demand of users, we have explained the complete step-by-step process to get Windows NT backup restore utility for Windows 10 / 11 / Server 2022 / 2019 / 2016 / 2012. However, it is advisable to use the suggested third-party solution instead of this out-of-date NTBackup. You can download the nt5backup.cab windows 10 tool to restore Windows backup files free of cost.
Next Read: Fix Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and Cannot be Used Error
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Original author(s) | Arcada Software Conner Software Seagate Software |
|---|---|
| Developer(s) | Microsoft Veritas Software |
| Initial release | July 27, 1993; 31 years ago |
| Included with | Windows NT 3.51, NT 4, 2000, XP, and Server 2003 |
| Successor | Backup and Restore and WBAdmin |
| Type | Backup software |
| License | Proprietary commercial software |
| Website | learn |
NTBackup (also known as Windows Backup[1]: 20.1 and Backup Utility[1]: 20.4 ) is the first built-in backup utility of the Windows NT family. It was introduced with Windows NT 3.51. NTBackup comprises a GUI (wizard-style) and a command-line utility to create, customize, and manage backups. It takes advantage of Shadow Copy (to create backups) and Task Scheduler (to schedule them). NTBackup stores backups in the BKF file format (a proprietary format at the time) on external sources, e.g., floppy disks, hard drives, tape drives, and Zip drives. When used with tape drives, NTBackup uses the Microsoft Tape Format (MTF),[2] which is also used by BackupAssist, Backup Exec, and Veeam Backup & Replication[3] and is compatible with BKF.[4]
Starting with Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, NTBackup is replaced by Backup and Restore and Windows Server Backup. In addition to their corresponding GUIs, the command-line utility WBAdmin can operate both. The new backup system provides similar functionality but uses the Virtual Hard Disk file format to back up content. Neither Backup and Restore nor Windows Server Backup support the use of tape drives.[5] To and restore NTBackup’s BKF files, Microsoft has made available the NTBackup Restore utility for Windows Vista, Windows Server 2008, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008 R2.[6]
NTBackup supports several operating system features including backing up the computer’s System State. On computers that are not domain controllers, this includes the Windows Registry, boot files, files protected by Windows File Protection, Performance counter configuration information, COM+ class registration database, IIS metabase, replicated data sets, Exchange Server data, Cluster service information, and Certificate Services database. On domain controllers, NTBackup can back up Active Directory, including the SYSVOL directory share.
NTBackup supports Encrypting File System, NTFS hard links and junction points, alternate data streams, disk quota information, mounted drive and remote storage information. It saves NTFS permissions, audit entries and ownership settings, respects the archive bit attribute on files and folders and can create normal, copy, differential, incremental and daily backups, backup catalogs, as well as Automated System Recovery. It supports logging and excluding files from the backup per-user or for all users. Hardware compression is supported if the tape drive supports it. Software compression is not supported, even in Backup to files.
NTBackup can use removable media devices that are supported natively by the Removable Storage Manager (RSM) component of Windows. However, RSM supports only those tape devices which have RSM-aware WDM drivers.[7]
NTBackup from Windows XP and newer includes Volume Shadow Copy (VSS) support and thus can back up locked files. In the case of Windows XP Home Edition, NTBackup is not installed by default but is available on the Windows XP installation disc.[8][9] Windows XP introduced a wizard-style user interface for NTBackup in addition to the advanced UI.
An expert system administrator can use the NTBackup scripting language to create a functional backup system. Scripting enables the system administrator to automate and schedule backups of files and system state, control the RSM to follow a media rotation strategy, reprogram the RSM to work with external HDD and NAS as well as tape, send email reminders to prompt users to insert the media and compile backup reports that include logs and remaining capacity. An alternative to scripting is GUI software such as BackupAssist, which automates NTBackup and can perform automatic, scheduled backups of Windows-based servers and PCs using NTBackup.
Third-party plug-ins can be used with the deprecated Removable Storage component in Microsoft Windows to support modern storage media such as external hard disks, flash memory, optical media such as CD, DVD and Blu-ray and network file systems exposing the pieces of media as virtual tape to NTBackup which is based on Removable Storage.
NTBackup can be used under Windows Vista and up by copying the NTBackup files from a Windows XP machine. To use tapes or other backup locations that use the Removable Storage Manager, you will need to turn it on in the Turn Windows features on or off control panel, but in Windows 7 and up, the component was removed.[10][11]
Corrupt or damaged backup files
[edit]
Due to the large size typical of today’s backups, and faulty data transmission over unreliable USB or FireWire interfaces, backup files are prone to be corrupt or damaged. When trying to restore, NTBackup may display messages like «The Backup File Is Unusable», «CRC failed error» or «Unrecognized Media». Third-party, mostly commercial solutions may recover corrupt BKF files.[12]
- ^ a b Glenn, Walter; Northrup, Tony (2005). MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing, Configuring, and Administering Microsoft Windows XP Professional (2 ed.). Redmond, WA: Microsoft Press. ISBN 0735621527. LCCN 2004118216.
- ^ «Media Sets, Media Families, and Backup Sets (SQL Server)». SQL Server Documentation. Microsoft. 2023-03-03 – via Microsoft Learn.
- ^ «Archiving to Tape: Best Practices».
- ^ Win9x & XP & NT MSBackUp File Format and Data Recovery
- ^ NTBackup replaced in Windows Server 2008
- ^ «Description of the Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2». Support. Microsoft. 2020-04-10.
- ^ Installed Tape Device Is Not Recognized by Removable Storage Manager
- ^ HOW TO: Install Backup from the CD-ROM in Windows XP Home Edition
- ^ How to use the Backup utility… in Windows XP…
- ^ Storage Networking Platform Features in Windows 7/Server 2008 R2 (Powerpoint) Archived 2012-02-15 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ «Running NT Backup under Windows 7».
- ^ How to recover corrupt or damaged BKF backup files[usurped]
- John Paul Mueller (2007). Windows Administration at the Command Line for Windows Vista, Windows 2003, Windows XP, and Windows 2000. John Wiley & Sons. ISBN 978-0470165799.
- Microsoft
- Backup Basics from Microsoft
- NTBackup Guide for Windows XP Professional
- MSKB104169: Files that are automatically skipped by NTBackup
- Microsoft Tape Format (MTF) Specification Document by Seagate
- mftar: a filter to convert MFT/BKF files to the more common tar format (Linux and Unices)
- mtftar is an updated tool for translating a MTF stream to a TAR stream