There are so many users who back up their data using the NTBackup Tool in Windows XP, then clean install/upgrade to Windows 7 or Windows Vista and later realize that Windows 7/Vista do not include the NTBackup Tool to restore the image. Also, Microsoft haven’t released the NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 yet (should be out soon), as they released for Windows Vista. If you have critical data contained in a NTBackup image (.BKF) and want to restore it in Windows 7, then this article is for you.
This article assumes two things:
- You don’t have access to a Windows XP computer to restore the image.
- You don’t want to wait until NT Backup-Restore Utility for Windows 7 is released.
The NTBackup executable runs just fine in Windows Vista and Windows 7, provided that the supporting DLLs (given below) are available in the same folder where NTBackup.exe is present. The two DLL files are:
- ntmsapi.dll
- vssapi.dll
If you run NTBackup.exe without these two modules, these errors would pop-up.
After searching the web, I came across the NTBackup files which were packaged within a .cab file meant for use as Bart PE Plugin.
Restoring a .BKF File Using NTBackup
1. Download nt5backup.cab from Plugins by STSanford.
2. Extract the files inside the cabinet file to a folder of your choice.
3. Run the file NTBackup.exe from the folder.
4. NTBackup will indicate that Removable Storage service (removed in Windows Vista & Windows 7). Never mind! This is only required for tape backups. Click OK.
5. In the Welcome to Backup or Restore Wizard page, click Next
6. Select Restore files and settings, and click Next
7. Click Browse. Locate the .BKF file that you want to restore, and click OK.
8. Expand the catalog, select the files/folders you want to restore, and click Next.
9. Click the Advanced button
10. Select Alternate location from the dropdown, and mention the destination path.
Configure the restore options accordingly.
Click Next, and then click Finish.
Whew! You’ve now restored the contents of NTBackup .BKF file in Windows 7.
This procedure should work in Windows Vista, as well.
Related Posts
- How to Restore .BKF Images Using Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7
- Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 Is Now Available
- How to Schedule a System State Backup in Windows XP Using NTBackup
- How to Update the Repair Folder in Windows XP Using NTBackup
- Scan for Affected Programs – New System Restore Feature in Windows 7
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Fantaistic – works a treat and I was just starting to worry that I had lost my backup. Thanks again
Much better than all those useless reg fix tools that tell you that you have 100′s of reg errors. I am still in the process of loaing a brand new laptop, with only data and yet I had 577 errors !!
This really helps! Thank you much!
Excelente trabajo… y me gusto q este en ingles la aplicacion…
gracias… y saludos desde SLP, Mexico….
Fantastic help….thanks….can’t believe Microsoft would come out with a new version of Windows and leave their customers to struggle
You have saved me from a world of pain! Thank you, thank you for being altruistic enough to post this solution – I was one of the many who thought my XP backup would just work, but for course…
If you’re reading this to see if it’s the right solution – it works!
Many thanks, Andy
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
TANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT WORKS !!!!!
LOVE THIS SITE
Thank you, very very much! Your post saved me a LOT of time.
It worked beautifully without needing any further intervention.
I appreciate it,
Luca
Great job!. Thank You. Not only for restore Windows XP backups but I can do Backups over Net drives. In Windows 7 Home Premium there isn’t any possibility to do backups over net drives.
Thanks Again!
Javier