How to Fix “The Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and cannot be Used” Error

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  • Updated on September 30th, 2022

If you encounter an Error “The Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and cannot be Used” while trying to restore the windows backup. This blog will be helpful to you. In the blog, I have shared the method to fix “the backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used”. The reasons for this error have also been discussed.

Generally, we take the backup to avoid any data loss. In practice, we take the backup of our important data, so that can save it from any damage. Moreover, we also take the backup of data for the further use. In the earlier versions of the Windows, we take the backup with the help of inbuilt NT backup utility. Sometimes, there are issues in opening the backup files. So let’s find out the issues regarding backup files.

“The Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and cannot be Used” Issue Regarding Backup Files of Windows XP Backup Utility

  • This error message “the backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used” is displayed when you attempt to restore a backup file which is corrupt. This corruption is due to many reasons like virus infection, improper backup process, sudden shutdown, etc.
  • Secondly, when you try to access the backup files which are created by NT Backup Utility of Windows XP using in Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (later versions), they will report the error “The backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used”. The reason is that backup utility is not available in the later versions of Windows XP.

Now, move forward to find the solution to fix this error.

Methods to Resolve Unrecognized Data of Backup File

The method to resolve the error “The Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and cannot be Used” are discussed below.

#1. Download NT Backup Utility for Windows Higher Versions

You can download the NT Backup Utility. The downloaded utility has the two dll files these are used to create a backup of files & restore Window XP backup to Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10. These files are:

  1. ntmsapi.dll
  2. vssapi.dll

After downloading the NT Backup utility take care of following things.

  • The location of these two files should be the same as that of ntbackup.exe, if the location is different the tool will not perform.
  •  Ensure that files are not stored at the original location as it can make ineffective the present files.

Follow the following steps to move forward.

  1. First, download & extract the nt5backup.cab file, ensure that it has 3 files: 2 dll files and ntbackup.exe
  2. Click on the ntbackup.exe file, then a popup message appears related to Removable Storage service. Click on ok.
  3. The Backup or Restore Wizard will be open; you can choose Advanced Mode if required and then click on Next.
  4. Choose any one option from any three options Backup Wizard (Advanced), Restore Wizard (Advanced), Automated System Recovery Wizard.
  5. Next, choose the location to store your backup files.
  6. Choose the required backup file to be restored and browse and choose files which are needed to be restored back.
  7. After that, click on Start Restore button. Confirm on the pop-up window message.

Try Third-Party Tool to Fix the backup file contains unrecognized data and cannot be used Error

If you want the fast restoration of the backup file then there is an alternate Aryson BKF Recovery tool. This tool will repair the error “The Backup File Contains Unrecognized Data and cannot be Used” which in the few clicks. It gives an effective solution to repair backup files. And this tool is also helpful in removing corruption from these files.

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed the two methods. As per your need, you can opt for any one of them. Hope this blog helps you to fix the error.

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About The Author:

Rohan Wiese is a Technical Content Writer at Aryson Technologies, specializing in databases, e-mail recovery, and e-mail migration solutions. He enjoys conducting research and generating information that assists database administrators, businesses, and novices in resolving issues with MS SQL Server, MySQL databases, Cloud Computing, and Microsoft Exchange.

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