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3 steps to open file with BAK~ extension

Usually solving problems with BAK~ file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open BAK~ file now!

  1. 1. BAK~ File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) BAK~ file?
  3. 3. How to open BAK~ file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports BAK~ files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with BAK~ extension
    3. 3.3 Check the BAK~ file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

BAK~ File Extension

File
  • File type AbiWord Auto-Saved Document
  • File developer AbiSource
  • File category Backup Files
  • File popularity rating
    • Star
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What is a(n) BAK~ file?

The BAK~ (AbiWord Auto-Saved Document) file type is a backup or auto-saved version of an AbiWord document generated periodically by AbiWord. It saves the document in its own format, which includes the AbiWord document structure, formatting information, and text information. These files are given the file extension ".bak~", preceded by the original document's file name.

The BAK~ file does not have to be manually created. It will be generated by AbiWord automatically each time the document is saved or at a set interval. This ensures that an older version of the file can be recovered should a newer version malfunction or accidentally become corrupted.

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How to open BAK~ file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of BAK~ extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps

Step 1: Install a program that supports BAK~ files

If an application that supports BAK~ files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with BAK~ extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

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For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the BAK~ file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.

Step 2: Find and download proper software

Inability to open BAK~ files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with BAK~ files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with BAK~ extension

Windows programs
Windows
MAC OS programs
MAC OS
Linux programs
Linux

Step 3: Check the BAK~ file for errors

Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:

  • BAK~ file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
  • Structure of given BAK~ file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
  • Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
  • It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related BAK~ file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
  • If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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