WBK File – What is .wbk file and how to open it?
WBK File Extension
Microsoft Word Document Backup File – file format by Microsoft
WBK is a Microsoft Word Document Backup File extension developed by Microsoft. It is a backup file created by Microsoft Word, containing a copy of the original document file (.DOC or .DOCX). It is used to recover lost or corrupted data in case the original file is damaged or deleted.
Definition and Purpose of a WBK File
A WBK file is a backup file created by Microsoft Word, a popular word processing software application. It serves as a safety measure, storing a copy of an original Word document (.DOCX or .DOC) in case of unforeseen circumstances such as accidental deletion or software crashes. WBK files contain the same data as the original document, including text, formatting, images, and other elements. They are not intended to be directly opened or edited by users, as they are primarily used for data recovery purposes.
Backup and Restoration Process
WBK files are automatically generated by Microsoft Word when the “Automatically save recovery information every” option is enabled in the program’s settings. The default interval for automatic backups is every 10 minutes, but users can adjust this frequency to meet their specific needs. When Microsoft Word detects an unsaved change or potential data loss, it creates a WBK file as a backup. In the event of data loss, users can recover the original document by opening the WBK file and saving it as a new Word document.
Accessing WBK Files through Word
WBK files are backup copies of Word documents that are automatically created when users save their work. While not intended to be opened directly, WBK files can be accessed through the Microsoft Word interface. To do this, open Word and navigate to the location where the WBK file is stored. Right-click on the file and select “Open Backup” from the context menu. Word will then open the backup copy of the document, allowing you to view and edit its contents. It’s important to note that any changes made to the backup file will not be automatically synchronized with the original document.
Alternative File Recovery Methods
If the Word interface is unavailable or the “Open Backup” option is not available, there are alternative methods for recovering WBK files. One method involves renaming the WBK file extension to .doc or .docx, which may allow the file to be opened directly with Word or other compatible applications. Another method is to use a file recovery software tool, which can scan the storage device for lost or deleted files, including WBK files. These tools can often recover WBK files, even if they have been deleted accidentally or corrupted.
File Format and Usage
WBK files are solely created as backup files for Microsoft Word documents (.DOC or .DOCX). When a Word document is saved, a WBK file is automatically generated in the same directory as the original file. It contains a copy of the document’s data, including text, formatting, and other attributes. WBK files serve as a safety net to recover lost or damaged document content in case of unexpected events such as system crashes or power outages.
Accessing and Recovering WBK Files
WBK files are not meant to be opened or edited directly. They are typically hidden from view and should only be used for recovery purposes. If the original Word document becomes inaccessible, users can locate the corresponding WBK file and manually change its extension to .DOC or .DOCX to regain access to the document’s content. It is crucial to note that WBK files are temporary copies and may not contain the most recent changes made to the original document. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly save the document to prevent data loss.