.BCKP File Extension
Ad-Aware Quarantined File
| Developer | Lavasoft |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Backup Files |
| Format | .BCKP |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an BCKP file?
The .BCKP file extension is not one of the more common file types users encounter in their day-to-day computer usage. Instead, it is associated with a specific application—Ad-Aware, a popular anti-malware tool.
Files with the .BCKP extension are created by Ad-Aware when it quarantines suspicious files on a user’s system.
The primary role of these files is to isolate potentially harmful software or code from the rest of the operating system, thereby protecting the user’s data and system integrity.
In this article, we will delve into the origins of .BCKP files, their history, structure, technical specifications, advantages and disadvantages, methods for conversion, and how to open them across various operating systems.
More Information.
Ad-Aware’s journey began in the late 1990s when spyware and adware became significant concerns for computer users.
The software quickly gained popularity for its ability to detect and remove these nuisances. However, deleting files immediately after detection posed risks, such as the accidental removal of legitimate files that were incorrectly flagged as threats.
To mitigate this risk, Lavasoft introduced the quarantine feature in Ad-Aware. The quarantine process involves renaming the potentially dangerous file with the .BCKP extension and moving it to a secure location on the user’s system.
The primary purpose of this method is to allow users to review quarantined files before taking further action, such as restoring or permanently deleting them.
This approach provided a balance between protecting the system from harm and preventing unnecessary data loss.
Origin Of This File.
The .BCKP file extension is intrinsically linked to Ad-Aware, a security software solution developed by Lavasoft (now part of the cybersecurity company Adaware).
Ad-Aware was one of the first tools designed to detect and remove spyware from computers. Over time, it evolved into a comprehensive anti-malware suite capable of identifying and managing various types of malicious software.
When Ad-Aware detects a file it considers harmful or potentially unwanted, it does not immediately delete it. Instead, the software quarantines the file, renaming it with a .BCKP extension.
This process effectively isolates the file from the rest of the system, preventing it from executing or spreading any potential threats.
File Structure Technical Specification.
A .BCKP file retains the structure and data of the original file but is modified in a few key ways to prevent it from being executed or recognized by the system as its original file type.
Key Characteristics:
- File Renaming: The original file extension is replaced with .BCKP, which prevents the file from being associated with its original application or recognized by the operating system as an executable or a document.
- File Location: Quarantined .BCKP files are typically stored in a specific directory designated by Ad-Aware, often within the application’s own folder structure or a secure directory that is inaccessible to the operating system or other applications.
- Encryption: Some versions of Ad-Aware may apply basic encryption to the contents of .BCKP files to further safeguard against accidental execution or unauthorized access.
- Metadata: Ad-Aware may append metadata to .BCKP files, including details such as the date of quarantine, the original file path, and the reason for quarantine (e.g., type of malware detected).
Technical Specifications:
- Extension: .BCKP
- Type: Quarantined file
- Association: Ad-Aware anti-malware software
- Encryption: Optional, depending on Ad-Aware version
- Location: Quarantine folder within the Ad-Aware directory
How to Convert the File?
Converting .BCKP files back to their original format involves restoring them from quarantine, which can typically be done through the Ad-Aware interface.
Steps to Convert:
- Open Ad-Aware: Launch the Ad-Aware application and navigate to the quarantine section.
- Review Quarantined Files: Carefully review the list of quarantined files. Ad-Aware usually provides details about each file, including the reason for its quarantine.
- Select Files to Restore: Choose the files you believe were incorrectly flagged or that you need to restore.
- Restore Files: Click the restore option, which will remove the .BCKP extension and place the file back in its original location or a specified directory.
Restoring a quarantined file comes with risks. Ensure that the file is not harmful before restoring it.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Security: The primary advantage of .BCKP files is the added layer of security they provide. By isolating potentially harmful files, they help prevent malware from spreading or executing on the user’s system.
- Flexibility: Quarantining rather than deleting files gives users the flexibility to review the detected threats. If a file is mistakenly flagged, it can be restored without data loss.
- Control: Users have control over the fate of the quarantined files, allowing them to decide whether to delete, restore, or leave the file in quarantine.
Disadvantages:
- Storage Consumption: Quarantined files still occupy disk space, which can accumulate over time if not managed properly. Users need to periodically review and clear out their quarantine folders.
- Complexity: For less tech-savvy users, the presence of .BCKP files can cause confusion. They may not understand what these files are or how to handle them.
- False Positives: While quarantine reduces the risk of false positives, it does not eliminate them. Legitimate files can still be flagged and quarantined, requiring manual review and restoration.
How to Open BCKP?
Open In Windows
- Through Ad-Aware: The most straightforward way to open and manage .BCKP files is through the Ad-Aware interface. Users can review and restore files directly from within the application.
- Manual Rename: If you are confident the file is safe, you can manually rename the file to its original extension. However, this should only be done with caution.
Open In Linux
- In Linux, you can use the
mvcommand to rename the file and change its extension. For example, runningmv file.bckp file.exein the terminal will change the file’s extension. However, be cautious, as running an untrusted executable can harm your system.
Open In MAC
- Rename: The process is the same as in Windows; rename the .BCKP file to its original extension.
- Open with Default Application: Use Finder to navigate to the file, then open it with the associated application.
