Convert BAK to EXCEL

Understanding the .bak file format

A .bak file is a backup file created by various applications. It is often used also to store a copy of a database or data file. The contents and structure of a .bak file depend on the software that generated it.

Identify the source application

Identify the software or database management system (DBMS) that created the .bak file. Common sources include SQL Server or other database software. Knowing the source helps determine how to extract the data.

Restore the bak file using the source application

If the .bak file is from SQL Server, you must restore the backup within SQL Server Management Studio (SSMS).

Export the data to Excel

For SQL Server

• Query the database:
  1. Use SQL Server Management Studio to run a query that extracts the data you want to export.
  2. Execute the query and view the results.
• Export to Excel:
  1. Right-click the result set in SSMS.
  2. Select "Save Results As..." and choose "CSV" or "Microsoft Excel" format (.xls, .xlsx).
  3. Save the file and open it in Microsoft Excel.

For other software

• Follow the software-specific instructions to export data from BAK or backup files to a CSV or directly to Microsoft Excel.