Installing NTBackup on Windows 7 / 2008 R2

NTBackup is no longer available on Windows 7 (Or Vista), and the new “Backup and Restore” system cannot restore old BFK file created by NTBackup.

Microsoft have now released Windows NT Backup Restore Utility for Windows 7 / 2008 R2, that allows one to restore BFK backup files created with Windows XP NTBackup. More Info MS KB974674.

There is also an official Windows NT Backup - Restore Utility for Windows Vista / 2008.

Installing NTBackup on Windows 7 / 2008 R2

If wanting the original NTBackup on Win7 / Win2k8 R2 then it can be done by creating a new folder on Windows 7 ex. C:\Program Files\NTBackup and copy the following files from Windows XP to the folder (or extract them from the install file nt5backup.cab):

  • C:Windows\System32\Ntbackup.exe
  • C:Windows\System32\Ntmsapi.dll
  • C:Windows\System32\Vssapi.dll
  • C:Windows\Help\Ntbackup.chm
  • C:Windows\Help\Ntbackup.hlp

Note when starting NTBackup then it will complain about “Removable Storage” not running, and this warning can be safely be ignored:

The Backup Utility cannot connect to the Removable Storage service. This service is required for use of tape drives and other backup devices.

Please exit and start the Removable Storage service using the System Services function of the management console.

Credits WinHelpOnline.com