TK8 Backup is reliable, easy-to-use backup software
to ensure you never lose your important files.

Frequently Asked Questions: TK8 Backup


Please click on the question below to see the answer


  • Can I back up the whole computer?

    You can back up any files and folders, but you cannot back up entire system at once. TK8 Backup is a data backup software. It means you can back up your work (files and folders) but not the Windows operating system itself (with drivers and other, normally hidden stuff).


    Data backups are easier to manage as they are smaller. And they contain all that you need - your valuable files. If something happens to your computer, you can re-install the Windows (which is a suggested thing to do anyway, from time to time) and then restore your data from the backup.

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  • Does your program have a backup size limits?

    No. You can back up as large files as you like, and as many files as you like.


    In theory there indeed is a technical limit - 8 exabytes (8 billion terabytes). But for that we could say it is virtually unlimited, and should be far enough for any backup today and in the long future. For example, the total amount of printed material in the world is estimated to be around five exabytes.


    You should know, though, that "Compressed Folders" application built in to the Windows XP is unable to open large backup files (about 5 GB and more). The backup itself is fine, but Windows will tell you the file is corrupted. To open or check large backup files, we suggest you to use WinZIP, WinRAR, AlphaZip or other popular archiving applications. Of course, the built in Restoring Wizard in TK8 Backup can also open large backup files.

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  • Is the program Windows XP / Vista / 7 Compatible?

    Yes. The program is fully tested on Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7 and works fine.

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  • Can I back up MS SQL or MySQL databases?

    No. TK8 Backup does not have a feature to back up MS SQL or MySQL databases.

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  • Can I back up to the tape drives?

    No. TK8 Backup cannot put your backup file to the tape drive.

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  • Can I open my backups with other programs?

    Yes. Your data is archived and kept in the common ZIP format. You can access it with other archiving utilities (like WinZIP or WinRAR). With Windows XP and Vista, you can open ZIP backups just like other folders on your computer.


    So you don't need TK8 Backup to restore your data, though it can make the restoring process easier.


    You should know that "Compressed Folders" application built in to the Windows XP is unable to open large backup files (about 5 GB and more). The backup itself is fine, but Windows will tell you the file is corrupted. To open large backup files, we suggest you to use WinZIP, WinRAR, AlphaZip, or some other archiving utility.

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  • My license key does not work... Why, and what to do?

    1) Please check if the license key we sent to you and the one you entered are matching exactly (including the upper and lower cases, commas, spaces, etc.).


    2) What version do you have and are you sure the license key is for that version? It might be that you are using an older version and the license key is generated for the new version. In that case, please download and install the latest version.


    3) It might be that your upgrade period is over but you are entering the old key to the new version. In that case you can either install the older version, or purchase the upgrade license for the new version.

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  • I have lost my license key - what should I do?

    To retrieve your lost license information, please click here. Fill in the fields and submit the form. Once that is done, we will locate your order and re-send your registration details.

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  • How to upgrade from the Standard version to the Professional version?

    To upgrade, please let us know. We'll email you the directions. Once you have completed the upgrade order, and enter the new license key to the program, it will be switched to the Professional version automatically. You don't have to re-install or re-configure anything.

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  • Do I need to uninstall the old version before I install the new version?

    No. You can just re-install.

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  • CD / DVD burning does not work. Why and what to do?

    The first thing to check is the device you have selected for burning. In TK8 Backup, please open File menu, Program Options. On the CD/DVD panel, please select the device you would like to use to burn backups.


    Burning can also fail if there is some other program running that is blocking the access to the CD or DVD device. If you are using other burning utilities (like InCD, Nero, or others), please close them for the time you want to burn your backups.


    With some older devices, burning will only work if the "Sessions" selection is set to "Start new session" in Program Options.

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  • FTP uploading does not work (any more)? Why and what to do?

    1) It might be that your server communication "language" has been changed. Please edit your backup task, FTP settings. Change the "Passive" option status. In most cases it helps.


    2) Please check your firewall (if you are using any) and give TK8 Backup the permission to communicate with the Internet. Without a permission TK8 Backup indeed cannot connect to any FTP server.

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  • I have a question not covered here. What to do?

    If you have a question that was not covered on this page, please contact us and ask your question!

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