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Glite Dictionary
backup file

backup file

3 2.8
A file that stores a copy of other files so you can get them back if they are lost
  • noun
  • /ˈbækʌp faɪl/
  • Specialized
translation icon : archivo de respaldo
  • If your computer crashes, you can easily recover your work using the backup file saved on an external drive.

Examples

  • AutoMySQLBackup doesn't offer any special tools for making that any easier, so you'll have to do it manually by first unzipping the backup file and then using the MySQL client to restore your database or databases.

    Blog text (26)

  • If you have an older backup file on the Mac or PC, you can restore your contacts back to the BlackBerry smartphone.

    Blog text (25)

  • Hit the "Continue" button to see the backup file itself.

    Blog text (2)

  • My backup files are in the cabinet.

    Case 39 (2009)

  • Every time I save in Painter, a backup file is created, which is what highlighted the problem for me:

    Blog text (15)

  • If there are no backup files and the information is not available on the Mac, unfortunately, you will not be able to restore the data.

    Blog text (25)

  • The only way to restore the contacts that were overwritten is from a backup file.

    Blog text (25)

  • A typical backup file is a limited, encrypted data set that merely replaces a lost file.

    Academic text (2007)

  • You can check your BlackBerry Backup folder in your documents for the backup file.

    Blog text (25)

  • Up in Quito, the law offices of an associated attorney were burglarized, and the only things that disappeared were computers and backup files.

    Blog text (18)

Synonyms

backup
vsbackup file
  • Specialized
114 2.1

A copy of data kept so you can get it back if lost

is the specific computer file used to hold the recovery copy

How Complete

imager
  • Specialized
1 5.8
backup file
  • Specialized
3 2.8
tmp
  • Specialized
1 7.8

Surface Forms

backup file singular
backup files plural

Morphology

backup + file

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'backup' (a stored duplicate for preventing data loss) plus 'file' (an electronic collection of documents): a file that serves as a backup. This straightforward noun–noun compound follows common English and cross‑linguistic patterns, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Backup file comes from the simple idea that a backup is a spare copy kept behind the original file. That spare 'copy' is kept so you can 'get back' your data if the first one is lost.