Basic PAYE Tools back-up file now a .bak file

Since updating to the latest version 25.1.25092.226 the back-up files are being generated as .bak files, not zip files as previously. Am I alone in experiencing this?

I also posted the same type of question just after you Jeremy and there's been no mention of the change by HMRC or an update to the guide. The question I had, was if I'd to rely on the backup, is the .BAK file usable and the correct format

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Hi Admin 13 - I'd already raised the issue on the guidance page earlier. When I tried the AI response was to just point me to the guidance The person when I managed to get through said they didn't know and couldn't help. Guess I'll just keep trying to get to speak to someone who can help or understand the query we both have KR Derek

Hi Derek. Thank you for letting me know that I am not alone in querying the format of the back-up files since updating. As you say, there is no mention of this change in any of the available guidance, and the HMRC AI chatbot came nowhere close to understanding my query (although I re-phrased it several times). I will not be wasting my time with a phone call. Just have to hope that the .bak file actually works if/when needed. Jeremy

I too have noticed the when backing up Basic PAYE tools the file is .bak but when I have tried to restore this back up on to my laptop Basic PAYE tools does not recognise this file and so does not back up. So those of us thinking we are backing up may be but when it comes to restoring the back up file it is not be recognised. I have tried to call HMRC with no success. I have also noticed that when I go and back up - there is no longer an option to choose where to save the back up.

I am also experiencing the same problem with the latest version.

@Jeremy - No, unfortunately you're not alone :-) @Mike Friday - Thanks for confirming Mike, I too noticed it no longer asked where to store the file as it used too. But more importantly if you tried a restore and it didn't work then this is extremely worrying. If anybody actually gets through to a HMRC tech person who can understand the problem, could they let us know what the response is and if there's any way in the interim that backups can be made before a patch (if needed is rolled out) It would be great if somebody from the @HMRC could read this and come back with an explanation and resolution

Hi Derek Johnston,
Please contact our Online Services Helpdesk here:
Technical support with HMRC online services
To discuss further.

Hello everyone - I also have this issue and am due to upgrade my lap top soon so will need to be able to restore the data. Has anyone tried to do this from the new bak files? Has anyone had a helpful response from HMRC?

Hi Sue Sexton,
Please contact our Online Services Helpdesk on 0300 200 3600 to discuss further.
Thank you.

Hi, I am having the same issue. Backup files were Zip files before the update to version 25.1.25092.226. This worries me because I don't know if I the backup is actually safe or reliable. There are quite a few issues with the updated version number 25.1.25092.226

Hi D. Smith,
Please contact our Online Services Helpdesk on 0300 200 3600 to discuss further.
Thank you.