How do you find find out what is inside a BAK file?

Based on that you posted to the ACT! Zone, I assume you're looking for ACT! data?
There shouldn't be a BAK file - these are temp files when creating a backup
ACT! backup files should be a ZIP file
What version of ACT!?
What files have you found? In what folders?

I found reports, layouts etc but in the folder labled "database" there are 3 BAK files.  Can you access temp files?

Can you find an ADF file?

Which version of ACT!?

Currently on ACT 8. Just installed.  Where should I look for the ADF file?

In the database folder

You might try using Windows to search the drive

what version is the backup supposedly from?

Don't know if it's ACT 2000 or later.  The files have a date of 2005 on them.  I've had several versions throughout the years.  I've tried to use the program off and on but never got myself to commit to maintaining the detail like I should.  So here I am trying again with a new version but needing this old data.  I looked through old hardrives but can't find a zip file that would have been the sister file to these BAK files.  As you have probably guessed, it means a lot to me.

I was wrong about the "date of 2005 on them".  It's 2006.  Still don't know exactly which version.  I will look for the zip again.  There's no way to get what seems to be in a "temp" file out?

If it's ACT! 2000 (5.0) or 6.0, see if you can find a DBF file on your computer

ACT! 2005 (7.0) was released in 2005 - and 7.0 and later had very different files to 5/6, which is why the version would help in this. ACT! 8.0

BTW: Where are you based? Depending on your location, it might be worth while have an ACC have a look over your system.

It may be possible to get a temp file restored (depending on the file and what stage it was created), but knowing the version would make it easier

Do you know how to do a search of the HDD in Windows?
Start | Search

Look for DBF for 6.0 and earlier or ADF for 7.0 and later

I've searched for dbf and ADF and can't find them.  I have looked on old hardrives also.  I've also asked the folks with ACT to call me with a support plan but I'm not giving up here.  I'm currious to see if someone can find a solution for this.

The BAK files must be accessable in some way.  Even if I got strings of information to mend together, I'd be better off.  The BAK file is about 50MB I think.  There has to be some way to look into its content?????  How would the CSI guys do it?

Where are you located? I might be able to recommend someone with some skills to have a look

Hi,

If a SQL backup try
RESTORE HEADERONLY
FROM disk = 'path and filename'

RESTORE FILELISTONLY
FROM disk = 'path and filename'

HTH
  David

I guess I hate to show my ignorance but I need to see this if I can.  Where do I type the suggestion above?

In order to execute any SQL Server command such as RESTORE you would need to have SQL Server installed and permissions to restore files.