Recovering a model from backup file (*.EBK) or text file (*.$ET, *.E2K)
ETABS model files may be recovered through one of the following methods:
In binary format, open the model backup file, which is the EBK extension automatically created.
In text format, import the model backup file, which is the $ET extension automatically created or using E2K file which is explicitly created using Export command.
Each of these backup files should be located with the EDB file, and $ET text file should reflect the most recently saved model while EBK file is saved when a model is successfully open using ETABS.