3 steps to open file with P12 extension
Usually solving problems with P12 file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open P12 file now!
P12 File Extension
- File type Personal Information Exchange Format
- File developer RSA Laboratories
- File category Web Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) P12 file?
The P12 extension uses various security programs through encryption. P12 files send confidential encryption keys using a digital certificate. The format uses a private and public key mechanism. Data encrypted with one key can be read with the other.
How to open P12 file?
There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of P12 extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps
Step 1: Install a program that supports P12 files
If an application that supports P12 files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with P12 extension by default.
Hint for Mac OS users
For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the P12 file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.
Step 2: Find and download proper software
Inability to open P12 files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with P12 files. If this step fails, see step 1.
Programs that support files with P12 extension
Step 3: Check the P12 file for errors
Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:
- P12 file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
- Structure of given P12 file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
- Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
- It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related P12 file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
- If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert
