I cannot open a PCAP file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with PCAP files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening PCAP will be resolved!
PCAP File Extension
- File type Packet Capture Data
- File developer Wireshark
- File category Data Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) PCAP file?
The Packet Capture Data (PCAP) file format is a commonly used format for saving data captured from a network. This type of data is captured during a live data session, such as a file transfer, or a communication exchange between different networks. PCAP files are binary files that store headers of each captured packet and any accompanying packet payload data.
The main benefit of the PCAP file format is its portability, as PCAP files can be used on different machines with different operating systems without any additional issue. This makes it suitable for universal distribution and archival of network monitoring data. It is also useful for debugging any issues encountered during the network communication process.
How to open PCAP file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with PCAP extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports PCAP files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open PCAP files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support PCAP files
Step 2. Verify whether PCAP files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports PCAP files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with PCAP files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support PCAP files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open PCAP files with the selected program.
Changing PCAP file association in registry
File association for PCAP files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check PCAP file for other errors
- PCAP file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening PCAP files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected PCAP file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For PCAP files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
