PCAP File Type

Researcher:   |   Refreshed: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

PCAP File Summary

The PCAP File Extension has one primary file type, Packet Capture Data format, and can be opened with three distinctive software programs, with the dominant related application developed by The Wireshark Team (Wireshark software). PCAP files are traditionally categorized as Data Files.

We have found PCAP files on the Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems. They are both mobile and desktop device friendly. PCAP files have a "Low" Popularity Rating; this means that they are not present on most devices.

Although there is a lot more to know about PCAP files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Prevalence
809
Rank

/ 11690

Active

Mode

26

November

2018

Page Last Updated

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Sorts of PCAP Files


Chief PCAP Description

.PCAP
File Ext:.pcap
Group:Packet Capture Data

PCAP is a data file created by Wireshark, a free program used for network analysis. PCAP file is used for packet sniffing and analyzing data network characteristics. PCAP file can be analyzed using software that includes the libpcap or WinPcap libraries.

Company: The Wireshark Team
Kind:Data Files
Location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pcap

Software Programs That Open The Packet Capture Data:


Wireshark by The Wireshark Team

Windows
Mac
Linux

Network Miner by Netresec

Windows
Linux

WinDump by RiverBed

Windows

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PCAP Popularity


Device Used

Desktop (84.34%)
Mobile (14.29%)
Tablet (1.37%)


Understanding PCAP Issues


Common Problems Opening PCAP Files

Wireshark is Not Installed

When trying to open your PCAP file, you get the error "Can't Open PCAP File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Wireshark missing in %%os%%. The typical path of opening your PCAP with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.


Tip: When another PCAP application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.


Wrong Version of Wireshark is Installed

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Wireshark installed that's incompatible with your Packet Capture Data type. Installing the latest version of Wireshark from The Wireshark Team is recommended. This problem is predominately due to having a Packet Capture Data file version that was created by a newer version of Wireshark than what you have installed on your PC.


Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the PCAP file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.


Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening PCAP files are due to having the wrong version of Wireshark installed.


Additional PCAP Opening Issues

Although you might already have Wireshark or another PCAP-associated software installed on your computer, you can still encounter problems opening Packet Capture Data files. If you are continuing to have errors with loading PCAP files, other external issues might be to blame. Issues that aren't software-related:

  • Windows Registry PCAP file paths that are incorrect
  • Accidental deletion of the description of the PCAP file in the Windows registry
  • Incomplete or bad installation of a software application associated with the PCAP format
  • PCAP file corruption
  • The PCAP is infected with a virus
  • Device drivers for PCAP-related hardware are out-of-date
  • Windows has inadequate resources to open your Packet Capture Data file

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