PEM Types

Primary PEM File Association

.PEM

Extension:	.pem
Group:	Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate

Privacy enhanced mail certificate used to authenticate a secure website. PEM certificate files are generated automatically and are not meant to be opened or edited manually.

Created by:	Microsoft Corporation
Group:	Web Files
Subkey:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pem

Software Programs That Open The Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate:

Microsoft IIS by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Apple Keychain Access by Apple

Mac

OS X El Capitan

Alternative PEM Types

.PEM

Extension:	.pem
Group:	Corel WordPerfect Program Editor Macro File

Macro file used by Corel WordPerfect, a word processing program and a part of Corel WordPerfect Office Suite developed by Corel Corporation.

Created by:	Corel
Group:	Developer Files

Software Programs That Open Corel WordPerfect Program Editor Macro File Files:

Corel WordPerfect by Corel

Compatible with:

Windows

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Troubleshooting Problems Opening PEM Files

Issues Opening PEM Files

Microsoft IIS Isn't There

When trying to open your PEM file, you get the error "Can't Open PEM File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to Microsoft IIS missing in %%os%%. The OS won't know what to do with your PEM file, so double-clicking to load the file doesn't work.

Tip: If you don't have Microsoft IIS installed, and you know of another program to open your PEM file, you can try opening it by selecting from the programs listed under "Show Apps".

Incorrect Microsoft IIS Version

Your Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate file is incompatible with Microsoft IIS because you might have the wrong version installed. Visit the Microsoft Corporation website to download (or purchase) the latest version of Microsoft IIS. This issue mainly occurs when your Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate file was created by a newer version of Microsoft IIS than you have on your PC.

Tip: If you right-click on your PEM file, then select "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), you can obtain hints about what version you need.

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening PEM files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

Other PEM File Issues

You can still experience errors opening PEM files even with the latest version of Microsoft IIS installed on your PC. If you are continuing to have errors with loading PEM files, other external issues might be to blame. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Windows Registry PEM file paths that are incorrect
• Accidental deletion of the description of the PEM file in the Windows registry
• Invalid installation of a PEM-associated program (eg. Microsoft IIS)
• File corruption affecting your PEM file
• Past or present virus infection has affected your PEM
• Device drivers for PEM-related hardware are out-of-date
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Privacy Enhanced Mail Certificate file successfully