Varieties of PVK Files

Primary PVK File Association

.PVK

File ID:	.pvk
Group:	Private Key File

The PVK files are basically small protected with encryption files used by developers intended for the digitally signing programs. They store private key as part of encrypted info and lets the end users authenticate application package. The PVK files are often used hand-in-hand with .PFX and .SPC files.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
File Category:	Encrypted Files
Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pvk

Software Programs That Open The Private Key File:

OpenSSL by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

File Signing Tool (Signcode.exe) by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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

Troubleshoot PVK Files

Frequent PVK Opening Issues

OpenSSL Isn't There

If you attempt to load your PVK file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open PVK Files". Customarily, this means that OpenSSL is not installed on %%os%%. The typical path of opening your PVK with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.

Tip: When you have another program installed that you know will open your PVK, you can select it from the other programs listed (see "Show Apps").

OpenSSL is Out-of-Date

In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Private Key File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. Installing the latest version of OpenSSL from Open Source is recommended. The primary cause of this problem is that your Private Key File file was created by a different (newer) version of OpenSSL than what's installed.

Tip: Investigate your PVK file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.

Regardless, most of the PVK file opening problems relate to not having the right version of OpenSSL installed.

Additional PVK Opening Issues

Even with the correct version of OpenSSL installed, you can still experience difficulties opening PVKs. Other PVK opening errors can be created by other system problems inside of %%os%%. Issues that aren't software-related:

• Invalid PVK file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Mistaken removal of the Windows registry PVK description
• Corrupt install of OpenSSL or other PVK-related program
• File corruption affecting your PVK file
• Past or present virus infection has affected your PVK
• Drivers associated with PVK software need to be updated
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open Private Key File files