Known PKCS7 Files

Main PKCS7 Affiliation

.PKCS7

File Format:	.pkcs7
Classification:	Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard

PKCS7 file defines standard formats for messages secured using public-key cryptography. S/MIME, a format for secure e-mail messages, is based in part on PKCS7.

Author:	Open Source
Kind:	Encrypted Files
Location:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.pkcs7

Software Programs That Open The Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard:

OpenSSL by Open Source

Windows

Mac

Linux

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PKCS7 File Complications

Common PKCS7 Opening Problems

OpenSSL Isn't There

When you double-click your PKCS7 file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". When this happens, it is commonly due to OpenSSL missing in %%os%%. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.

Tip: If you have another software that you know opens PKCS7 files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.

Wrong Version of OpenSSL is Installed

Sometimes your installed version of OpenSSL won't support your Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard file. Visit the Open Source website to download (or purchase) the latest version of OpenSSL. This issue mainly occurs when your Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard file was created by a newer version of OpenSSL than you have on your PC.

Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the PKCS7 file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.

Summary: In either case, the majority of problems opening PKCS7 files are related to not having the correct software application installed on your computer.

Associated Difficulties Loading PKCS7 Files

Even with the correct version of OpenSSL installed, you can still experience difficulties opening PKCS7s. If you are continuing to have errors with loading PKCS7 files, other external issues might be to blame. Other contributing causes:

• PKCS7 file type Registry entries are wrong
• Unintentional removal of the description of the PKCS7 file inside the Windows Registry
• Defective install of a PKCS7 program, such as OpenSSL
• Your PKCS7 file is corrupted (issues with your Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard file itself)
• The PKCS7 is infected with a virus
• Device drivers for PKCS7-related hardware are out-of-date
• Too many applications are open on your PC to load your Cryptographic Message Syntax Standard file successfully