What's the PRF File?

Reporter:   |   Edited: December 05, 2018

Microsoft Silver

PRF File Summary

Ten known software programs (notably, Microsoft Outlook 2016 developed by Microsoft Corporation) are related to the PRF file extension. In addition, they are categorized under eight distinct file types, but mainly identified as the Outlook Profile File format. PRF files are categorized ordinarily as Settings Files. Other file types can be System Files or Web Files.

We have found PRF files on the Windows, iOS, and Android operating systems. They are both mobile and desktop device friendly. The PRF File Extension carries a Popularity Rating of "Low", meaning that these files are scarcely found in most user's file stores.

Interested to learn more about the PRF File Extension? We encourage you to view the detailed file information below to learn about the software that opens PRF files, and other troubleshooting tips.

Low
Demand
8430
Rank

/ 11690

Active

File Status

5

December

2018

Amended

Open PRF with FileViewPro

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Kinds of PRF Files

  8 known file types use this extension

Chief PRF Description

.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:Outlook Profile File

File associated with Microsoft Outlook, a personal information manager and a part of Microsoft Office. A PRF file is a user profile that mail account settings, references to mail folders, and signatures.

Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Class:Settings Files
Registry Key: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.prf

Software Programs That Open The Outlook Profile File:


Microsoft Outlook 2016 by Microsoft Corporation

Windows
Windows Phone
iOS
Android
OS X El Capitan

Additional PRF Files

.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:Director Preferences File

PRF File store program settings for Adobe Director, and contains settings for Director Xtras, such as Media Lab's PhotoCaster.

Developer: Adobe Systems Incorporated
Class:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open Director Preferences File Files:


Adobe Director by Adobe Systems Incorporated

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:Windows System File

This File contains settings, preferences and functions that are used to run Windows operating system. It should not be opened manually.

Developer: Microsoft Corporation
Class:System Files

Software Programs That Open Windows System File Files:


Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

Parallels Desktop for Mac by Parallels

Compatible with:

Mac
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:QuarkXPress Preferences File

A PRF file contains saved preferences such as workspace settings and import and export options. It allows to transfer preferences between copies of QuarkXPress.

Developer: Quark Software Inc.
Class:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open QuarkXPress Preferences File Files:


QuarkXPress by Quark Software Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:PICS Rules File

PRF File is created for Internet Content Selection (PICS) format. It contains filtering rules that allow or block access to certain URLs, and is used for implementing Internet safety policies.

Developer: World Wide Web Consortium (W3C)
Class:Web Files

Software Programs That Open PICS Rules File Files:


Internet Explorer by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac

Microsoft IIS by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:FileNet eForms Form Preferences File

PRF File is saved in the user's "Template Preferences" folder for each preferred form accessed.

Developer: IBM
Class:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open FileNet eForms Form Preferences File Files:


FileNet eForms by IBM

Compatible with:

Windows
Linux
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:Plot Station Plot Request File

PRF file includes instructions and parameters for generating a plotted output. It is saved in an ASCII text format.

Developer: eQuorum Corporation
Class:Data Files

Software Programs That Open Plot Station Plot Request File Files:


eQuorum Plot Station by eQuorum Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows
.PRF
Formatting:.prf
Type:ClarisWorks Preference File

PRF File stores preferences for ClarisWorks. ClarisWorks was later replaced by AppleWorks, which was then discontinued. This format is obsolete.

Developer: Apple
Class:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open ClarisWorks Preference File Files:


Apple AppleWorks by Apple

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
OS X El Capitan

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PRF Demand


Leading Operating Systems

Windows 7 (48%)
Windows 10 (42%)
Windows 8.1 (5%)
Windows XP (2%)

Top Mobile Device Brands

Samsung (28.86%)
Apple (21.83%)
Huawei (9.25%)
Xiaomi (6.74%)
LG (3.11%)


Sources of PRF Problems


Common PRF Opening Problems

Missing Microsoft Outlook 2016

When you double-click your PRF file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Outlook 2016 for %%os%% installed. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the PRF file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.


Tip: If you know of another program that can open your PRF file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.


Microsoft Outlook 2016 Requires Update

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Microsoft Outlook 2016 installed that's incompatible with your Outlook Profile File type. Installing the latest version of Microsoft Outlook 2016 from Microsoft Corporation is recommended. Most of the time your Outlook Profile File file was created by a newer Microsoft Outlook 2016 than what you have installed.


Tip: Right-clicking on your PRF, then clicking "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac), can provide clues about your file version.


Regardless, most of the PRF file opening problems relate to not having the right version of Microsoft Outlook 2016 installed.


Other Causes of PRF File Opening Problems

Even with the correct version of Microsoft Outlook 2016 installed, you can still experience difficulties opening PRFs. If you are continuing to have errors with loading PRF files, other external issues might be to blame. These issues include:

  • File references in the Windows Registry for PRF are wrong
  • The PRF file description within the Windows Registry was removed
  • Partial installation of Microsoft Outlook 2016 that did not fully complete
  • Your PRF file is corrupted (issues with your Outlook Profile File file itself)
  • The PRF is infected with a virus
  • Hardware related to PRFs has device driver corruption
  • Windows has inadequate resources to open your Outlook Profile File file

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