since 2000
Opening P7C Files
The P7C file type is primarily associated with Microsoft CryptoAPI.
What is a P7C file?
P7C files mostly belong to Microsoft CryptoAPI. P7C files hold PKCS#7 certificate data that is used to store one or more digital certificates together. These certificates often form a chain that links a trusted root certificate with one or more intermediates, ending with an end‐user or server certificate.
Certificate Chain: This file groups certificates so that a complete chain of trust can be verified. Cryptographic Message: Some P7C files may also hold a signed cryptographic message, which is useful in verifying the origin and integrity of data. Application Integration: These files are processed by tools such as Microsoft CryptoAPI and used by applications like Microsoft Outlook and Adobe Acrobat Reader. For more details, see Microsoft Documentation or the Outlook page. FilExt.com tip: To open and view a P7C file, use the built‐in Windows Certificate Manager (by double-clicking the file) or command-line tools like certutil or OpenSSL. Avoid editing these files with a simple text editor, as they are in an encoded format designed for security purposes.
How to open P7C files
You need a suitable software like Microsoft CryptoAPI to open a P7C file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your P7C file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a P7C file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.
Online P7C Text Viewer
or drag and drop it here
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Programs that open and convert P7C files:
- Microsoft CryptoAPI
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. P7C files are often referred to as Microsoft CryptoAPI encodeds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
- PKCS #7 CertificateIn cryptography, a public key certificate (or identity certificate) is a certificate which uses a digital signature to bind together a public key with an identity. The certificate can be used to verify that a public key belongs to an individual. See Section 3.2 in RFC 2311. (Degenerate signedData certs-only message.) The Mime types used with this association are: application/pkcs7-mime, application/x-pkcs7-mime, application/keychain_access.
P7C file format:
The file format determines how the data is stored in the file. Each file format has a unique extension and almost always a unique signature. For example, Microsoft Word documents have the extension .docx and the signature (usually the first 3 characters in this file) PK. However, different programs can use the same file extension, and file extensions can be assigned incorrectly. If there are problems opening a file, you must first determine the file format used. Our evaluation of the P7C files looks like this:
The P7C file extension is primarily used by a single program. The two most popular formats are as follows:
- 85% of all P7C files are using the well-known certificate file format to store the data. A digital certificate is a unique, digitally signed document which authoritatively identifies the identity of an individual or organization. Using public key cryptography, its authenticity can be verified to ensure that the software or website you are using is legitimate. The content consists of illegible binary data, which can only be read and interpreted by the associated programs. The file size is in the range of 890 bytes to 5 KB. The file type is very recent. The following keywords are characteristic: Root. Some examples of file names are dstrootcax3.p7c or CertExchange.p7c. These files are attributed to cert, issued, exchange, certs, certificate, dodrootca, link, digital, tofcpca, apple, chain, green and bank.
- 5% of all P7C files start with the magic bytes -----BEGIN , which are always the first bytes of this file format. These files are text files, so they contain words and text. The files are often between 1 KB and 6 KB in size. Several words can almost always be found in the files, e.g. -----BEGIN PKCS7---- and GCSqGSIb.
The remaining 10% of all P7C files are different files with different signatures. The category is association, site, cacerts, adobe or root. Drag & drop your file here to see the file format and a preview of your P7C file!
Technical Data for P7C File Extension
File classification:
Encoded
Mime type:
application/pkcs7-mime, application/x-pkcs7-mime, application/keychain_access
The following listing is compiled from the database produced by the 'Associate This!' program, selected data from the main FILExt database and file extension information submitted by users.
ProgramID: certificate_wab_auto_file, FileType: Digital ID File, AppName: Address Book
EXEFile: wab.exe
EXEFile: wab.exe
ProgramID: certificate_wab_auto_file, FileType: Digital ID File, AppName: Microsoft (R) Address Book Viewer
EXEFile: wab.exe
EXEFile: wab.exe
ProgramID: S/MIMECertificateFileType
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Entrust\Entelligence\etabook.exe
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Entrust\Entelligence\etabook.exe
a p7c certificate container is a special file format and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.
How to solve problems with P7C files
- Associate the P7C file extension with the correct application.
- Update your software that should actually open certificate containers. Because only the current version supports the latest P7C file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the manufacturer website after an available Microsoft CryptoAPI update.
- To make sure that your P7C file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
- Click here to open your .P7C file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.