All about PF Files

The PF file type is primarily associated with Prefetcher.

PF	File extension: PF
	File type:	cache file

What is a PF file

PF files mostly belong to Prefetcher by Microsoft. PF extension is given to two different types of files, which are either compressed archives or uncompressed data files. Compressed files turn one or multiple files into a single archive, while data files contain read-only information.

Compressed files: PF compressed files are created by a popular file compression and expansion program called Stuffit Deluxe. These files offer password-protected encryption. Though they are quite similar to SIT files, the password encryption for compressing and decrypting them is what set PF files apart. Thus, their use often includes archiving confidential or personal data. The files can be opened on both Windows and MacOS based systems, but only once the correct password is entered.
Data files: These files are created by Prefetcher, a component program of Windows Memory Manager. This utility is used to speed up the boot and application loading process. These files contain records of what code and data are used during these two processes. Thus, every time you run a program on your computer, a new PF file is created. PF data files are only supported by Windows-based systems that are Windows XP or later versions.

How can I open a PF file?

You need a suitable software like Prefetcher to open a PF 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 PF file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a PF file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

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Programs that open and convert PF files:

Prefetcher by Microsoft
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. PF files are often referred to as Prefetcher systems because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
ICC Profile (color profile) by International Color Consortium
An color profile is a file that defines how a particular device reproduces color. These profiles are applicable to both input (ex: scanner, digital camera) and output (ex: printer, monitor) devices. The International Color Consortium has set standards for color profiles, and the profiles that follow these set of rules are called ICC profiles. There are several file extensions used for ICC profiles, including PF. Other common extensions are ICC and ICM. Software for devices such as printers and graphics applications like Photoshop use ICC profiles. This file format is classified as Data. Related links: ICC Profile on Wikipedia, ICC Profile Specifications, ICC Profiles Explained, View PF (Color Profile) Files, ICC Profile Tools List
OpenEdge (parameter file) by Progress
OpenEdge is a Relational Database Management System (RDBMS) from Progress. The system is built on the Progress database. Several other Progress products also make use of this database (ex: DataDirect). In addition to Progress products, the Progress database is also at the back end of several third-party applications. A PF file contains the startup parameters for OpenEdge. The purpose of this file is to avoid typing parameters every time OpenEdge is launched. This file format is classified as System. Related links: Progess Database Guide, PF (Parameter File) File in Documentation, PF (Parameter File) File in Knowledge Base, Progress Software on Wikipedia
Private File (encrypted archive file) by Aladdin
Private File was a cross-platform encryption software for secure file transfer over the internet. It was developed by Aladdin, which later became Allume, a subsidiary of Smith Micro. Files encrypted using Private File had the PF extension. Stuffit - another archiver developed by Smith Micro - can open, but not create, PF files. This file format is classified as Encoded. Related links: PF (Private File) File, Press Release About Private File (1997), Press Release About StuffIt (1998), Allume on Wikipedia, UnPack Using StuffIt
StuffIt (encrypted archive file) by Smith Micro
StuffIt is a file compression and archiving application from Smith Micro. It can open, but not create, PF files. PF files are encrypted archives created using Private File, a cross-platform encryption software for secure file transfer over the internet. It was developed by Aladdin, which later became Allume, a subsidiary of Smith Micro. This file format is classified as Encoded. Related links: StuffIt on Wikipedia, PF (Private File) File, Press Release About StuffIt (1998), Press Release About Private File (1997), Allume on Wikipedia

PF file format:

Why is it important to know the file format? This is the only way to find out which program to use to open the file. The file format can be determined based on the file extension and the signature (the first few characters of a file). Nonetheless, different programs can utilize the same file extension to represent distinct file formats. Double-clicking on the file often results in an error when opening. Exact knowledge of the format is therefore important in order to solve problems occurring in files. Our evaluation of the PF files looks like this:

PF is a very widely used file extension. The file type is used by a few programs, each with its own file format. However, the following two file formats are common:

45% of all PF files are Microsoft Windows 10 Prefetch data files. These files contain neither text nor words, but only data. The file size is in the range of 3 KB to 43 KB. The file type is a fairly new file format. These files are attributed to svchost, notepad, chrome, rundll, setup, runtimebroker, discord, msedge and skype.
20% of all PF files are Microsoft Windows Vista / 7 Prefetch data files. These files contain neither text nor words, but only data. The files are often between 9 KB and 140 KB in size. Certain words are almost always found in the files, such as SCCA. Some examples of file names are IEXPLORE.EXE-F6A52C86.pf. These files are attributed to explorer, userinit and audiodg.

All other PF files (35%) have no consistent format, the following 6 formats exist: Microsoft Windows 8 Prefetch data, Microsoft Windows XP Prefetch data and PageFocus Form. Tagged as dllhost, patch, searchfilterhost, firefox, filehistory, resource, winword, ciexyz, delta, efadb, ccdc, dccf or open. You can get all the details of your PF file by dragging it onto this page or by clicking the button "Choose your .pf file to analyze" above.

Technical Data for PF File Extension

File classification:

System

Related files:

hf, pf_, db, trx, exe, corrupt, mam, png, txt, fx, pf%3f, pdf, jpg, docx, file4, mui, df, log, cf, z

Mime type:

application/octet-stream

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: StuffIt.Compressed.File.Expand

ProgramID: StuffItArchive, FileType: Aladdin StuffIt Archive, AppName: Aladdin Expander

ProgramID: MediaPackageFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\Office10\MSTORE.EXE %1

ProgramID: MediaPackageFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Microsoft Office\OFFICE11\MSTORE.EXE %1

ProgramID: MediaPackageFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\msoffice\OFFICE11\MSTORE.EXE %1

ProgramID: OPFFile
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Softex\OmniPass\opshella.exe %1

ProgramID: SoundTrax.Project
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Ahead\NEROSO~1\SOUNDT~1.EXE %1

ProgramID: StuffIt.Compressed.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\StuffIt Standard\stuffit.exe -expand %1 -from_shell

ProgramID: StuffIt.Encoded.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Aladdin Systems\StuffIt\\stuffit.exe -expand %1 -from_shell -override_open_tutorial

ProgramID: StuffItArchive
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\WinZip\winzip32.exe %1

ProgramID: StuffIt.Encoded.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Allume Systems\StuffIt\stuffit.exe -expand %1 -from_shell -override_open_tutorial

ProgramID: StuffIt.Compressed.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Aladdin Systems\StuffIt 7.5\stuffit.exe -expand %1 -from_shell

ProgramID: pf_file
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Deskman 5\deskman.exe

ProgramID: StuffIt.Compressed.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Aladdin Systems\StuffIt Standard\stuffit.exe -expand -from_shell

ProgramID: StuffIt.Encoded.File.Expand
EXEFile: %ProgramFiles%\Smith Micro\StuffIt\stuffit.exe -expand -from_shell -override_open_tutorial

ProgramID: MimarSinan Codex
EXEFile: %SystemRoot%\explorer.exe /idlist,%I,%L

Show all 16 listings To Top

a pf cache file is a special file format by Microsoft and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with PF files

Associate the PF file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open cache files. Because only the current version supports the latest PF file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Microsoft manufacturer website after an available Prefetcher update.
To make sure that your PF file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .PF file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.