IAF File Extension

What is IAF file?

File with .IAF filename extension store Outlook Express or Microsoft Outlook (version 2003 and below) user account information saved in proprietary format. IAF files can contain such data as:

• Email address,
• Name and port number of server for incoming messages,
• Name and port number of server for outgoing messages,
• Server type,
• User login and password,
• User information displayed in the “From” field

Although IAF is a binary file, there exist third-party tools that are capable of decoding and extracting data form such files, including passwords. Passwords in IAF files are not considered to best stored securely. IAF files can be used to exchange account data across Microsoft mail client applications, but some third-party clients, for example, Thunderbird, also support them. Account information can be easily exported to IAF file via application menu and then transferred to other computer and imported to email client application. Currently, Microsoft Outlook does not support importing not exporting data from IAF files; Outlook is no longer supported since 2004 and has been replaced by Windows Mail service.

Programs which support IAF file extension

Programs that can handle IAF files are as follows. Files with IAF extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 01/04/2024

How to open file with IAF extension?

Being unable to open files with IAF extension can be have various origins. What is important, all common issues related to files with IAF extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with IAF files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Outlook software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports IAF files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Outlook or one to the listed programs: Microsoft Office, Windows Live Mail, Microsoft Outlook Express. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. If you want to download Microsoft Outlook installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of Microsoft Outlook and update if needed

If the problems with opening IAF files still occur even after installing Microsoft Outlook, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Microsoft Outlook is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why IAF files are not compatible with Microsoft Outlook. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Outlook.

Step 3. Assign Microsoft Outlook to IAF files

If you have the latest version of Microsoft Outlook installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage IAF on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the IAF with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Microsoft Outlook is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open IAF files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with IAF extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with IAF extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the IAF file is complete and free of errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper IAF file. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Verify that the IAF in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the IAF file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the IAF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the IAF file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

2. Check whether the file is corrupted or damaged

Did you receive the IAF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. If the IAF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Outlook Internet Account Format file.

4. Verify that your device fulfills the requirements to be able to open Microsoft Outlook

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with IAF extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Outlook Internet Account Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the IAF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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