P7A File Extension

What is P7A file?

P7A is a file extension commonly associated with PKCS #7 Signature Format files. P7A file format is compatible with software that can be installed on Windows system platform. P7A file belongs to the Encoded Files category just like 236 other filename extensions listed in our database. The software recommended for managing P7A files is OpenSSL.

Programs which support P7A file extension

Below is a table that list programs that support P7A files. Files with P7A 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: 07/15/2020

How to open file with P7A extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening P7A files on given system. Fortunately, most common problems with P7A files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the OpenSSL

Problems with opening and working with P7A files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with P7A files being present on your machine. The solution to this problem is very simple. Download OpenSSL and install it on your device. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support P7A files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading OpenSSL installed is by going to developer’s website () and downloading the software using provided links.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of OpenSSL

You still cannot access P7A files although OpenSSL is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why P7A files are not compatible with OpenSSL. The latest version of OpenSSL should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign OpenSSL to P7A files

After installing OpenSSL (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open P7A files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Clicking the P7A with right mouse button will bring a menu from which you should select the Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the OpenSSL installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open P7A files box and clicking OK button.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with P7A extension, select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 P7A extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the P7A for errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the P7A file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the P7A in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the P7A is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. If the scanner detected that the P7A file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with P7A extension is complete and error-free

If the P7A file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. 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. When downloading the file with P7A extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the PKCS #7 Signature Format file again.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run OpenSSL

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with P7A extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with PKCS #7 Signature Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with P7A files affecting older versions of given software.

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the P7A file, we will be grateful if you share it with our users. To do this, use the form here and send us your information on P7A file.