The Product Representation Compact (PRC) format is used for various purposes, one of them being the Mobipocket eBook File. These eBook files can be viewed on a Mobipocket Reader which needs to be installed on the user’s system. The files can be saved in both unprotected and protected formats. The protected PRC formats limit the file from being opened on various systems. On the other hand, the non-protected format can be viewed without any barrier. In addition to desktops, the PRC format Mobipocket eBook files can be viewed on smartphones, tablets, and Amazon Kindle.
The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with PRC files, divided into 4 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with PRC suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.
Updated: 05/20/2020
There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PRC files on given system. What is important, all common issues related to files with PRC extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.
The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PRC files is that no program that can handle PRC files is installed on user’s system. This one is an easy one. Select Amazon Kindle or one of the recommended programs (for example, FBReader, BookDesigner, MBP reader) and download it from appropriate source and install on your system. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. The safest method of downloading Amazon Kindle installed is by going to developer’s website (Amazon.com, Inc.) and downloading the software using provided links.
If the problems with opening PRC files still occur even after installing Amazon Kindle, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Amazon Kindle is available. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. This can be one of the causes why PRC files are not compatible with Amazon Kindle. The latest version of Amazon Kindle should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.
If you have the latest version of Amazon Kindle installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage PRC on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent
Selecting the first-choice application in Windows
Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS
Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the PRC file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.
If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the PRC file hinders attempts to open it. 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 PRC file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.
If the PRC file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with PRC extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.
There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Mobipocket EBook Format file again.
The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support PRC files. Close all running programs and try opening the PRC file.
Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Mobipocket EBook Format file. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle PRC files.
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