How to Recover .P12 Files from System Failures Without Data Loss

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .P12 file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .P12 Files from System Failures Without Data Loss
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .P12 file?

File containing a digital certificate that uses PKCS#12 (Public Key Cryptography Standard #12) encryption; used as a portable format for transferring personal private keys or other sensitive information; used by various security and encryption programs.

What Are Common Causes of ".P12" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of .p12 file loss or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the .p12 file while organizing or cleaning up their files, leading to its loss.
  2. Hardware failure: If the storage device containing the .p12 file experiences a hardware failure, such as a hard drive crash or a faulty memory card, the file may become inaccessible or lost.
  3. Software or system errors: Errors in software applications or operating systems can sometimes lead to the corruption or loss of .p12 files.
  4. Virus or malware infection: If a computer or storage device gets infected with a virus or malware, it can corrupt or delete files, including .p12 files.
  5. Improper file transfer: If a .p12 file is not transferred properly, such as interrupted or incomplete file transfers, it can result in file corruption or loss.
  6. File system errors: File system errors, such as file system corruption or disk errors, can cause .p12 files to become inaccessible or lost.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidental formatting of storage devices or improper handling of files, can lead to the loss of .p12 files.
  8. Encryption issues: If the .p12 file is encrypted and the encryption key or password is lost or forgotten, the file may become inaccessible.
  9. File system format changes: Changing the file system format of a storage device, such as converting from FAT32 to NTFS, can sometimes result in the loss of files, including .p12 files.
  10. Power outages or system crashes: Sudden power outages or system crashes during file operations can cause data loss or corruption, including .p12 files.

How to recover lost ".P12" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".P12" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".P12" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".P12" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".P12" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".P12" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".P12" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo personal Information Exchange File image file file?

Programs that open ".P12" files

Windows
Microsoft Certificate Manager Microsoft Certificate Manager
Microsoft IIS Microsoft IIS
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat DC Adobe Acrobat DC
Mac
Apple Keychain Access Apple Keychain Access
Adobe Acrobat Reader DC Adobe Acrobat Reader DC
Adobe Acrobat DC Adobe Acrobat DC

Additional Information

  • File type: Personal Information Exchange File

  • File extension: .P12

  • Developer: RSA Laboratories

  • Category: Web Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:46 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .P12 files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are the common reasons for experiencing problems when opening .P12 files?

    There can be several common reasons for experiencing problems when opening .P12 files:

    1. Incorrect file extension: Sometimes, the file extension may be incorrect or missing, causing issues when trying to open the .P12 file. Ensure that the file extension is correct.
    2. Incompatible software: If you don't have the appropriate software installed to open .P12 files, you may encounter problems. .P12 files are typically associated with digital certificates and require specific software like Keychain Access (on macOS) or OpenSSL (on Windows) to open.
    3. Corrupted file: If the .P12 file is corrupted or damaged, you may face difficulties in opening it. Corruption can occur due to various reasons like incomplete downloads, file transfer errors, or storage issues.
    4. Incorrect password: .P12 files are often password-protected to ensure security. If you enter an incorrect password while trying to open the file, it won't open. Make sure you have the correct password.
    5. Outdated software: If you are using outdated or incompatible software versions, it may cause problems when opening .P12 files. Ensure that you have the latest version of the software installed.
    6. File association issues: Sometimes, the file association settings on your computer may be incorrect, causing problems when trying to open .P12 files. You can try manually associating .P12 files with the appropriate software.
    7. Operating system limitations: Certain operating systems may have limitations or restrictions on opening .P12 files. Ensure that your operating system supports the file format.

    If you continue to experience problems when opening .P12 files, it may be helpful to consult the software documentation or seek technical support to troubleshoot the issue.

  • What steps can be taken to troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .P12 files?

    Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix issues with opening .P12 files:

    1. Check the file extension: Ensure that the file extension is indeed .P12. Sometimes, files may be mislabeled or have a different extension, causing confusion.
    2. Use the correct software: .P12 files are typically used for storing digital certificates and private keys. To open them, you need software that supports PKCS #12 format, such as Keychain Access (on macOS) or OpenSSL (on Windows/Linux).
    3. Update the software: Ensure that you are using the latest version of the software. Older versions may have compatibility issues or bugs that prevent the correct handling of .P12 files.
    4. Verify file integrity: Check if the .P12 file is intact and not corrupted. Try downloading or obtaining the file again from a trusted source. If possible, compare the file size and checksum with a known good copy.
    5. Try a different application: If the software you are using fails to open the .P12 file, try using an alternative application that supports PKCS #12 format. There are several third-party tools available for this purpose.
    6. Password protection: .P12 files often require a password to access the contained certificates and keys. Make sure you have the correct password and try again. If you don't know the password, contact the file's creator or the entity that provided it to you.
    7. Import and export: If you are trying to import the .P12 file into a specific application, check the import/export options and settings. Ensure you are following the correct steps to import the file into the desired application.
    8. Seek professional help: If all else fails, consider seeking assistance from a professional or contacting the support team of the software you are using. They may be able to provide specific guidance or solutions for your particular issue.
  • Are there any specific software or tools recommended for resolving problems with opening .P12 files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve problems with opening .P12 files. Some of the recommended options include:

    1. OpenSSL: It is a widely used open-source software that provides a toolkit for SSL/TLS protocols. It can be used to open and manipulate .P12 files.
    2. Keychain Access (Mac): This built-in utility on macOS allows you to manage certificates, keys, and passwords. It can be used to import and open .P12 files.
    3. Java Keytool: This command-line tool is part of the Java Development Kit (JDK) and can be used to manage keystores, including .P12 files.
    4. Microsoft Certificate Manager: This tool is available on Windows operating systems and allows you to manage certificates, including importing and exporting .P12 files.
    5. Adobe Acrobat: If the .P12 file is a digital certificate or signature, Adobe Acrobat can be used to open and verify the certificate.

    It's important to note that the specific software or tool required may depend on the purpose and contents of the .P12 file.
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