.PFC File Recovery

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 .PFC file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

PFC File Recovery

What is a .PFC file?

File format used by America Online to store favorites (bookmarks), as well as e-mail messages and contact information; may include email addresses, phone numbers, street addresses, company information, groups, and distribution lists.

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

There are several common causes of ".PFC" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete the ".PFC" file while cleaning up their computer or organizing files.
  2. Software or hardware issues: Issues with the software or hardware that manages the ".PFC" file can lead to its loss or failure. This can include software crashes, power outages, or hardware failures.
  3. File system corruption: If the file system on which the ".PFC" file is stored becomes corrupted, it can result in the loss or failure of the file.
  4. Virus or malware infection: Viruses or malware can infect and corrupt files, including ".PFC" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  5. Improper file handling: Improper handling of the ".PFC" file, such as forceful closure of the associated program or improper shutdown of the computer, can cause the file to become corrupted or lost.
  6. File system formatting: Formatting the file system without proper backup can result in the loss of all files, including ".PFC" files.
  7. Software updates or upgrades: Sometimes, software updates or upgrades can cause compatibility issues with existing ".PFC" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  8. Human error: Human error, such as mistakenly moving or renaming the ".PFC" file, can result in its loss or failure.

It is important to regularly backup ".PFC" files to prevent their loss or failure in case any of these situations occur.

How to recover lost ".PFC" 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 ".PFC" 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 ".PFC" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".PFC" 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 ".PFC" 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.

The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.

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 ".PFC" 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 ".PFC" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo aOL Personal File Cabinet image file file?

Programs that open ".PFC" files

Windows
AOL AOL
Connected ePreserver Connected ePreserver
PFCEx PFCEx
Mac
AOL Desktop for Mac AOL Desktop for Mac

Additional Information

  • File type: AOL Personal File Cabinet

  • File extension: .PFC

  • Developer: AOL

  • Category: Data Files

  • Format: N/A

  • HEX: 41 4F 4C 56 4D 31 30 30

  • ASCII: AOLVM100

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 15:21 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .PFC 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 is a .PFC file and what is its purpose?

    A .PFC file, also known as a Personal Filing Cabinet file, is a proprietary file format used by Microsoft Outlook to store various types of data, primarily email messages, contacts, calendar entries, tasks, and notes. It serves as a container to organize and store personal information within Outlook.

    The .PFC file format was used in earlier versions of Outlook, including Outlook 97, 98, 2000, and 2002 (XP). However, starting from Outlook 2003, Microsoft switched to a new file format called .PST (Personal Storage Table) for storing Outlook data.

    The purpose of a .PFC file is to provide a centralized location for storing and managing personal information within Outlook. It allows users to keep their emails, contacts, appointments, and other data in a single file, making it easier to access, search, and back up the information.

  • How do I open a .PFC file and access its contents?

    A .PFC file is typically associated with AOL Personal Filing Cabinet, which was used by older versions of AOL software to store email messages, contacts, and other personal data. To open and access the contents of a .PFC file, you can follow these steps:

    1. Install AOL Desktop Software: If you don't have AOL Desktop Software installed on your computer, download and install it from the AOL website.
    2. Launch AOL Desktop Software: Open the AOL Desktop Software on your computer.
    3. Sign in with your AOL account: Enter your AOL username and password to sign in to your AOL account.
    4. Locate the .PFC file: Go to the location where you have the .PFC file saved on your computer.
    5. Import the .PFC file: In AOL Desktop Software, go to the "File" menu and select "Import Wizard" or "Import PFC". Then, browse to the location of the .PFC file and select it.
    6. Follow the import process: The Import Wizard will guide you through the process of importing the .PFC file. You may need to specify the type of data you want to import (email, contacts, etc.) and choose a location to store it.
    7. Access the imported data: Once the import process is complete, you should be able to access the imported data within AOL Desktop Software. For example, if you imported emails, you can find them in the "Mail" section.

    Note: AOL Personal Filing Cabinet files (.PFC) are specific to AOL software, and they may not be compatible or easily accessible with other email clients or software.

  • Are there any specific software programs or tools required to open and view a .PFC file?

    Yes, there are specific software programs required to open and view a .PFC file. .PFC files are typically associated with the Microsoft Outlook Personal Folders file format. To open and view a .PFC file, you need to have Microsoft Outlook installed on your computer. Microsoft Outlook is an email client and personal information manager that allows you to manage emails, contacts, calendars, and other data.

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