PREF File Extension

What is PREF file?

PREF filename suffix is mostly used for Preferences Format files. PREF files are supported by software applications available for devices running Windows. Files with PREF extension are categorized as Settings Files files. The Settings Files subset comprises 1305 various file formats. The most popular program for handling PREF files is Referenced by various programs, but users can choose among 1 different programs that support this file format.

Programs which support PREF file extension

Programs that can handle PREF files are as follows. Files with PREF suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

How to open file with PREF extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening PREF files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Preferences Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Install Referenced by various programs software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports PREF files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Referenced by various programs or one to the listed programs: Adobe Device Central. 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 Referenced by various programs 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 Referenced by various programs

You still cannot access PREF files although Referenced by various programs is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. 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 PREF files are not compatible with Referenced by various programs. The latest version of Referenced by various programs should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Assign Referenced by various programs to PREF files

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

Change the default application in Windows

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

Change the default application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with PREF extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• Finally, a This change will be applied to all files with PREF extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the PREF 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 PREF file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. The PREF may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

If the PREF is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. PREF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the PREF file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic PREF file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. If the PREF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Preferences Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Referenced by various programs

The operating systems may note enough free resources to run the application that support PREF files. Close all running programs and try opening the PREF file.

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 Preferences Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the PREF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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