.PAF File Type
File extension: PAF or .paf
Author of the .paf file extension: Corporation of the President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints
Category: Genealogy files / Executable files
Programs that use the .paf file type: Various genealogy programs can use .paf files / various
Explanation of .paf file extensions:
The .paf file extension is used for two main purposes. In the case of genealogy, PAF stands for personal ancestral file. In the other case, it stands for Portable Application File.
The Personal Ancestral File Database is a vast database containing millions of public records such as birth and death records that genealogists crave in their quest to research their roots.
Portable Application File .paf files contain an installer for a portable application that is stored on a USB flash drive. These can be installed on any Windows-based computer from the USB drive.
Typical problems associated with the .paf file extension:
One of the most common problems with .paf files is that there are several versions of the personal ancestral file database. You must convert older files to the new format
Another common .paf problem occurs when the Windows registry contains invalid instructions or has had references to .paf files removed by spyware or other processes.
Solutions/Recommendations:
First, if you will be using older .paf files with the newer database, you must check and repair your older .paf files before installing the newer database. The database doesn’t automatically convert the .paf 2x files though. You will first need to convert those to .paf 3x or 4x and then convert those into the newer .paf 5x version.
Since portable application files are executable, they can contain infections and malware. Make sure your computer is adequately protected against such malicious programming before installing any executable file, including .paf files.
Run a registry cleaner to resolve many common .paf errors.
Associated links:
FamilySearch.org - http://www.familysearch.org/eng/default.asp
Converting .paf FAQs - http://www.familysearch.org/eng/Home/faq/frameset_faq.asp?FAQ=faq_paf5.asp
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