VCF files are so-called vCard files which are used to store contact information of a person or a business. Vcf files are a kind of electronic business card that can be easily imported directly into the address book of their email program or Personal Information Manager (PIM).
VCF files are mainly used for contact data exchange and can, for example, be sent as an email attachment or embedded directly in HTML pages. In addition, vCards are also read by mobile phones and PDAs, stored and exchanged, for example, via a wireless interface (IrDA, Bluetooth).
VCF files are read by many mail programs, Windows users can also open vCards with the built-in contact program.
Mac OSX users can use the built-in address book. Many phones and smartphones also come with management software for Windows and Mac OSX. These can often deal with vCards. Mozilla Thunderbird needs the plugin MoreFunctionsForAddressBook.
Most often resolving problems with opening VCF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support VCF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of VCF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.
It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate VCF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Apple Address Book applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Apple Address Book has been installed.
Sometimes problems with opening VCF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as: