FFA File – What is .ffa file and how to open it?

Definition and Purpose of FFA Files

FFA files are a type of configuration file utilized by the Microsoft Find Fast Server, a search engine software developed by Microsoft. These files contain instructions that guide the server in performing efficient and rapid searches across large volumes of data. By storing these instructions in a designated FFA file, administrators can customize the search engine’s behavior and optimize its performance for specific data sets or requirements.

Structure and Content of FFA Files

FFA files are formatted as XML documents, adhering to a specific schema defined by Microsoft. They comprise various sections, each containing parameters and settings that govern the search engine’s functionality. Common sections include those that specify the data sources to be indexed, the indexing options to be employed, and the search algorithms to be used. By adjusting the values within these sections, administrators can fine-tune the search engine’s behavior to suit the unique needs of their organization or application. FFA files provide a structured and centralized mechanism for managing the configuration of Find Fast Server, allowing for easy modifications and updates as requirements change.

Opening FFA Files

FFA (Find Fast Status File) files are used by Microsoft Outlook to store information about the status of find operations. This information includes the search terms, the scope of the search, and the results of the search. FFA files are typically created when a user performs a find operation in Outlook.

To open an FFA file, you can use the following steps:

1. Open Microsoft Outlook.
2. Click the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. In the “Open” dialog box, select the “All Files” option from the “Files of type” drop-down menu.
4. Navigate to the location of the FFA file and select it.
5. Click the “Open” button.

Once you have opened the FFA file, you can view the information about the find operation. This information can be useful for troubleshooting find operations or for understanding the scope of a find operation.

Additional Information

FFA files are typically stored in the following location:


%AppData%\Microsoft\Outlook\


The size of an FFA file can vary depending on the size of the find operation. FFA files are not typically used by other applications, but they can be opened by text editors.

Association with Microsoft

The Find Fast Status File (.FFA) extension is primarily associated with Microsoft, the technology giant behind operating systems like Windows. It is an integral part of Microsoft’s search functionality within the Windows platform. The FFA file serves as a cache, storing metadata about indexed files to facilitate faster and more efficient search operations.

Caching Mechanism

The Find Fast Status File plays a crucial role in enhancing the performance of Windows search. It acts as a cache that stores information about the files and folders indexed by the operating system. This cached metadata includes attributes such as file names, sizes, timestamps, and other relevant properties. By storing this data, the FFA file allows Windows to quickly retrieve the status of files without needing to perform a full-scale search, significantly reducing the search time. This caching mechanism ensures that subsequent searches become significantly faster, providing a seamless user experience.

Other Extensions