LotW Files and Icons
LotW uses four kinds of files, distinguished by Filename Extension. Windows Explorer displays these files with an Icon and Type:
Filename Extension
Icon
Type
Created By
Usage
.tq5
TQ5 file
user, via TQSL
Certificate Request sent to ARRL
.tq6
TQSLCert file
ARRL
Callsign Certificate managed by TQSL (cannot be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another PC)
.tq8
TQ8 file
user, via TQSL or logging application
digitally signed QSOs uploaded to LotW
.p12
Personal Information Exchange
user, via TQSL
Certificate Container managed by TQSL (also referred to as a PKCS#12 file; can be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another computer)
.tbk
TQSL Backup
user, via TQSL
Backup File created by TQSL that contains all Callsign Certificates, Station Locations, and preferences in a form that can be backed-up, recovered, or moved to another computer