CFG File Extension

What is CFG file?

CFG file contains configuration setting for an application or program. CFG is a generic configuration file that stores information required by given software to function properly. CFG files can store data in binary or text format, and can also use encryption. Usually CFG files hold custom settings, and can refer to applications as a whole or only focus on subset of configuration parameters.

CFG files are typically saved in text format and as such can be edited using any text editor. CFG files should be modified with caution as they might cause the application to not run properly if they contain errors. Some programs require presence of related CFG file, while with others such file is optional. If no CFG files is found, the program will use its default settings. CFG file can contain the following information:

• List of parameters and their values,
• References to other files,
• Embedded parameters and values.

In the case of CFG files for workspaces or computer games, such files are commonly shared among users over the internet. CFG files can be generated automatically by changing settings within the application, using dedicated CFG generating tools, or manually by the user.

Programs which support CFG file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with CFG files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with CFG suffix can be copied to any mobile device or system platform, but it may not be possible to open them properly on target system.

Updated: 05/16/2022

How to open file with CFG extension?

Problems with accessing CFG may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with CFG extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. The list below will guide you through the process of addressing the encountered problem.

Step 1. Get the Windows Notepad

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening CFG files is that no program that can handle CFG files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Windows Notepad or different compatible program, such as Text editor, WordPad, Notepad2. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Windows Notepad installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Microsoft Corporation website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Windows Notepad

You still cannot access CFG files although Windows Notepad 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. If you have an older version of Windows Notepad installed, it may not support CFG format. The most recent version of Windows Notepad is backward compatible and can handle file formats supported by older versions of the software.

Step 3. Associate Configuration Format files with Windows Notepad

If you have the latest version of Windows Notepad installed and the problem persists, select it as the default program to be used to manage CFG on your device. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Change the default application in Windows

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

Change the default application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected CFG file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 CFG extension message should pop-up. Click Continue button in order to confirm your choice.

Step 4. Ensure that the CFG file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the CFG file is valid. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

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

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the CFG file hinders attempts to open it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. CFG file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Ensure the file with CFG extension is complete and error-free

If the CFG file was sent to you by someone else, ask this person to resend the file to you. During the copy process of the file errors may occurred rendering the file incomplete or corrupted. This could be the source of encountered problems with the file. It could happen the the download process of file with CFG extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

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 Configuration Format file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Windows Notepad

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Configuration Format file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with CFG files affecting older versions of given software.

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