INF File Extension

What is INF file?

INF is a configuration file. It stores data in text format. INF files contain information related to given application, such as name, installation method (full installation or update), or installation path. INF files can also contain various default settings and list of files used by the installer.

Uses of installation files.

INF files are read by the installer and provide no useful information for the user. Also, the presence of INF files is not mandatory for all installers to perform their function. Since the release of Windows Vista INF files are no longer supported for security reasons (many malware-targeted INF files as an easy way to install themselves on the target system). INF and similar INI files can also be used to install device drivers.

Programs which support INF file extension

The following list contains programs grouped by 2 operating systems that support INF files. Files with INF extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 12/25/2022

How to open file with INF extension?

Problems with accessing INF may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Setup Information Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with INF files.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Windows software

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports INF files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install Microsoft Windows or one to the listed programs: Text editor, Windows Notepad, NotePad++ text editor. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support INF files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. The safest method of downloading Microsoft Windows installed is by going to developer’s website (Microsoft Corporation) and downloading the software using provided links.

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

You still cannot access INF files although Microsoft Windows is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. Software developers may implement support for more modern file formats in updated versions of their products. If you have an older version of Microsoft Windows installed, it may not support INF format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Microsoft Windows.

Step 3. Associate Setup Information Format files with Microsoft Windows

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate INF files with latest version of Microsoft Windows you have installed 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.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the INF file and choose 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 Microsoft Windows is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open INF files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected INF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select Microsoft Windows and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with INF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the INF file is valid. Being unable to access the file can be related to various issues.

1. Check the INF file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the INF file hinders attempts to open it. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. INF file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

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

Did you receive the INF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. It could happen the the download process of file with INF 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

There is a possibility that the file in question can only be accessed by users with sufficient system privileges. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Setup Information Format file.

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

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

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Setup Information Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle INF files.

Do you want to help?

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