MDF File Extension

What is MDF file?

All the files that have the .MDF extension comprises of a disc image of the details that are stored on a DVD or CD. These .MDF files are very much like the ISO file format, but they are stored in a different file format. To ensure that the CD or DVD data plays back appropriately, the .MDF files should be saved with a related MDS file. 

The original file data on the disc that the .MDF extension was copied from is saved in a file in the .MDF file format, whereas the file with the .MDS extension saves the disc’s track and header information.

Programs which support MDF file extension

The following listing features MDF-compatible programs. Files with MDF 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: 10/08/2022

How to open file with MDF extension?

Problems with accessing MDF may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with MDF files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with MDF files.

Step 1. Get the Alcohol 120%

Problems with opening and working with MDF files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with MDF files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Alcohol 120% or different compatible program, such as PowerDVD, IsoBuster, MagicISO. The full list of programs grouped by operating systems can be found above. If you want to download Alcohol 120% installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit Alcohol Soft website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Alcohol 120%

You still cannot access MDF files although Alcohol 120% 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 Alcohol 120% installed, it may not support MDF 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 Alcohol 120%.

Step 3. Set the default application to open MDF files to Alcohol 120%

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate MDF files with latest version of Alcohol 120% you have installed on your device. The method is quite simple and varies little across operating systems.

Change the default application in Windows

• Right-click the MDF file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where Alcohol 120% is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open MDF files and clicking OK.

Change the default application in Mac OS

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

Step 4. Verify that the MDF is not faulty

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the MDF file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The MDF 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 MDF file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the MDF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the MDF file is indeed infected follow the instructions below.

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

Did you receive the MDF file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with MDF extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Check if the user that you are logged as has administrative privileges.

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Media Disc Image Format file.

4. Check whether your system can handle Alcohol 120%

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

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Media Disc Image 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 MDF files.

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