PIF File Extension

What is PIF file?

The .PIF file format is an acronym for Program Information File. This file extension is related to the MS-DOS as well as the Windows Operating system.

The .PIF extension is mainly used for the purpose for linking files or as a shortcut to an original file. MS-DOS used to be an x86 based OS developed by Microsoft for personal systems. Apple and IBM had powerful and good OS, but were limited to their own hardware. In this scenario, MS-DOS came up as a revolutionary OS, as it was able to run on all systems irrespective of the hardware. .PIF file format consists of all the settings which are saved in the .exe file. The .PIF file although is never considered to be an executable file.

Programs which support PIF file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open PIF files divided into 2 categories according to system platform supported. PIF files can be encountered on all system platforms, including mobile, yet there is no guarantee each will properly support such files.

Updated: 08/14/2022

How to open file with PIF extension?

Problems with accessing PIF may be due to various reasons. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Program Information Format files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. The following is a list of guidelines that will help you identify and solve file-related problems.

Step 1. Install Microsoft Windows software

The main and most frequent cause precluding users form opening PIF files is that no program that can handle PIF files is installed on user’s system. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Microsoft Windows or different compatible program, such as DataFlex. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support PIF 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. Update Microsoft Windows to the latest version

If you already have Microsoft Windows installed on your systems and PIF files are still not opened properly, check if you have the latest version of the software. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. This can be one of the causes why PIF files are not compatible with Microsoft Windows. The latest version of Microsoft Windows should support all file formats that where compatible with older versions of the software.

Step 3. Set the default application to open PIF files to Microsoft Windows

If the issue has not been solved in the previous step, you should associate PIF files with latest version of Microsoft Windows you have installed on your device. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the PIF file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• Finally select Look for another app on this PC, point to the folder where Microsoft Windows is installed, check the Always use this app to open PIF files box and conform your selection by clicking OK button

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• By clicking right mouse button on the selected PIF file open the file menu and choose Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• 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 PIF extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

Step 4. Verify that the PIF is not faulty

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

1. The PIF 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 PIF file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the PIF file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the PIF file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Verify that the PIF file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the PIF 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. If the PIF file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Program Information Format file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle Microsoft Windows

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with PIF extension. In this case close the other applications.

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

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Program Information Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It may be the case that the PIF files work properly with updated software that addresses some system bugs.

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