I cannot open a CONF file. What should I do? Help!
Virtually anyone has encountered some problems with opening unknown files while working on a computer. It can be very frustrating. Yet such problems, not only with CONF files, can be addressed in a standard way. Follow the steps below and we can guarantee that your problem with opening CONF will be resolved!
CONF File Extension
- File type Configuration Information Format
- File developer N/A
- File category Settings Files
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File popularity rating
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What is a(n) CONF file?
The .CONF extension can be found for configuration files used to personalize specific programs or devices. The file stores modifiable program or hardware parameters saved in text format. Use caution when editing the file, as damage to it may result in erroneous operation.
How to open CONF file?
If given user account does not have necessary permissions to open files with CONF extension, it is highly probable that no program that supports given files is installed on the users’ system. Below is a list of actions user should pursue in order to resolve most common problems.
Step 1. Download and install application that supports CONF files
After the application has been installed, the system should automatically open CONF files with given application. Below is the list of relevant programs along with operating systems they are available for:
Programs that support CONF files
Step 2. Verify whether CONF files are associated with appropriate software
It is possible that an application that supports CONF files is not associated with such files. In such case, the program should by manually associated with CONF files (right-click on the file icon → Properties → General Tab → In submenu "Open with" and click on "Change" button. System will display a list of suggested programs that support CONF files. Choose the application by checking the box "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files". System will store this information in its registry and use it to open CONF files with the selected program.
Changing CONF file association in registry
File association for CONF files can be edited manually by editing appropriate entry in Windows System Registry. However, it is discouraged as it may introduce errors to registry if not done properly and may even damage the system.
Step 3. Check CONF file for other errors
- CONF file was not copied properly from storage medium.
- Antivirus application prevents opening CONF files. In that case it is recommended to exercise extreme caution and recover or delete infected CONF file. It is also advised to scan the entire system for malicious software and viruses with antivirus software.
- For CONF files downloaded from the internet it is advised to check if the file has been downloaded completely and is not corrupted. If not, the file should be re-downloaded.
