How to open INF files? 4 simple methods of solving such problems
When you encounter a problem with an unknown INF file and you do not know how to open such file, the first step you should take is to determine the cause of given problem. We will show you how to address most common problems with INF files and how to solve them in 4 simple steps.
INF File Extension
- File type Setup 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) INF file?
INF files are simple text files containing information about files installed with the software or its updates. They can also indicate the installation path of specific program files. They are usually used by Windows or by program installers. They are similar to .INI files and are commonly used when installing drivers, containing information about their version and installation locations in the system, as well as information about entries in the system registry. For safety reasons, it is not recommended to open them manually.
How to open INF file?
In some cases problems may occur when trying to open INF files. Steps listed below can be helpful in addressing such problems.
Step 1 – Verify whether the file is properly associated with selected software
The first thing user should do is to associate application with INF files. It may happen so that even when an application that supports INF files is installed on the system it is not properly associated with this file format. This can be easily remedied by associating program with INF files. In order to associate such files with given application, user must open the file menu (by right-clicking on the file) and choosing "Open with". A list of suggested applications will be displayed at the top part of menu. Next, select an application and confirm your choice by checking "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" option. Confirm your selection by clicking OK.
In order to open INF file, focus on steps 1 and 2
In majority of cases following instruction in step 1 and 2 should be enough to open files with INF extension. Before attempting the next steps, test all the programs listed below.
Step 2 – Install a program that supports INF files
Should it happen that the section with suggested programs is empty, it is most probable that no program supporting INF files is installed on the system. Choose a program from the following list and install it:
Programs that support files with INF extension
Step 3 – Check for other possible causes of errors
- Corrupted storage medium on which the INF file is stored
- File data corruption or incompleteness (for example, due to incomplete download or copy process). In such case the file must be re-downloaded or properly copied and then opened again.
- Compatibility issues – check whether INF extension is compatible with user’s operating system
- Administrative policy settings may prevent user from opening given file
Step 4 – Contact an expert
If you are still unable to open INF file, you should contact an IT expert. You could also try to contact the developer of given software that supports INF files. Appropriate website addresses can be found by clicking the name of given program in the list above.
