File Extension

CAB File Format

Microsoft cabinet file (program files compressed for software distribution)

CAB is a file extension for a cabinet file for Microsoft Windows systems. The cab file is a compressed archive which supports DEFLATE , Quantum, and LZX compression. CAB files are used by windows installation engines such as Setup API, device installer and advpack. 

CAB files typically contain drivers, system files and other Windows components. The installation engine extracts these files for use in the set up of various software and hardware.

 

MIME type: vnd.ms-cab-compressed 

 

Learn more about CAB files:

Microsoft Technet has a page on CAB files.

Search for answers to  CAB-related questions at IT Knowledge Exchange.

This was last updated in July 2010
Editorial Director Margaret Rouse
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CAB: Learn More About File Extensions

Definitions

  • cabinet file (.cab)

    - In Microsoft program development, a cabinet is a single file created to hold a number of compressed files.

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