What is INF? What Opens a INF? File Format List from WhatIs.com

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INF File Format

Information file (Generic)

INF file format icon

INF is a file extension for a plain text file used by Microsoft Windows for the installation of software and drivers. Also referred to as a Setup Information file. The INF file contains various sections that specify the files to be copied, changes to the registry, etc.

All INF files contain a [Version] section with a Signature value specifying the version of Windows that the INF file is destined for. Most of the remaining sections are user-defined and contain information specific to the component being installed.

Another common use of an INF file is the Autorun.inf file, used to specify programs to launch when removable media is mounted. In versions of Windows prior to Vista, this was potentially dangerous as it could allow virii to be launched automatically.

INF files can be opened with any text editor.

MIME type: text/inf, application/x-setupscript

Learn more about .INF files:

Visit the MSDN web page.

See answers to .INF-related questions at ITKnowledgeExchange.com.

This was last updated in: July 2010

Editorial Director: Margaret Rouse

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