What is the INF folder?
In computing, an INF file or Setup Information file is a plain-text file used by Microsoft Windows for the installation of software and drivers. INF files are most commonly used for installing device drivers for hardware components. … The \windows\inf directory contains several such .
What is INF download?
About this file/download An INF is a text file that provides the operating system with information about a piece of hardware on the system. In the case of the current Intel Chipset Device Software, that information is primarily the product name for the piece of hardware.
Are INF files safe?
INF files are used by the Windows operating system, or by the program or installer that includes the INF file. … Unfortunately, INF files can become infected by viruses since they may autorun without any prompting. To be safe, you should not attempt to open them manually.
Where are INF files stored?
C:\WINDOWS\inf contains driver installation files stored in the *. inf format, and System32\drivers contains *. sys files that are actually device driver files, used for different devices on your computer.
Do I need inf update utility?
Unless you are installing an operating system, you don’t need to install the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility. If you install the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility after an operating system installation, only the INF files needed to recognize the product names in Device Manager will be installed.
Should I remove autorun INF?
Normally when a virus infects a windows system that causes a drive opening issue, it automatically generates a file named autorun. … inf will initiate all the activities that the virus performs when you will try to open any drive. You just have to delete this file and restart your system to correct this problem.
Is Autorun INF a virus?
Abuse. Autorun. inf has been used to execute a malicious program automatically, without the user knowing. This functionality was removed in Windows 7 and a patch for Windows XP and Vista was released on August 25, 2009 and included in Microsoft Automatic Updates on February 8, 2011.
How do INF files work?
A setup information (INF) file is a text file in a driver package that contains all of the information that device installation components use to install a driver package on a device. Windows uses INF files to install the following components for a device: One or more drivers that support the device.
How do I copy an INF file?
To copy INF files, an INF file can use the INF CopyINF directive. Doing so will: Install the appropriate catalog file, if it exists, along with the INF file. Give the INF file a unique name so that it does not overwrite any other INF files, and will not be overwritten by other INF files.
Do drivers need INF?
Unless you are installing an operating system, you don’t need to install the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility. If you install the Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility after an operating system installation, only the INF files needed to recognize the product names in Device Manager will be installed.
Should I update my Intel chipset?
No. There are no security issues if the drivers have not been updated, but typically, there’s no reason not to install the latest.
Is Autorun INF harmful?
Windows uses the autorun. Viruses and other malware will attempt to use this feature to infect new computers when devices or media (like a USB drive) are moved between computers. Note: The “autorun. inf” file in and of itself, is not malicious. It is simply a text file.
What is cat file WINDOWS?
A digitally-signed catalog file (. cat) can be used as a digital signature for an arbitrary collection of files. A catalog file contains a collection of cryptographic hashes, or thumbprints. … Such files include the INF file, the catalog file, and all files that are copied by INF CopyFiles directives.
How do I install cat files?
Download CAT for Windows version 4. Using My Computer or Explorer locate this file and double click to unzip into the folder installcat on your hard drive. This will create the setup files required for the installation. Step 2: Using My Computer or Explorer, locate and open the above folder installcat.
What do INF files do?
A setup information (INF) file is a text file in a driver package that contains all of the information that device installation components use to install a driver package on a device. Windows uses INF files to install the following components for a device: One or more drivers that support the device.
Where are INF files located?
The inf file is stored in the [Driver] folder in the folder of the driver you have acquired.
What is Intel chipset used for?
A set of chips that provides the interfaces between an Intel CPU and the PC’s subsystems. An Intel chipset provides the buses and electronics to allow the CPU, RAM and I/O devices to interact.
Do I need chipset drivers Windows 10?
The chipset drivers are for your motherboards operational capability and compatibility for peripherals like usb/sound/network/etc. There will be issues if you do not install them.