Overview of INF Files

Microsoft Windows drivers must have an information (INF) file in order to be installed. An INF file is a text file that contains all the information that the device installation components must have in order to install a driver. This information includes the following:

• Driver name and location

• Driver version information

• Registry information

Windows INF files do not contain installation scripts. The installation procedures are part of a Microsoft Win32 installer application, such as the New Device Wizard and the Add Hardware Wizard, with each INF file acting as a resource.

This section contains the following information:

Looking at an INF File

Summary of INF Sections

Summary of INF Directives

General Guidelines for INF Files

General Syntax Rules for INF Files

Specifying the Source and Target Locations for Device Files

Creating INF Files for Multiple Platforms and Operating Systems

Creating International INF Files

Specifying Driver Load Order

Using Dirids

See INF File Sections and Directives for a complete description of INF file format.

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Build date: 5/6/2013