Information File Creation

  • Article

The most common operations for installing an application are copying files and setting registry keys. These and other instructions can be placed into an information (.inf) file that describes where files should be placed and which registry keys should be created or modified. This file uses the Microsoft Win32® Setup format with Windows CE–specific modifications.

Smartphone uses CABWizSP to create .cab files and Pocket PC uses CABWiz. Both require one .inf file as input.

  • For Smartphone, CABWizSP uses the .inf file to construct a setup XML, which gives instructions on how the application should be installed.
  • For Pocket PC, CABWiz uses the .inf file to construct a .dat file to store the instructions on how the application should be installed.

The .inf file is parsed to determine which finalized application files should be packaged. The .cab file is then created and correctly formatted for the mobile device. The .inf files are text-based and may be created with any text editor.

See Also

Application Packaging (SP Only) | .inf Files | .inf File Sections

Last updated on Friday, April 22, 2005

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