Open PIF files

  • Full name
    Microsoft Windows Program Information Format
  • Developer
    N/A
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a PIF file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a PIF file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your PIF file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is PIF file?

A file with the extension PIF is a Program Information File that was used to start MS-DOS programs under Windows.

More info

The files contain information about how to start the program, eg settings for memory requirements or the directory in which the program is to be executed.

PIF files are similar to the lnk files. They are parsed by the ShellExecute function and treated as executable files.

Pif files can also be used to transmit malware or dangerous scripts. You should therefore not open PIF files sent by email.

Programs which can open a PIF file

How to open file with PIF extension?

In order to open a file with PIF extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening PIF file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with PIF files, follow the instructions below.
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Install Microsoft Windows or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening PIF files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support PIF files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of PIF files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set Microsoft Windows as the default program for opening PIF files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate PIF files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the Microsoft Windows applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where Microsoft Windows has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with PIF files

Sometimes problems with opening PIF files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • PIF files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open PIF files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • PIF file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

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