Copying INF Files

It is sometimes necessary to copy INF files during device installation so that Windows can find them without repetitively displaying user prompts. For example, the base INF file for a multifunction device might copy the INF files for the device's individual functions so that Windows can find these INF files without prompting the user each time it installs one of the device's functions.

To copy INF files, you can use either of the following techniques:

Both of these methods 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.

  • Retain the path of the source medium from which device files are to be copied.

  • Ensure compatibility with future versions of Windows.

Starting with Windows 2000, the installation software must never copy INF files directly into a system's %SystemRoot%/inf directory. Copying INF files by using techniques not described in this section will invalidate a driver's digital signature.

 

 

Send comments about this topic to Microsoft

Build date: 2/13/2014

Show:
Was this page helpful?
Your feedback about this content is important.
Let us know what you think.
Additional feedback?
Thank you!
We appreciate your feedback.
© 2014 Microsoft. All rights reserved.