.cab

File Type

Windows Cabinet File

File Format

Proprietary (Microsoft)

Usage

Open manually; may be referenced by an application

Popularity

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Popular

Description

A cabinet file stores multiple compressed files in a library. It is an efficient way to package data and is often used for creating software installation archives. Examples of installers that use cabinet files include device drivers, software updates, and network components.

Developers can use cabinet creation tools such as Makecab.exe and Cabarc.exe to create cabinet files for use with a software installer. Large files can be spanned across multiple cabinets, but each cabinet can have a maximum of 15 files that span to a second cabinet file. The installation utility, such as Windows Installer, extracts the files in the same order they are stored in the cabinet file.

Important: CAB files may be located inside or outside of an .MSI file.

About Microsoft Windows Installer

Windows Installer is a utility included with the Windows operating system for installing applications. It extracts files from installer packages and copies them to the locations defined by the installer. The program can be used to install Microsoft software as well as third-party applications. Windows Installer can also be used to remove software that has been previously installed.

Open With

Windows

Microsoft Windows Installer