computer help index
 
 
Search:
"Offering free computer help, hints, and tips to the Internet populace." Now with over 3,490 tips!

File Extensions

CFG File Format

SUMMARY: Information on the .CFG file format, normally a configuration file.

CFG files normally refer to configuration files for applications or your operating system. If you have Microsoft Office installed on a Windows machine, these may be referred to as "Microsoft Office Outlook Configuration Files", though other applications use configuration files with the .cfg file extension.

Configuration files contain information useful to the execution of various applications, and may contain:

* Document printing options
* Recently-used file locations
* Selected color scheme
* Toolbar buttons to display

or virtually any other type of information you can imagine.

Configuration files are inherent to the application or operating system component using the file, and thus have no standard format. Some configuration files may appear like so in Notepad or another text editor:

Item1=Choice
Item2=Choice

OR:
<?xml version ="1.0"?>
<configuration>
<item>
Choice
</item>
<item2>
Choice
</item2>
</configuration>

OR they can be other types of text files, or they may contain binary data unreadable in programs such as Notepad.

Normally, these files should not be edited unless you read information in a particular application's documentation about how to modify them to change program settings.

Windows users: NOTE that unless you have configured your computer with the file extension viewing tweak, it is possible that a filename that looks like it ends with ".cfg", especially one attached to an e-mail message, actually has a hidden OTHER extension, meaning that if you double-click the file, it may actually run a computer virus!

 

 
Add: Del.icio.us | Digg | Furl | My Yahoo!
 

Discuss This Tip

Print This Tip

Get E-Mail When New Tips are Online

Return to the File Extensions page.

More in MalekTips:
Google GmailWindows XP and the KeyboardSites to Browse - Music



Move the Chat or Labels Section to the RightPrevent the Cursor from BlinkingInternet Archive's Audio Archive

RSS Feeds - Subscribe!
 

You want the latest tech tips and tricks in your e-mail Inbox - FREE? Type your e-mail address below and click 'Subscribe'.
 



( sample / details ) ( opt-out instructions )
 


 Free Offer! - Subscribe to the MalekTips computer help list and be one of the first to get new computer tips, articles, and download links! ( privacy policy )  ( opt-out instructions )
This page and its contents are copyright
©1997 - 2008 Envision Programming. ( copyright/disclaimer )

Home | Free Computer Help Newsletter! | Windows | Web Development | DOS and Batch Files | Removing Spyware
Digital Camera and Photography | Computer and Internet | Software | Microsoft Word
Computer Articles | About | Contribute a Tip | Link To Us! | Computer and Technology Links
RSS Feeds |  Contact Us | Advertising | Privacy Policy | Computer Help Forums