What's a Windows 95/98 .inf file?

.inf files contain important modem settings and information used by Windows 95/98. You can open .inf files in NotePad for a closer look.

Windows 95/98's plug and play capabilities are based on software, not hardware. It's only plug and play if you have the right software. When Win 95/98 doesn't have the settings files, plug and play doesn't work. That's why getting the right settings file is so important.

What programs use it?

Windows 95/98 Dial-Up Networking and HyperTerminal use the .inf files for their modem settings. The Modems control panel and Add New Hardware Wizard are also involved, as we'll see in the install section.

Next question: How do I install the .inf file?