What is the CAB File Extension?

By:   |   Amended: November 26, 2018

Microsoft Silver

CAB File Summary

Twelve known software programs (notably, 7-Zip developed by Igor Pavlov) are related to the CAB file extension. In addition, they are categorized under a single primary file type, described as the Windows Cabinet File format. Generally, these files are considered System Files.

File Extension CAB is supported by Windows, Android, and Linux operating systems. These types of files can be found on both desktop and mobile devices. The Popularity Rating for CAB files is "Low", which means these files are not ordinarily found on an everyday user's device.

Interested to learn more about the CAB File Extension? We encourage you to view the detailed file information below to learn about the software that opens CAB files, and other troubleshooting tips.

Low
Universality
7982
Order

/ 11690

Active

Status

26

November

2018

Updated

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Known CAB Files


Chief CAB Description

.CAB
File ID:.cab
Group:Windows Cabinet File

A CAB file is saved in an archive format native to Microsoft Windows, and contains compressed data. It is used for Windows software installations such as system files, device drivers, and network components.

Programmer: Microsoft Corporation
Group:System Files
Location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.cab

Software Programs That Open The Windows Cabinet File:


7-Zip by Igor Pavlov

Windows
Android
Linux

WinRAR by Eugene Roshal

Windows
Mac
Android
Linux

Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe by Smith Micro Software

Windows
Mac
iOS
Android

IZArc by Ivan Zahariev

Windows
Mac

The Unarchiver by Dag Agren, Circlesoft

Mac

Corel WinZip 21 by Corel

Windows
Mac
iOS
Android

Windows Installer by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Incredible Bee Archiver by Incredible Bee Ltd

Windows
Mac

WinInizio ZipGenius by Matteo Riso

Windows

Corel WinZip Mac 5 by Corel

Mac

cabextract by Open Source

Windows

MSConfig by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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CAB Demand


Top PC Operating Systems

Windows (97.14%)
Macintosh (2.06%)
Linux (0.73%)
Chrome (0.05%)
Other (0.01%)

OS Popularity

7 (45.73%)
10 (44.56%)
8.1 (5.41%)
XP (2.79%)
8 (0.97%)


Troubleshooting Problems Opening CAB Files


Common Problems Opening CAB Files

7-Zip Not Present

When you double-click your CAB file, you may see a dialog box from your operating system stating that it "Cannot Open This File Type". Generally, this is experienced in %%os%% because 7-Zip isn't installed on your PC. Your operating system cannot associate your CAB with 7-Zip, so double-clicking the file won't work.


Tip: Another CAB-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.


Obsolete Version of 7-Zip

In other instances, your Windows Cabinet File file version may not be supported by your version of 7-Zip. Visit the Igor Pavlov website to download (or purchase) the latest version of 7-Zip. This problem is most common when you have an older version of the software application, and your file was created by a newer version that it cannot recognize.


Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of CAB file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).


Regardless, most of the CAB file opening problems relate to not having the right version of 7-Zip installed.


Other CAB File Opening Causes

Even with the correct version of 7-Zip installed, you can still experience difficulties opening CABs. If you are still having problems opening CAB files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Other contributing causes:

  • Corrupt Windows Registry file path references for CAB
  • Deletion of the CAB file description from the Registry by mistake
  • Partial installation of 7-Zip that did not fully complete
  • Something has caused file corruption of your CAB
  • Your CAB is infected with malware
  • Device drivers for CAB-related hardware are out-of-date
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Windows Cabinet File format

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