Known CAT Files

Main CAT Affiliation

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	Windows Catalog File

The CAT file is a catalog file primarily associated with Windows SIM (Windows System Image Manager). It consists of info that describes a .WIM image's contents, which include the state of the components and packages.

Created by:	Microsoft Corporation
Class:	System Files
Entry:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.cat

Software Programs That Open The Windows Catalog File:

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Windows System Image Manager by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Additional CAT Files

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	Advanced Disk Catalog Database

CAT file contains a catalog of data from various media types including hard drives, network drives, floppy disks, optical discs (like DVDs and CDs)

Created by:	ElcomSoft
Class:	Database Files

Software Programs That Open Advanced Disk Catalog Database Files:

Elcomsoft Advanced Disk Catalog by ElcomSoft

Compatible with:

Windows

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	dBASE Backup Catalog File

A backup of database catalog created by the dBase, elational database management system and database programming language.

Created by:	dBase, LLC
Class:	Database Files

Software Programs That Open dBASE Backup Catalog File Files:

dBase by dBase, LLC

Compatible with:

Windows

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	Quicken IntelliCharge Categorization File

CAT file is a financial data file created by Quicken, a personal finance management tool.

Created by:	Quicken
Class:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Quicken IntelliCharge Categorization File Files:

Intuit Quicken by Quicken

Compatible with:

Windows

Mac

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	Rational Rose Logical Package

Package file created by Rational Rose, a classic Unified Modeling Language (UML) used to design software programs, developed by IBM.

Created by:	IBM
Class:	Compressed Files

Software Programs That Open Rational Rose Logical Package Files:

Rational Rose by IBM

Compatible with:

Windows

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	Hybrid CD-ROM Project File

Hybrid CD-ROM project file used by MacImage, a utility to produce hybrid Macintosh/PC CD-ROMs.

Created by:	Open Source
Class:	Disk Image Files

Software Programs That Open Hybrid CD-ROM Project File Files:

MacImage by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	PhotoStudio Picture Image

CAT file extension is also used for a picture image generated by PhotoStudio, a powerful graphics editor for Windows.

Created by:	ArcSoft
Class:	Graphic Files

Software Programs That Open PhotoStudio Picture Image Files:

ArcSoft PhotoStudio by ArcSoft

Compatible with:

Windows

.CAT

File Format:	.cat
File Type:	CircuitCAM Design Template File

CAT file is a template of Printed Circuit Board (PCB) design used by CircuitCAM , a CAM software used for designing PCB.

Created by:	DCT Co., Ltd
Class:	CAD Files

Software Programs That Open CircuitCAM Design Template File Files:

CircuitCAM by DCT Co., Ltd

Compatible with:

Windows

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Sources of CAT Problems

Troubles Opening CAT Files

Microsoft Windows Not Present

If you attempt to load your CAT file, you experience a message such as "Can't Open CAT Files". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Microsoft Windows for %%os%% installed on your computer. This will prevent you from double-clicking to open the CAT file because the OS doesn’t know how to handle it.

Tip: When another CAT application is installed, you can choose to open it by selecting "Show Apps" and using that program.

Microsoft Windows is Out-of-Date

Your Windows Catalog File file is incompatible with Microsoft Windows because you might have the wrong version installed. Download the latest Microsoft Windows version from the Microsoft Corporation website to ensure you have the correct one installed. Most of the time your Windows Catalog File file was created by a newer Microsoft Windows than what you have installed.

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

Primarily, problems experienced when opening CAT files are due to having the incorrect version of Microsoft Windows installed on your computer.

More Causes of Problems Opening CATs

Assuming you have the right Microsoft Windows version installed, other problems can prevent you from opening CAT files. There can be other issues - unrelated to software - preventing you from opening CAT files. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• Invalid CAT file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Corruption of the CAT file description inside the Registry
• Invalid installation of a CAT-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows)
• Your CAT file is corrupted (issues with your Windows Catalog File file itself)
• The CAT is infected with a virus
• Device drivers of the hardware associated with your CAT file are corrupt or out-of-date
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open Windows Catalog File files