INI File Type

Researcher:   |   Revised: January 02, 2019

Microsoft Silver

INI File Summary

File Extension INI has four unique file types (with the primary being the Windows Initialization File format) and is mostly associated with Notepad++ (Don Ho) and seven other software programs. INI files are categorized ordinarily as Settings Files. Other file types can be Audio Files or Data Files.

Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems can be used to view INI files. Both desktop and mobile devices enable you to view and (sometimes) edit these files, depending on the software used. The Popularity Rating for INI files is "Low", which means these files are not ordinarily found on an everyday user's device.

Although there is a lot more to know about INI files, those are the most important details of these types of files. If you are having trouble opening these files, or would like more detailed information, please see our comprehensive information below.

Low
Demand
4074
Order

/ 11690

Active

Importance

2

January

2019

Revised

Open your files in %%os%% with FileViewPro File Viewer

Product by Solvusoft

Free Download

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall

Sorts of INI Files

  4 known file types use this extension

Dominant INI File Type

.INI
Extension:.ini
File Type:Windows Initialization File

An INI file is a file used by Windows programs to initialize program settings. It is saved in a plain text format and contains sections for settings and preferences (delimited by a string in square brackets) with each section containing one or more name and value parameters.

Programmer: Microsoft Corporation
File Category:Settings Files
Location: HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.ini

Software Programs That Open The Windows Initialization File:


Notepad++ by Don Ho

Windows
Mac
Linux

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

Atom by GitHub, Inc.

Windows
Mac
Linux

GetDiz by Outertech

Windows

PSPad by Open Source

Windows

Other INI Descriptions

.INI
Extension:.ini
File Type:Symbian OS Configuration File

An INI file may also be a configuration file used by the Symbian operating system and saves settings and user preferences for the Symbian operating system and installed applications. It is similar to an initialization file used by the Windows operating system and should not be manually opened.

Programmer: Nokia
File Category:Settings Files

Software Programs That Open Symbian OS Configuration File Files:


Sublime Text by Sublime HQ Pty Ltd

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
Linux

Atom by GitHub, Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac
Linux

PSPad by Open Source

Compatible with:

Windows
.INI
Extension:.ini
File Type:Gravis UltraSound Bank Setup File

An INI file is a file that contains settings for a Gravis UltraSound sound bank as well as patch files used by Gravis sound cards.

Programmer: Unknown Developer
File Category:Audio Files

Software Programs That Open Gravis UltraSound Bank Setup File Files:


Awave Studio by FMJ-Software

Compatible with:

Windows
.INI
Extension:.ini
File Type:Finale Preferences File

An INI file is a preference file associated with Finale, the music notation program developed by MakeMusic. It contains Finale program settings to customize the work environment including dialog boxes, menu settings, and font styles.

Programmer: MakeMusic, Inc.
File Category:Data Files

Software Programs That Open Finale Preferences File Files:


Finale by MakeMusic, Inc.

Compatible with:

Windows
Mac

Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


INI Requests


OS Popularity

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

Top Browsers

Chrome (58.80%)
Firefox (11.05%)
Internet Explorer (9.04%)
Edge (8.46%)
Safari (3.87%)


INI File Complications


Common Problems Opening INI Files

Missing Notepad++

You attempt to load your INI file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The INI File Extension". If so, it typically means that you don't have Notepad++ installed for %%os%%. Your operating system cannot associate your INI with Notepad++, so double-clicking the file won't work.


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


Notepad++ Requires Update

Occasionally, you might have an outdated version of Notepad++ installed that's incompatible with your Windows Initialization File type. You will need to download a newer version of Notepad++ if you don't have the right version. The primary cause of this problem is that your Windows Initialization File file was created by a different (newer) version of Notepad++ than what's installed.


Tip: Investigate your INI file by right-clicking and selecting "Properties" to find clues on what version you need.


Summary: Not having the right Notepad++ version on your computer can cause problems opening INI files.


Associated Difficulties Loading INI Files

Errors opening Windows Initialization File files can still occur even with the latest Notepad++ software installed on your computer. If you're still experiencing problems opening INI files, there could be other computer problems. Additional factors include:

  • Windows Registry INI file paths that are incorrect
  • The INI file description within the Windows Registry was removed
  • Defective install of a INI program, such as Notepad++
  • Your INI file is corrupted (issues with your Windows Initialization File file itself)
  • The INI is infected with a virus
  • Drivers associated with INI software need to be updated
  • Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Windows Initialization File format

Quiz: Which file extension is not a type of spreadsheet?







Poll: What is your favorite operating system?











Optional Offer for FileViewPro by Solvusoft | EULA | Privacy Policy | Terms | Uninstall


File Extensions   # A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

© Solvusoft Corporation 2011-2023. All Rights Reserved.