What is an .ini file?
.ini files refer to Microsoft Windows configuration files that are used for setting default values for Windows Operating System applications and programs. These files are plain text files that contain headers and various segments separated by a delimiter. The files contain data in the format of ?Field = Value? within square brackets with explanatory comments. Some of the common examples of .ini files on the Windows OS are SYSTEM.INI, BOOT.INI, etc.
Though the latest Windows OS supports .ini files, these are replaced by Registry settings from the Windows 95 Version. Recently, XML files have replaced these .ini files for providing the required default settings.
What are the other .ini file formats available?
The .ini extension also refers to the Gravis Ultrasound Bank configuration file. Gravis ultrasound (GUS) is a popular sound card widely used by IBM computers. GUS is a product of a Canada based company called Advanced Gravis Technology Ltd.
The other variation of the .ini file format refers to the Symbian Operating System setup file, a well-known OS used as a platform for Nokia mobile phones. It contains the default settings and data values required for booting up the Symbian Operating System.
What are the programs used to open these .ini files?
All of the above forms of .ini files can be opened by a plain text editor on both Windows and Macs.
A file extension repair tool can open your .ini files in any format at a rapid pace. This tool incorporates easy-to-follow wizards and a built-in database of various file types, extensions and possible errors associated with each file format. It quickly zeroes in on the error and fixes the issue with great accuracy. Go ahead and download the latest file extension repair tool on your PC to work with any unknown or unheard of file extension formats.