How to Read a .CAB File
A .CAB file is a data compression format used by Microsoft within its Windows operating system. The .CAB files are used to store various types of computer data, including software and documents, and can be useful for minimizing data transfer times. Read a .CAB file by opening it to review its contents. Though the Microsoft Windows operating system can open .CAB files natively, other operating systems require additional software to handle the .CAB compression format.
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Things You'll Need
- Windows 98 or more recent
- Mac OS X
- UNIX-based operating system
- StuffIt Expander
- Cabextract
Instructions
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Open and read a .CAB file on Windows 98 or more recent. Microsoft has integrated file compression and file management into the operating system itself, and no additional software is needed. Double-click the .CAB file to open it in Windows Explorer. It will be displayed just like a standard Windows folder.
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Consider using a file archive management program to open a .CAB file on a Windows operating system. Such programs provide greater flexibility and customization than Windows Explorer when reading a .CAB file, such as allowing you to re-compress a file. Such paid and free file archive programs are available for download from CNET.
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Open a .CAB file on Mac OS X using a file management program such as StuffIt Expander, which comes pre-installed on some Macs and is available online for free from StuffIt's official website. Launch StuffIt from your Mac's "Applications" folder. Drag the .CAB file to the program's window to open it.
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Read a .CAB file in a Unix-based operating system, such as Ubuntu. Download and install Cabextract. Within the program's window, select the .CAB file that you wish to open. The software will automatically read and extract the .CAB file's contents.
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Tips & Warnings
Never open .CAB files from unknown sources, such as a strange email. They may contain viruses or similar malware.
