What Is an NFO File?
An NFO is a type of information file that commonly contains large amounts of detailed art or logos. This type of file is similar to other popular types of information files such as README. To view an NFO file, you can use most text editors or viewers on your Windows or Mac computer. NFO files also have a common association with pirated software programs, and frequently appear as the information file downloaded with the pirated software program.
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All You Need to Know
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NFO files commonly provide the relevant information you want to know about a file you’ve downloaded from the Internet. For example, if you download a video, the NFO file attached to the video would tell you the name, size and length of the video and verify that the attached file is in fact a video. This information benefits you by allowing you to know exactly what you are opening prior to clicking on the primary file.
NFO Files and Compatibility
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Some NFO files have compatibility issues. This is not true for all NFO files, however, some default text editors and viewers cannot open older NFO files. If you cannot open a specific NFO file, you will typically need to download a specialized NFO viewer for the older NFO file. Examples of NFO viewers that can open older NFO files include NFO Viewer, Damn NFO Viewer and Compact NFO Viewer.
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NFO Content
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NFO files associated with pirated software also commonly include information about who pirated and distributed the software. Additionally, the NFO file may contain user information required to launch the pirated software such as installation instructions or activation key information. NFO files may also contain links to advertisements or Ad-ware that installs on your computer. While it is safe to open NFO files on your computer, you should exercise extreme caution clicking any link found within the NFO file.
Creating and Opening an NFO File
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You can also create your own NFO file. Mac users can create NFO files from the TextEdit application and PC users can create NFO files with the Notepad application. You can also tag the NFO file from these applications. Tagging the file allows you to input information about the file and your user information. When you click on an NFO file, the TextEdit program on a Mac and the Notepad application on a PC will automatically attempt to open the NFO file unless you have previously associated this type of file with another application on your computer.
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