Install Option Missing From the Context Menu of .Inf Files

Hi,

When you right-click an .inf, the Install command may be missing from the context menu. This behavior can occur if the following registry key is missing or damaged:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Inffile\Shell\Install

**Step 1:**You can still run .inf files from the command prompt:

a. Click on Start.

b. Type ‘cmd’ in the search box without quotes.

c. Right click on Command Prompt and select ‘Run as Administrator’.

d. At the command Prompt window, type the below command:

rundll32.exe setupapi.dll,InstallHinfSection DefaultInstall 132 filename.infwhere filename is the filename of the inf file you want to install.

Step 2:

However, the missing Install option can be restored by making some changes in the registry.

a. Click Start, type ‘regedit, and then clickOK.

b. On the Registry Editor window, locate the following registry key:

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Inffile\Shell\Install

c. Right-click theDefault value and verify that the value data is &Install.

NOTE: If the Install key is missing, use the following steps:

·        Click Shell, click Edit, point to New, and then clickKey to re-create the Install key.

·        Right-clickDefault value, and then click Modify to add the value data.

d. Exit Registry Editor.

Registry Disclaimer:

Important: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

How to back up and restore the registry in Windows:http://support.microsoft.com/kb/322756    

Regards, Manasa P – Microsoft Support.