What Is a CAB File?
Afilewith the .CABfile extensionis a Windows Cabinet file (they used to be called Diamond files).
They’re compressed files that store data related to various Windows installations that might involvedevice driversorsystem files.
The Microsoft Publisher program’sPack and Gofeature can make CAB files that end with the PUZ file extension.
Some devices might use the CAB file extension to storefirmwarefiles.
However, you’re able to also open or extract CAB files with a file decompression tool.
Going this route lets you launch the file on otheroperating systemslike macOS or Linux.
A fewfree file extractorsthat work with CAB files include7-Zip,PeaZip,IZArc,The Unarchiver, andcabextract.
InstallShieldCAB files aren’t the same as Windows Cabinet files, but they can be extracted withunshield.
Enterlpksetup(the first letter is a lowercase L).
ChooseBrowseto locate and grab the CAB file.
Wait for the whole process to finish.
It might take a while.
you’re free to close out of theInstalling display languagesscreen when theProgresssays “Completed.”
In older versions of Windows, go toControl Panel>Clock, Language, and Region>Language.
However, you might find help from other InstallShield users in theFlexera Community.
WSP files are SharePoint Solution Package files used by Microsoft SharePoint and compressed in the CAB format.
you might rename the WSP file to CAB and open it like you would a Windows Cabinet file.
you’re free to convert CAB toEXEwith IExpress Wizard, a tool included in Windows.
initiate the Run dialog box with theWin+Rkeyboard shortcut and then typeiexpress.
Every CAB archive is compressed as a whole instead of each file individually.
CAB files are recognized by the first fourbytes.
you’re able to make a CAB file withmakecab.exe, which is included in Windows.
Can You Delete CAB Files?
For example, CAB files in the system32 folder should be kept no matter what.
For example, theMicrosoft Officeinstaller includes several CAB files, some of them pretty large.
Some software will dumpcab_xxxxfiles into theC:\Windows\Temp\folder while installing updates or doing some other system related task.
FAQ
Sometimes.
First, run your antivirus software to get rid of any malware.
If that doesn’t fix the problem, use a tool likeAdvanced CAB Repair.
dism /online /add-package /packagepath:“C:\files\cabname.cab”
ReplaceC:\files\cabname.cabwith the correct file path.
You must be logged in as an administrator for the command to work.
