The automated installation of a device driver is controlled by a text file with the INF extension. The INF format resembles the old-style .INI files of Windows 3.x fame, but is deceptively more complex. An INF file, properly stored on a Windows 2000 system, allows for an automated or dialog-assisted installation of driver files. It is important to understand that the end result of a driver installation consists of two persistent changes to a system:
While the INF file is the standard mechanism for affecting these changes, it is also true that a custom installation program can be provided, if appropriate, to force the same resulting system changes. The next section deals with the syntax and operation of an INF file.
|