File extension .CPL
| Full Name | Developer | Category |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Windows Control Panel Format | Microsoft | System Files |
The .CPL file extension is a general purpose file type typically associated with Microsoft Windows and commonly used with software components and system tools. CPL files are configuration files that typically contain settings related to the user interface, hardware settings, and even system performance. CPL files often contain dialog boxes, Property Pages, menus, and sometimes ASCII text data.
Relationship with Dynamic-Link Libraries
CPL files are related in many ways to .DLL files, as both are used by Windows. DLLs provide the repository of code and CPL files give a graphical user interface (GUI). Essentially, a CPL file uses system resources like an.EXE (.executable) file, but looks like the graphical displays of a DLL. While an .EXE will typically give you a traditional programmatic windowed interface for launching a program, CPL are typically used for displaying Property pages containing more specialized options or settings.
Common File Extension Variations
The CPL file extension is one of many related to Microsoft products in regards to configuration or settings. Some common variations in addition to CPL include:
- .DL_, .PIF, .SYS, .DRV, and .FON
Similar File Associations and Associative Software
In addition to the related Windows file extensions already mentioned above, other Windows based configuration files will typically include similar types such as:
- .INF, .CFG, or -- occasionally -- the Microsoft-specific .INI. All of these file types are generally associated with applications which allow the user to modify their system settings. Commonly used software programs for these types of files can include registry editors or any applications that come supplied with a PC’s Integrated Development Environment (IDE). Additionally, many applications – such as archival utilities – can be used for compression and/or extraction purposes.
Programs for WINDOWS system
After installing the required software, the operating system will usually automatically associate an unknown file type (in this case .CPL) with the new application. If this does not happen, we can help the system a bit by selecting the software for it, which it should always use to open files with the .CPL extension.
When choosing the software we can select the system to use this software every time.
Remember!
Using it for the first time it is good to check whether the .CPL file opened in the application can be read by us and opens in a way that allows us to use it. If everything is in order, select this option the next time you open a file with the .CPL extension. However, if the file has not opened correctly, we have to look for a different software, with which we can open files with the .CPL extension. Select a different software from our list and install it on your computer. After the software is installed, repeat inspection openings of a .CPL file. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.
Other instructions
If none of the programs listed by us to work with the .CPL file has not meet your expectations, you can try searching other websites. But remember to avoid downloading programs "that can open any file". These applications not only have very limited functionality, but may also expose you to expense tens of dollars when purchasing a license.
In the vast majority of cases you will find the program dedicated to support the .CPL file, or any other file format. In addition, there is a chance that it will be a free program, and its functionality (concerning the .CPL file) will be extended to the maximum.
It is also good to check
- if the .CPL file has no errors
- or if it has been copied (or downloaded by the browser) thoroughly
Author’s guidelines
Mr B. Adam
Author of the guidelines / Founder of FileExtension.info
New technologies enthusiast, helping to solve problems with the files.
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