Program Information File

(piff)

A file that is used to store information about DOS programs that need to run under Windows. For its TopView operating environment, IBM invented the PIF file and Microsoft picked up the idea for Windows. Most DOS programs can simply use the default PIF file that comes with Windows; some require special configuration information. Those MS-DOS programs that run without any special PIF file are called "standard" applications. Others might refer to good and bad programs where the good and bad are not an indication of quality but if the program writes directly to the hardware (bad) or not (good). Some DOS programs bypassed the operating system so that they could run faster; a no-no under Windows.

Under early versions of Windows you had to edit a PIF file; under Windows XP simply right click on the executable file in Explorer and select Properties. Then, select the Compatibility tab and use the options there to select the best method to run the EXE file. When you click OK, Windows will create a PIF file for the program and will use that when running the program.

More Information

• How to Create PIF Files