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CTF File - What is a .ctf file and how do I open it?
Learn about .CTF files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is a CTF file? A CTF file is a media collection catalog created by WhereIsIt, a discontinued Windows app. It contains a record of a user's media collection. For example, a CTF file might list a user's physical CDs and DVDs, .MP3 files, .MP4 files, as well as metadata about that media.
More Information WhereIsIt was an application developed by Robert Galle. It allowed users to catalog and organize their physical and digital media, to make it easy to see what media they owned and where that media was stored. For digital media, users could record the files' location. For example, if an MP3 file was stored on a removable drive, a user could note that information in their catalog.
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DeveloperECMG
Popularity2.0 | 7 Votes
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In-Depth
.CTF File Extension
4 file types use the .ctf file extension.
WhereIsIt Catalog
| Developer | Robert Galle |
| Popularity |
3.1 | 19 Votes |
What is a CTF file?
A CTF file is a media collection catalog created by WhereIsIt, a discontinued Windows app. It contains a record of a user's media collection. For example, a CTF file might list a user's physical CDs and DVDs, .MP3 files, .MP4 files, as well as metadata about that media.
More Information
WhereIsIt was an application developed by Robert Galle. It allowed users to catalog and organize their physical and digital media, to make it easy to see what media they owned and where that media was stored.
For digital media, users could record the files' location. For example, if an MP3 file was stored on a removable drive, a user could note that information in their catalog.
How to open a CTF file
You can open a CTF file with WhereIsIt. However, WhereIsIt is discontinued. Thus, if you do not already have access to WhereIsIt, you likely will not be able to open your CTF file.
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Programs that open CTF files
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Program Name
Platform
Reset
X
Windows
WhereIsIt
Free Trial
Category: Data Files
Updated: August 30, 2023
PSP Custom Theme File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
3.4 | 5 Votes |
A CTF file contains a custom theme used by Sony PlayStation Portable (PSP), a handheld gaming console. It stores custom theme settings and includes .BMP wallpaper and preview picture and .PNG icon that appear in the PSP interface. CTF files allow PSP users to create their own themes for their PSP devices.
More Information
CTF files can only be applied to a PSP if the device has the custom .PRX CXMB plugin installed. If it does not have the plugin installed, the PSP will not be able to load the theme.
Programs that open or reference CTF files
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Platform
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Used by the Sony PSP with the CXMB plugin installed
Mac
Used by the Sony PSP with the CXMB plugin installed
Linux
Used by the Sony PSP with the CXMB plugin installed
Category: Settings Files
Updated: September 27, 2018
AVG Update Control File
| Developer | AVG Technologies |
| Popularity |
2.3 | 7 Votes |
A CTF file may also be an update control file used by AVG AntiVirus and AVG Internet Security software. AVG software uses CTF files to identify, download, and install relevant updates. If a program's CTF file becomes corrupted (or otherwise invalid), you will not be able to update that program until you repair or replace the file.
More Information
In most cases, AVG AntiVirus and Internet Security automatically use CTF files to retrieve and install program updates (e.g., new virus definitions) from AVG's servers. Users can also manually update AntiVirus and Internet Security, by selecting Check for updates in the programs' Settings menus.
If your program's CTF file is valid, updates will proceed without issue. If, for some reason, your CTF file is invalid, your program will show an error message that reads something like Update Failed - Invalid Update Control CTF File .
How to fix an invalid CTF file
If AVG AntiVirus or Internet Security tells you that your CTF file is invalid, AVG recommends repairing your installation. To do so, follow the instructions listed on this page of AVG's website .
Common CTF Filenames
avginfoavi.ctf - CTF file used by AVG AntiVirus.
avginfowin.ctf - CTF file used by AVG Internet Security.
How to open a CTF file
CTF files are not meant to be opened. AVG AntiVirus and Internet Security load and use CTF files during their update processes as needed.
Programs that open CTF files
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Platform
Reset
X
Windows
AVG AntiVirus Free
Free
AVG Internet Security
Paid
Category: Misc Files
Updated: October 27, 2023
Content Transformation File
| Developer | ECMG |
| Popularity |
2.0 | 7 Votes |
Contains transformation information used for converting file metadata into a different format or structure; often applied to Content Definition ( .CDF ) Files.
More Information
CTF files may be used to transform multiple files with different structures into a consolidated format. This makes it possible to bulk load or migrate many files at once.
Programs that open CTF files
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ECMG FileMatica
—
Discontinued
Paid
Category: Misc Files
Updated: May 10, 2017