.SCF File Extension
Shell Command File
| Developer | Microsoft |
| Popularity |
3.0 | 15 Votes |
What is an SCF file?
An SCF file is a shell command file used by Windows Explorer to execute specific actions within the operating system. It contains plain text commands that Windows interprets to carry out the specified operations, which may include opening a new Windows Explorer window or displaying the user's desktop. While Windows still supports SCF files, newer applications rarely use them, since many functions can now be accessed directly through the graphical user interface.
More Information
SCF files typically reside in directories where they can be executed quickly to perform desired actions. Power users often use them to automate tasks in Windows. Although primarily associated with Windows Explorer, SCF files can be executed directly from the desktop or the command line. The files may contain commands such as Command, IconFile, and InfoTip, which define how the file behaves and what icon it displays.
How to open an SCF file
SCF files are not meant to be manually opened. Windows Explorer automatically loads and uses SCF files as needed. However, you can open SCF files with any text editor, such as Microsoft Notepad or Notepad++, to view or edit the script contents.
Warning
A vulnerability in SCF files' structure allows cybercriminals to use malicious SCF files to steal a user's Windows login credentials. This attack requires only that a user view the SCF file in a folder or on their desktop. It does not require that the user open the SCF file. Therefore, if you notice that you are receiving an untrusted SCF file as part of a download, you should cancel that download or attempt to delete the SCF file without viewing it.
Programs that open SCF files
DNA Sequence Chromatogram File
| Developer | N/A |
| Popularity |
2.7 | 12 Votes |
Stores DNA sequence information that can be analyzed using a DNA sequence viewer; similar to a .ABI file, but contains more information and is less prone to errors; may be created by the LF, Li-Cor, Beckman CEQ 2000XL, CEQ 8000, Visible Genetics OpenGene, or other sequencers.
Programs that open SCF files
SimTown Sounds File
| Developer | Maxis Software |
| Popularity |
1.4 | 5 Votes |
Contains sounds effects and audio data used by SimTown, a small-scale version of SimCity; used to playback sounds within the game.
More Information
NOTE: SimTown may alter the standard SCF file association in Windows and cause the "Show Desktop" and "View Channels" icons in the Task Bar to change. To change the SCF file extension back to the default Windows association, follow these steps (provided by Microsoft):
- Select "Folder Options" from the View menu in an open window and then click the File Types tab.
- Select "SimTown Sounds" within the Registered File Types box and click Edit.
- Type "Windows Explorer Command" in the Description Of Type box and click New.
- Type "Open" in the Action box, and type "c:\progra~1\intern~1\iexplore.exe" in the Application Used To Perform Action box.
- Click the Use DDE check box and type "[ShellFile("%1","%1",%S)]" in the DDE Message box.
- Type "Folders" in the Application box, and "AppProperties" in the Topics box.
- Click OK, then Change Icon, then Browse.
- Choose an icon to replace the missing icon, click OK, and restart your computer.
View the visual guide for changing Windows file associations for more information about how to change file associations in Windows.