How to Create a Catalog File For a Non PnP Driver Package? [Easy Steps]

What is the Reason for making a Catalog File for a non-PnP Driver Package?
You create a catalog file for a Non-Plug and Play (PnP) driver package for two main reasons: the presence of a digital signature in the catalog file, indicating that the driver package originates from a trusted source.
Also, the digital signature present in the catalog file attests that all the files within the non-Pnp driver package are, in fact, legitimate and have not been tampered with after it was signed. The catalog file also verifies that all the driver package files are present in that package and reduces the chances of installation errors.
Hence, it’s an excellent call if you intend to create a catalog file for a Non PnP Driver Package. But are you aware of how to do it? If not, there is no need to sweat or worry!
As always, we are here to help you out. In this piece, we will explain – “How to create a catalog file for a Non PnP driver package?”
How to Create a Catalog File For a Non PnP Driver Package?
Follow the steps mentioned below to create a catalog file for a Non PnP driver package:
Step 1: Create a Catalog Definition File
The first step to making a catalog file is manually creating a – .cdf file (catalog definition file). The .cdf file represents the catalog header file entries and attributes. After you have created the file in the discussion, use the – MakeCat tool to create a catalog file.
Step 2: Create a Catalog File
- Click Search, placed on the taskbar.
- Type Notepad and press Enter.
- The Notepad window will appear.
- In the Notepad window, create a .cdf file that documents the name of the catalog file to be created, the names of the files to be listed in the catalog file, and its attributes.
Step 3: Open and Use MakeCat Tool
Now open the Makecat command line tool and run the MakeCat -v CatalogDefinitionFileName.cdf command.
In the above-written code, the -v option configures the MakeCat command line tool to print warning and execution messages. The CatalogDefinitionFileName.cdf parameter represents the name of the .cdf file (catalog definition file).
The MakeCat tool processes the .cdf file in the following way:
- Stores each file’s thumbprint in the catalog file.
- Creates a cryptographic hash (thumbprint) for each listed file.
- Verifies & adds catalog file attributes defined in the .cdf file.
- Verifies & adds attributes for each listed file within the .cdf file.
That’s all. Follow this quick step, and you will be successful!
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