Tips to open MDF file

Can't open the MDF file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open MDF files as well as a list of programs that support MDF files.

MDF file extension

File Name Media Disc Image Format
File Developer Alcohol Software
File Category Disk Image Files

The MDF file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the MDF files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the MDF file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 8
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is MDF file?

The .MDF file is a disk image. The format was developed by Alcohol Software and related to Alcohol 120% and Alcohol 52%. The disk image usually consists of two files: .MDF - containing the main disk image, and .MDS - containing metadata and other relevant elements. Both files were required for proper operation. Alcohol 52% software did not include the ability to generate images, but was released under a free license with ads. The extended version was often distributed illegally.

How to open MDF file?

An often recurring problem with Media Disc Image Format is that MDF is not associated with the correct program file. Thus, when you open MDF, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the MDF file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install Alcohol 120%

In this case, you should first verify that the Alcohol 120% application is installed on the computer. To do this, enter the name Alcohol 120% into the system search engine. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file MDF with Alcohol 120%. Below is a list of programs that support the file MDF.

Step 2. Create association of Alcohol 120% with MDF files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the MDF file to open in the Alcohol 120% application, but you can set it manually. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. It may happen that in the next window there will be no appropriate program - however, this can be corrected with the "Browse" option where you should manually indicate the program location. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the MDF file with the Alcohol 120% program.

Step 3. Update Alcohol 120% to the latest version

If, despite the association of the Alcohol 120% program with the Media Disc Image Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. Some applications allow you to update from the program level, and for others you need to download the installer from the Alcohol Soft page and install.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the MDF file

The problem may also be with the file itself if the above steps don't work. The most common file problems are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. Usually this applies to MDF files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. The scan should cover the entire computer, not only the MDF file that we want to open. Sometimes virus-infected MDF files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
A typical compatibility error - the program does not support the older version of the MDF file. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged MDF files. The easiest way is to restore the file from a backup, if there is one, or contact Alcohol Software
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted MDF files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. Copying the MDF file to another location will fix the problem.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the MDF file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes you have to wait for the session to the file MDF to close. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If the problem persists, restart the machine.