Error: Invalid Service Installation Section in the INF File

INF files are used to install drivers and services in Windows. The error "Invalid Service Installation Section in this INF file" often arises due to issues in the file’s structure or content.

Causes of the Error

  • Incorrect section name: The INF file may have an incorrectly named section for service installation. For instance, if [ServiceInstall] is used, sometimes it should be [DefaultInstall.Service] or another specific section name.
  • Missing required parameters: Each section must define certain parameters like ServiceType, StartType, ErrorControl, and DisplayName. Missing parameters can cause this error.
  • Syntactical errors: Any missing or incorrect characters in the INF file can prevent it from being properly parsed, resulting in a service installation error.

How to Fix the Error

  1. Check the INF file structure and ensure all sections are correctly named.
  2. Double-check the section name used for service installation and confirm it aligns with your Windows version's requirements.
  3. Add any missing required parameters or ensure existing ones are correctly defined.
  4. Fix any syntactical errors, such as extra spaces or incorrect characters.

After updating the INF file, try installing the service again. If the error persists, consulting the official Windows documentation may provide further guidance.