Acer does not provide drivers for my monitonot installable because a so-called .cat file XB253Q

Kernel_Gaming
Kernel_Gaming Member Posts: 4 New User
edited May 2024 in Predator Monitors

I have a problem where Acer does not provide drivers for my monitor. They do provide drivers, but they are not installable because a so-called .cat file is required.
The identification number for the monitor is, in any case, UM.KX3EE.W01.
Thank you in advance for all the help.

[Edited the thread to add model name to the title]

Answers

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,114 Trailblazer

    Right click on the XB253Q.inf file and choose Install.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • Kernel_Gaming
    Kernel_Gaming Member Posts: 4 New User

    Inaccurate Information Regarding .cat Files in WQHL Certification
    Dear billsey

    I hope this email finds you well.

    I am writing to you today to address your recent comments regarding WQHL certification and the installation of .inf files. Upon reviewing your information, I have identified some inaccuracies that I believe warrant clarification.

    Your previous statement implied that a .cat file is not required alongside an .inf file for a successful installation in accordance with WQHL requirements. However, this is not the case. In Windows, a .cat file is crucial for cataloging the files within the .inf file, which is an essential step for proper installation.

    Without a corresponding .cat file, the installation of the .inf file cannot be completed, regardless of the actions you described. Therefore, I kindly request that you review your information and provide an updated explanation that accurately reflects the necessity of a .cat file for WQHL certification and .inf file installation.

    Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I appreciate your willingness to ensure the accuracy of the information being shared.

    Sincerely,
    Kernel_Gaming

  • Kernel_Gaming
    Kernel_Gaming Member Posts: 4 New User

    Incomplete Acer Monitor Driver Installation - Missing XB253Q.cat File

    Thank you for the troubleshooting steps regarding my Acer monitor driver. Unfortunately, despite diligently following the steps and extracting files if needed, the installation failed due to a missing file
    named XB253Q.cat.

    Unfortunately, I have already diligently attempted the suggested steps, including downloading and installing the driver package from Acer's website. I ensured that the files were extracted if compressed and followed the on-screen prompts meticulously during the installation process. However, the installation remains incomplete due to the absence of a crucial file named XB253Q.cat.

    Upon further investigation, I discovered that the XB253Q.cat file is not included within the driver package for this specific monitor model. This raises concerns about the completeness and accuracy of the provided driver package.

    Moreover, I would like to draw your attention to the growing prevalence of digitally signed drivers in the Windows operating system. These drivers incorporate a digital signature, which serves as an electronic security stamp that identifies the software publisher and verifies whether the driver has been tampered with since its signing. Digitally signed drivers from reputable publishers instill confidence in the authenticity and integrity of the driver software.

    It is worth noting that this does not appear to be a common issue that can be resolved with a simple driver update. have also been unsuccessful in installing driver from Acer's website.

    This omission raises concerns about the completeness and security of the driver package. Modern Windows systems require digitally signed drivers, ensuring authenticity and preventing tampering. Without the XB253Q.cat file, the installation cannot be completed, potentially compromising security. This appears to be a more significant issue than a simple driver update.

    However, from an IT security perspective, the absence of the XB253Q.cat file in the driver package poses significant concerns. The lack of this critical file hinders the completion of the installation process and raises questions about the overall quality and security of the provided driver software.

  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,114 Trailblazer

    When I open the zip file downloaded from Acer's support site for the XB253Q monitor, I am presented with three files. When I right click on the Setup Information file and choose 'Install', the driver is installed without errors:

    image.png
    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.
  • kazay
    kazay Member Posts: 7 New User

    hello,i have the same problem here, i have generic monitor and i want to instal new drivers but i cant, on asus website when i download the drivers there are 2 files only but there is no XB253Q.cat

    so i cant install this, without those drivers i dont have g sync and 280mh

  • Joe9844
    Joe9844 Member Posts: 597 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    There is a cat file.

    s1.png
  • kazay
    kazay Member Posts: 7 New User
    obraz_2025-05-14_185006867.png

    not for me, every time i download this and unzipp i have only those two

  • kazay
    kazay Member Posts: 7 New User

    can you provide me a zip file with those 3?

  • Joe9844
    Joe9844 Member Posts: 597 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
  • kazay
    kazay Member Posts: 7 New User

    thx, looks like polish,and us sites dont have cat file,

    I'm using an Acer XB253Q GW monitor, which supports up to 280Hz refresh rate. However, on Windows, I'm unable to set the refresh rate above 120Hz. When I try to select 240Hz or 280Hz, the screen goes black, shows "no signal," and then reverts back to 120Hz.

    I’ve already:

    • Installed the official Acer driver (INF and ICM files),
    • Verified I’m using a proper DisplayPort 1.2 or higher cable (not HDMI),
    • Tried using CRU (Custom Resolution Utility) to define a higher refresh rate, but 280Hz is marked in red and not accepted,
    • Set custom FreeSync range and detailed resolutions,
    • Used DDU to clean and reinstall GPU drivers,
  • billsey
    billsey ACE Posts: 36,114 Trailblazer

    That is almost never a monitor driver issue, it's almost always the GPU. Monitor drivers only provide the same information as plug and play provides, supported resolutions and refresh rates. Your GPU has to also support the ones you want to use.

    Click on "Like" if you find my answer useful or click on "Yes" if it answers your question.