diff --git a/CVSROOT/config b/CVSROOT/config
index 8069cad5df..a1f3a82709 100644
--- a/CVSROOT/config
+++ b/CVSROOT/config
@@ -9,3 +9,6 @@
 # level of the new working directory when using the `cvs checkout'
 # command.
 #TopLevelAdmin=no
+
+# use new info format
+UseNewInfoFmtStrings=yes