MSM File Extension
Windows Installer Merge Module
- File Type msm
- Developer Microsoft
- Popularity
- Application Windows Installer
- Category Data Files
- Format Binary
What is a MSM file?
The MSM extension is related to Windows Installer Merge Module and is classified in the Data Files category, which contains 6196 files.
The Windows Installer Merge Module (MSM), created by Microsoft, is one of file format they developed, and they also built 242 programs to support them.
MSM files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux. When working with MSM files, you can rely on 3 programs, including Windows Installer, Microsoft Visual Studio and Windows Installer XML.
Programs that support MSM files
How to open a MSM file?
If you can’t open a MSM file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Windows Installer, Microsoft Visual Studio and Windows Installer XML stand out as the preferred programs to manage MSM files effectively. To get the latest version of Windows Installer, open the Microsoft website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
When you finish installing Windows Installer, the system will automatically launch MSM files with it.
Set Windows Installer to open MSM by default
Change default apps on Mac
- Right-click or use Control + Left-click on the desired MSM file to access the file’s context menu;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- At the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu. It is already set to the default option, "Recommended Programs";
- Within this menu, select "All Programs" and then search for Windows Installer. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Set default programs for Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your MSM file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- Find the Windows Installer application in the pop-up window and select it as your preferred program;
- Select the "Always use this application" check box and click "OK" to save your selection as the default application for opening MSM files.
Easy MSM Troubleshooting
When facing challenges with MSM files, simple adjustments in your software can often solve the problem. Find helpful troubleshooting guidance below.
How do I know if my MSM file has been damaged?
MSM data files that have become corrupted may display one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- When opening the file, errors occur or the inability to access its contents;
- Unexplained MSM file size inflation;
- Windows Installer or other programs stop responding or crash when trying to handle the file;
Why does Windows Installer quit or crash unexpectedly?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind Windows Installer crash. Keep your Microsoft products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer is often an effective solution to resolve various common problems. Therefore, it is recommended to do so before making any changes to the software configuration.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged MSM file?
In a data recovery program, open the damaged MSM file and select the "Repair" menu option. Allow the recovery process to complete, which will automatically repair the damaged data files.