Varieties of MSM Files

Leading MSM Type

.MSM

Extension:	.msm
File Type:	Windows Installer Merge Module

Files with MSM extension contains merge module database which contains properties for a specific software installer and installation settings. This includes files, registry entries, resources, and setup information. MSM files may also be called merge package files as they are usually a part of an installer package. It is not recommended to open these files manually.

Programmer:	Microsoft Corporation
Group:	Settings Files
Subkey:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.msm

Software Programs That Open The Windows Installer Merge Module:

Windows Installer by Microsoft Corporation

Windows

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Sources of MSM Problems

Issues Opening MSM Files

Windows Installer Disappeared

When trying to open your MSM file, you get the error "Can't Open MSM File Type". If this is the case, it's usually due to the fact that you do not have Windows Installer for %%os%% installed on your computer. The typical path of opening your MSM with a double-click won't work because %%os%% cannot make the program connection.

Tip: If you have another software that you know opens MSM files, you can select it by hitting the "Show Apps" button.

Wrong Version of Windows Installer is Installed

Your Windows Installer Merge Module file is incompatible with Windows Installer because you might have the wrong version installed. If you do not have the proper version Windows Installer (or any of the other programs listed above), you may need to try downloading a different version of it, or one of the other software applications listed above. Your Windows Installer Merge Module file was probably created by a newer release of Windows Installer than what's currently installed your computer.

Tip: You can sometimes get hints about the right program version by right-clicking on the MSM file, selecting "Properties", and looking at the version information.

Conclusion: The majority of MSM file opening issues are due to not having the correct Windows Installer version installed.

More Causes of Problems Opening MSMs

In the majority of cases, installing the right version of Windows Installer will resolve your issue. If you are still having problems opening MSM files, there may be other issues that are preventing you from opening these files. Other contributing causes:

• Invalid MSM file references in the Windows Registry (the "phonebook" of the Windows Operating System)
• Corruption of the MSM file description inside the Registry
• Partial installation of Windows Installer that did not fully complete
• Your MSM can't be loaded properly (file corruption)
• Your MSM has adversely impacted by malware
• MSM-related hardware has device drivers that obsolete
• Your computer does not have the adequate system resources to open the Windows Installer Merge Module format