MSD Types

Chief MSD Description

.MSD

File Ext:	.msd
Type:	Map Service Definition File

MSD file is a published map file created by ArcGIS Desktop software. MSD file contains a map that has been published from an .MXD map document.

Author:	ESRI
Function:	GIS Files
Registry Key:	HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.msd

Software Programs That Open The Map Service Definition File:

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop by ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute)

Windows

Alternative MSD Types

.MSD

File Ext:	.msd
Type:	Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Utility Report

Diagnostic utility report file generated by Microsoft Windows operating system.

Author:	Microsoft Corporation
Function:	Data Files

Software Programs That Open Microsoft Windows Diagnostic Utility Report Files:

Microsoft Windows by Microsoft Corporation

Compatible with:

Windows

.MSD

File Ext:	.msd
Type:	Maxsurf Design File

MSD is a design file created by Maxsurf, an integrated naval architecture & ship construction software used to visualize and optimize vessel design.

Author:	Bentley Systems
Function:	CAD Files

Software Programs That Open Maxsurf Design File Files:

Maxsurf by Bentley Systems

Compatible with:

Windows

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Troubleshoot MSD Files

Issues Opening MSD Files

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop Disappeared

You attempt to load your MSD file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The MSD File Extension". Usually, this is because you do not have ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop for %%os%% installed. Your operating system cannot associate your MSD with ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop, so double-clicking the file won't work.

Tip: Another MSD-related program can be selected to open the file by clicking "Show Apps" and finding the application.

ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop Requires Update

In some cases, you might have a newer (or older) version of a Map Service Definition File file that is unsupported by your installed application version. Visit the ESRI (Environmental Systems Research Institute) website to download (or purchase) the latest version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop. This problem is predominately due to having a Map Service Definition File file version that was created by a newer version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop than what you have installed on your PC.

Tip: Find clues on the correct software version by right-clicking your MSD file and clicking "Properties".

Primarily, problems experienced when opening MSD files are due to having the incorrect version of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop installed on your computer.

Additional MSD Opening Issues

Errors opening Map Service Definition File files can still occur even with the latest ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop software installed on your computer. If you're still experiencing problems opening MSD files, there could be other computer problems. These other problems include (listed in order from most to least common):

• MSD file type Registry entries are wrong
• Accidental deletion of the description of the MSD file in the Windows registry
• Partial installation of ESRI ArcGIS for Desktop that did not fully complete
• MSD file corruption
• MSD file integrity has been compromised by malware
• Hardware associated with MSD has outdated drivers
• Insufficient system resources to successfully open Map Service Definition File files