Sources of MSU Problems
Issues Opening MSU Files
Microsoft Windows is Not Installed
You attempt to load your MSU file and get an error such as "%%os%% Can't Open The MSU File Extension". Usually, this is because you do not have Microsoft Windows for %%os%% installed. Because your operating system doesn't know what to do with this file, you won't be able to open it by double-clicking.
Tip: If you know of another program that can open your MSU file, you can try opening it by selecting the application from the programs listed.
Incorrect Microsoft Windows Version
In other instances, your Windows Vista Update Package file version may not be supported by your version of Microsoft Windows. You will need to download a newer version of Microsoft Windows if you don't have the right version. This issue mainly occurs when your Windows Vista Update Package file was created by a newer version of Microsoft Windows than you have on your PC.
Tip: Sometimes you can get a clue about the version of MSU file you have by right clicking on the file, then clicking on "Properties" (Windows) or "Get Info" (Mac OSX).
Ultimately, most of the difficulties opening MSU files are due to having the wrong version of Microsoft Windows installed.
Other MSU File Issues
Errors opening Windows Vista Update Package files can still occur even with the latest Microsoft Windows software installed on your computer. If you're still experiencing problems opening MSU files, there could be other computer problems. Problems unrelated to software:
- File references in the Windows Registry for MSU are wrong
- Corruption of the MSU file description inside the Registry
- Invalid installation of a MSU-associated program (eg. Microsoft Windows)
- MSU file corruption
- Your MSU is infected with malware
- Device drivers of the hardware associated with your MSU file are corrupt or out-of-date
- Windows cannot load your Windows Vista Update Package file due to insufficient resources (eg. RAM)
Quiz: Which file extension is the oldest in existence?
That's Correct!
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.
Close, but not quite...
The text file, or "TXT" for short, is the oldest file extension in existence. Although the exact date is unknown, it is thought to have been invented in the late-1960's.