Recovering .MSM Files: Methods for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .MSM file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

Recovering .MSM Files: Methods for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .MSM file?

Database of a "merge module" that contains installation settings and properties for a specific software installer; includes files, resources, registry entries, and setup information; often contained within an .MSI file.

What Are Common Causes of ".MSM" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes for ".MSM" (Microsoft Merge Module) files to be lost or fail:

  1. Accidental deletion: The files may be accidentally deleted by the user or by a third-party software, leading to their loss.
  2. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can result in the corruption or deletion of ".MSM" files.
  3. Malware or virus infection: Malicious software or viruses can infect and corrupt files on a computer, including ".MSM" files.
  4. Hardware failure: Issues with the computer's hardware, such as a failing hard drive or faulty memory, can lead to data loss, including ".MSM" files.
  5. Software installation or update issues: Problems during the installation or update of software that uses ".MSM" files can cause errors or corruption, resulting in their failure.
  6. Improper shutdown: If the computer is not shut down properly, such as during a power outage or system crash, it can lead to file system errors and potentially the loss or corruption of ".MSM" files.
  7. File system errors: Issues with the file system, such as disk errors or bad sectors, can cause ".MSM" files to become inaccessible or fail.
  8. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as accidentally formatting a storage device or performing incorrect file operations, can result in the loss or failure of ".MSM" files.

It is important to regularly back up important files, including ".MSM" files, to prevent data loss and have a recovery option in case of any failure or loss.

How to recover lost ".MSM" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".MSM" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".MSM" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MSM" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".MSM" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".MSM" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".MSM" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Installer Merge Module image file file?

Programs that open ".MSM" files

Windows
Microsoft Visual Studio 2019 Microsoft Visual Studio 2019
Microsoft Windows Installer Microsoft Windows Installer

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Installer Merge Module

  • File extension: .MSM

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Settings Files

  • Format: Binary

  • HEX: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00

  • ASCII: РП.а...б

  • File types that use the extension .MSM:

    • Windows Installer Merge Module

    • Multisim Circuit Design File

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:39 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MSM files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What is a .MSM file extension and what does it stand for?

    The .MSM file extension stands for "Microsoft Merge Module." It is a type of file format used by Microsoft Windows Installer to package and distribute software components. MSM files contain various resources, such as DLLs (Dynamic Link Libraries), registry entries, and other files required for the installation and integration of software components into an application or system. These merge modules are commonly used for simplifying the deployment of shared components across multiple applications.

  • How can I open a .MSM file on my computer?

    To open a .MSM file on your computer, you can follow these steps:

    1. Identify the software associated with .MSM files: .MSM files are typically associated with Windows Installer Merge Modules. These modules contain reusable components, such as files, registry entries, and other resources, that can be included in multiple installation packages.
    2. Install the required software: If you don't have the necessary software installed on your computer, you will need to download and install Microsoft Visual Studio or another software capable of handling Windows Installer Merge Modules.
    3. Open the .MSM file: Once you have the required software installed, you can simply double-click on the .MSM file. This should launch the associated software and open the file for viewing or editing.

    Note: If double-clicking doesn't work, you can try right-clicking on the .MSM file, selecting "Open With," and choosing the appropriate software from the list.

    It's important to note that .MSM files are not intended to be opened directly by end-users but rather used by developers during the software installation process.

  • Are there any specific software or applications required to access and view the contents of a .MSM file?

    Yes, to access and view the contents of a .MSM file, you would typically need a software called "Microsoft Merge Module" or "Windows Installer Merge Module." This software is designed to work with Windows Installer, which is a component of the Windows operating system. The .MSM file format is used to package various components, such as libraries, files, and registry entries, that can be merged into an application during installation.
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