Quick Guide to Recovering .MSO Files After System Failures

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 .MSO file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2025.

Quick Guide to Recovering .MSO Files After System Failures
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What is a .MSO file?

An MSO file is a macro reference file created when saving a Microsoft Office document as a webpage. It contains information about macros and OLE (Object Linking and Embedding) objects included in the original file and may be referenced by the created webpage as a style sheet. MSO files may be viewed with a text editor, but will be unreadable since the contents are encoded.

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

There are several common causes of ".MSO" (Microsoft Office Document Cache) files being lost or experiencing failure:

  1. System crash or unexpected shutdown: If your computer crashes or shuts down unexpectedly while working on a Microsoft Office document, it can result in the loss or corruption of the ".MSO" file.
  2. Power outages: Sudden power outages can disrupt the saving process of ".MSO" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  3. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications, especially those that interact with Microsoft Office, can cause issues with ".MSO" files.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and corrupt ".MSO" files, making them inaccessible or causing failure.
  5. Storage device failure: If the storage device where the ".MSO" files are located (such as the hard drive or USB drive) fails or becomes damaged, it can result in the loss or corruption of the files.
  6. Accidental deletion: Human error, such as accidentally deleting ".MSO" files, can lead to their loss.
  7. Improper shutdown of Microsoft Office: If Microsoft Office is not closed properly, such as through a forceful shutdown or an application crash, it can result in ".MSO" file failure.
  8. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as file system corruption or bad sectors on the storage device, can cause ".MSO" files to be lost or fail.
  9. Hardware issues: Hardware problems like a faulty hard drive or RAM can lead to ".MSO" file loss or failure.

It is important to regularly back up your ".MSO" files and take precautions to prevent data loss, such as using reliable storage devices, keeping your system and software up to date, and using antivirus software to protect against malware.

How to recover lost ".MSO" 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 ".MSO" file may be deleted.

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🧺 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 ".MSO" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MSO" 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 ".MSO" 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™ 5.0
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 ".MSO" 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 ".MSO" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo microsoft Office Macro Reference File image file file?

Programs that open ".MSO" files

Windows
HEX Editor HEX Editor

Additional Information

  • File type: Microsoft Office Macro Reference File

  • File extension: .MSO

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: N/A

  • File types that use the extension .MSO:

    • Microsoft Office Macro Reference File

    • Inline E-mail Attachment

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 12:52 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MSO 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 are some common reasons for encountering problems while opening .MSO files and how can they be fixed?

    Some common reasons for encountering problems while opening .MSO files include:

    1. Incorrect file association: If the .MSO file is not associated with the correct program, it may fail to open. This can happen if the file association settings have been changed or if the required program is not installed.
    2. Corrupted file: If the .MSO file is corrupted or damaged, it may not open properly. This can occur due to file transfer errors, disk issues, or other factors.
    3. Outdated software: If the software used to open .MSO files is outdated, it may not be compatible with the file format. In such cases, updating the software to the latest version can often resolve the issue.
    4. Incompatible software: Some .MSO files may require specific software or plugins to open. If the necessary software or plugin is not installed, the file may not open correctly.

    To fix these problems and successfully open .MSO files, you can try the following solutions:

    1. Check file association: Ensure that the .MSO file is associated with the correct program. Right-click on the file, select "Open with," and choose the appropriate program. If the desired program is not listed, click "Choose another app" and select the correct one. You can also set the default program for .MSO files in the file association settings of your operating system.
    2. Repair or recover the file: If the .MSO file is corrupted, you can try repairing it using file repair tools or recovery software. These tools can often fix minor file issues and make them accessible again.
    3. Update software: If you are using outdated software to open .MSO files, visit the official website of the software and check for updates. Download and install the latest version to ensure compatibility with the file format.
    4. Install required software or plugins: If the .MSO file requires specific software or plugins, install them on your system. Check the file's documentation or source to determine the necessary software and obtain it from the official sources.

    If none of these solutions work, consider contacting the file's creator or the software's support team for further assistance.

  • Are there any specific software or tools available to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to opening .MSO files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools available to troubleshoot and resolve issues related to opening .MSO files. Here are a few options:

    1. Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack: This software allows you to open, edit, and save files in the newer .DOCX, .XLSX, and .PPTX formats, including .MSO files, in older versions of Microsoft Office.
    2. Microsoft Office Online: You can try opening .MSO files using the free web-based versions of Microsoft Office applications available through Office Online. Simply upload the .MSO file to OneDrive or SharePoint and open it using Word, Excel, or PowerPoint Online.
    3. File Viewer Plus: It is a universal file viewer that supports over 300 file formats, including .MSO files. It allows you to view, edit, and convert .MSO files to other formats.
    4. Online file conversion tools: Various online tools, such as Zamzar and Convertio, offer file conversion services. You can upload your .MSO file to these platforms and convert it to a different format, such as .DOC or .DOCX.
    5. Text editors: If the .MSO file contains text, you can try opening it with a text editor like Notepad or Notepad++. While this won't preserve the formatting, it may allow you to access the text content.

    Remember to exercise caution when downloading and using third-party software or online tools. Always ensure that you download from trusted sources and scan files for viruses before opening them.

  • Can you provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix problems opening .MSO files for different operating systems or software applications?

    Sure! Here are step-by-step instructions for fixing problems opening .MSO files on different operating systems and software applications:

    Windows:

    1. Update Microsoft Office: Make sure you have the latest version of Microsoft Office installed on your Windows computer. Sometimes, older versions may have compatibility issues with .MSO files.
    2. Change Default Program: Right-click on the .MSO file and select "Open with" from the context menu. Choose a different program from the list or click "Choose another app" to browse and select the appropriate program to open .MSO files. Check the box that says "Always use this app to open .MSO files" to set it as the default program.
    3. Use Microsoft Word: .MSO files are often associated with Microsoft Word. Try opening the .MSO file by launching Microsoft Word and then using the "Open" option to browse and select the .MSO file.
    4. Convert .MSO to .DOC or .DOCX: If the above steps don't work, you can try converting the .MSO file to a more common format like .DOC or .DOCX. Open Microsoft Word, click on "File" and then select "Open." Browse and select the .MSO file, and then click on "Save As." Choose the desired format (.DOC or .DOCX) and save the file.

    Mac:

    1. Update Microsoft Office: Ensure that you have the latest version of Microsoft Office installed on your Mac. Outdated versions may have compatibility issues with .MSO files.
    2. Change Default Program: Right-click on the .MSO file and select "Get Info." In the Info window, expand the "Open with" section and select a different program to open .MSO files. Click on "Change All" to set the selected program as the default for all .MSO files.
    3. Use Microsoft Word: .MSO files are typically associated with Microsoft Word on Mac. Launch Microsoft Word and use the "Open" option to browse and select the .MSO file.
    4. Convert .MSO to .DOC or .DOCX: If the above steps fail, you can try converting the .MSO file to a more common format like .DOC or .DOCX. Open Microsoft Word, click on "File," select "Open," and then browse and select the .MSO file. Finally, click on "Save As" and choose the desired format (.DOC or .DOCX) to save the file.

    Other Software Applications:

    1. Check for Compatibility: Ensure that the software application you are using supports .MSO files. Check the application's documentation or website for compatibility information.
    2. Update the Application: If the software application supports .MSO files but is not opening them correctly, make sure you have the latest version installed. Update the application to the latest version available.
    3. Contact Support: If the problem persists, reach out to the software application's support team for assistance. Provide them with details about the issue and any error messages you encounter when trying to open .MSO files.

    Remember, .MSO files are typically associated with Microsoft Office and may not be compatible with all software applications.
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