How to Restore .MSP Files After Critical System Problems

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

How to Restore .MSP Files After Critical System Problems
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .MSP file?

File used to update the Windows operating system and other Microsoft programs; typically included with security updates or Microsoft hotfixes; run by the Windows Installer programs Hotfix.exe

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

There can be several common causes of ".MSP" files being lost or failing:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".MSP" files while organizing or cleaning up their system. This can happen when files are mistakenly selected and deleted, or when cleaning tools are used without proper caution.
  2. System crashes: Unexpected system crashes, power outages, or hardware failures can result in the loss or corruption of ".MSP" files. If the files were open or being modified at the time of the crash, they may become inaccessible or damaged.
  3. Software errors: Errors or bugs in software applications that use ".MSP" files can lead to file corruption or loss. This can occur during installation, update, or usage of the software.
  4. Virus or malware attacks: Malicious software can infect and damage ".MSP" files, making them inaccessible or corrupt. Viruses or malware may also delete or modify the files as part of their malicious activities.
  5. Improper file handling: Inappropriate handling of ".MSP" files, such as forceful termination of applications, improper shutdowns, or abrupt removal of storage devices, can cause file corruption or loss.
  6. Software conflicts: Conflicts between different software applications or incompatible software versions can lead to errors or failures in ".MSP" files. This can occur when multiple software programs attempt to access or modify the same ".MSP" file simultaneously.
  7. File system issues: Problems with the file system, such as disk errors, bad sectors, or file system corruption, can result in the loss or failure of ".MSP" files.
  8. Human error: Human mistakes, such as accidental formatting of storage devices, improper file transfers, or incorrect file operations, can lead to the loss or failure of ".MSP" files.

It is important to regularly backup ".MSP" files and implement data recovery measures to minimize the impact of file loss or failure.

How to recover lost ".MSP" 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 ".MSP" 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 ".MSP" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".MSP" 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 ".MSP" 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 ".MSP" 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 ".MSP" extension?

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

Programs that open ".MSP" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Installer Microsoft Windows Installer

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Installer Patch

  • File extension: .MSP

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: System Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/octet-stream

  • HEX: D0 CF 11 E0 A1 B1 1A E1 00

  • ASCII: РП.а...б

  • File types that use the extension .MSP:

    • Windows Installer Patch

    • Microsoft Paint Bitmap Image

    • ClarisWorks Dictionary File

    • MaxScript Page File

Feedback

We will be happy to answer your questions!

Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:06 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MSP files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
    Reply
Post comment
User
Leave a reply
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Updated:
  • Evaluations:
  • 6
  • /
  • :
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.

Share

Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when opening .MSP files and how can they be fixed?

    There can be several reasons for encountering problems when opening .MSP files, and here are some common ones along with their potential fixes:

    1. Incorrect Software: If you don't have the appropriate software installed to open .MSP files, you may encounter errors. The fix is to install Microsoft Project, as .MSP files are typically associated with this software.
    2. File Corruption: If the .MSP file is corrupted, it may lead to problems while opening. You can try opening a backup of the file or ask the sender for a new copy.
    3. Outdated Software: If you have an outdated version of Microsoft Project, it may not be fully compatible with the .MSP file you're trying to open. Update your software to the latest version to resolve compatibility issues.
    4. File Association Issues: Sometimes, the .MSP file extension may not be associated correctly with Microsoft Project. To fix this, right-click on the .MSP file, select "Open With," choose Microsoft Project, and check the box to "Always use this app to open .MSP files."
    5. Insufficient Permissions: If you don't have the necessary permissions to access or modify the .MSP file, you may encounter errors. Ensure that you have the appropriate permissions or contact the file owner/administrator for access.
    6. Virus or Malware Infection: In some cases, a virus or malware infection can cause issues with opening .MSP files. Run a thorough scan of your system using reliable antivirus software to detect and remove any malicious files.
    7. Third-Party Software Conflict: If you have other project management software installed on your system, it may conflict with Microsoft Project when opening .MSP files. Temporarily disable or uninstall any conflicting software and try opening the file again.

    If none of these solutions work, it's advisable to reach out to Microsoft support or consult relevant online forums for further assistance based on your specific situation.

  • Are there any specific software or tools that can be used to troubleshoot and resolve issues with opening .MSP files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can be used to troubleshoot and resolve issues with opening .MSP files. Some of these tools include:

    1. Microsoft Project: The primary software used to open and work with .MSP files is Microsoft Project itself. Ensure that you have the latest version of Microsoft Project installed on your computer, as older versions may not be able to open newer .MSP file formats.
    2. Project Viewer: If you don't have Microsoft Project installed, you can use a third-party project viewer software such as Project Viewer Central or Seavus Project Viewer. These tools allow you to view .MSP files without the need for Microsoft Project.
    3. Online Conversion Tools: There are various online tools available that can convert .MSP files to other formats like .PDF or .CSV. You can upload your .MSP file to one of these tools and convert it to a more accessible format for troubleshooting purposes.
    4. File Repair Software: In case your .MSP file is corrupted or damaged, you can use file repair software like Stellar File Repair or DataNumen Project Repair. These tools can help repair and recover data from damaged .MSP files.
    5. Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack: If you are using an older version of Microsoft Project, you can try installing the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack. This pack allows older versions of Microsoft Project to open files created in newer versions.

    Remember to always ensure that you have a backup of your .MSP files before attempting any troubleshooting or repair methods.

  • Are there any alternative file formats or methods that can be used to open .MSP files if the traditional approach fails?

    The .MSP file format is commonly associated with Microsoft Project, which is used for project management. If the traditional approach of opening .MSP files fails, there are a few alternative methods you can try:

    1. Update Microsoft Project: Ensure that you have the latest version of Microsoft Project installed on your computer. Sometimes, older versions may not be able to open files created with newer versions.
    2. Use Microsoft Project Viewer: If you don't have Microsoft Project installed, you can try using a third-party viewer specifically designed to open .MSP files. These viewers allow you to view the content of the file without having the full Microsoft Project application.
    3. Convert to a different format: If you have access to Microsoft Project, you can try converting the .MSP file to a different format like .PDF or .CSV. This can be done by exporting the file from Microsoft Project to a different format that can be opened using other software.
    4. Online file conversion tools: There are various online tools available that can convert .MSP files to different formats. You can search for "online file converter" and look for a tool that supports .MSP files. However, be cautious while using online tools and ensure the security of your files.
    5. Contact Microsoft Support: If none of the above methods work, you can reach out to Microsoft Support for assistance. They may be able to provide further guidance or troubleshoot the issue.

    Remember to always exercise caution when downloading or using third-party tools or online converters, as they may pose security risks.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Description
Hello! This is AI-based Hetman Software virtual assistant, and it will answer any of your questions right away.
Start Chat