How to Restore .MSU Files Lost During 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 .MSU file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Restore .MSU Files Lost During System Failures

What is a .MSU file?

An MSU file is an update package used by Windows Update, an application included with Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server. It contains one or more updates for applications and files on the Windows system. MSU files are installed by the Windows Update Stand-alone Installer (Wusa.exe

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

There are several common causes of ".MSU" files lost or failure:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".MSU" files while cleaning up their system or organizing files.
  2. Virus or malware infection: Malicious software or viruses can corrupt or delete ".MSU" files, leading to their loss or failure.
  3. System crashes: Sudden system crashes or power outages can cause ".MSU" files to become corrupted or lost.
  4. Software conflicts: Incompatibility issues between software applications can result in the corruption or deletion of ".MSU" files.
  5. Hardware failure: Issues with the computer's hard drive or other hardware components can lead to the loss or corruption of ".MSU" files.
  6. File system errors: Errors in the file system, such as disk errors or bad sectors, can cause ".MSU" files to become inaccessible or damaged.
  7. Human error: Mistakes made by users, such as improper handling of files or accidental formatting of storage devices, can result in the loss of ".MSU" files.
  8. Software updates or installations: Sometimes, during software updates or installations, ".MSU" files can be overwritten or replaced, leading to their loss or failure.
  9. File system conversion: Converting the file system of a storage device can sometimes result in the loss or corruption of ".MSU" files.
  10. Insufficient storage space: If the storage device where ".MSU" files are stored runs out of space, it can lead to file loss or failure.

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

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

Looking for how to open a stereo windows Vista Update Package image file file?

Programs that open ".MSU" files

Windows
Microsoft Windows Update Microsoft Windows Update

Additional Information

  • File type: Windows Vista Update Package

  • File extension: .MSU

  • Developer: Microsoft

  • Category: Misc Files

  • Format: Binary

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 14:31 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .MSU 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 the purpose of the .MSU file format?

    The .MSU file format is used for Microsoft Update Standalone Packages. These files contain updates, patches, or language packs that can be installed on Microsoft Windows operating systems. The purpose of the .MSU file format is to provide a convenient way to distribute and install updates on Windows systems without requiring an internet connection. These files are typically used for offline or manual installation of updates on computers that do not have access to Windows Update services.

  • How do you open and install .MSU files on a Windows operating system?

    To open and install .MSU files on a Windows operating system, you can follow these steps:

    1. Download the .MSU file you want to install from a trusted source.
    2. Double-click on the .MSU file. This will open the Windows Update Standalone Installer.
    3. The installer will display the name and description of the update. Click "Yes" to proceed with the installation.
    4. The installation process will begin, and you may see a progress bar indicating the installation status.
    5. Once the installation is complete, you will see a message stating that the update was successfully installed. Click "Close" to exit the installer.

    Note: Sometimes, if the .MSU file requires administrative privileges, you may need to right-click on the .MSU file and select "Run as administrator" to initiate the installation.

    After completing these steps, the .MSU file should be installed on your Windows operating system.

  • Can .MSU files be used to update software and operating systems other than Windows?

    No, .MSU (Microsoft Update Standalone) files are specifically designed for updating software and operating systems on Windows platforms only. These files contain updates, hotfixes, and patches that are intended for Windows operating systems, such as Windows 7, 8, 10, and Windows Server editions. They cannot be used to update software or operating systems on non-Windows platforms like macOS, Linux, or other operating systems. Each operating system has its own specific update mechanism and file format for software updates.

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