You are here because you have a file that has a file extension ending in .msi. Files with the .msi extension can only be launched by certain programs. It is possible that .msi are data files and not documents or media, which means they are not intended to be viewed at all.
what is a .msi file?
MSI files are also called windows installer package files, which are used to distribute Windows updates and installers third party programs, which were developed for systems based on Windows based. When you include these MSI files, the process for the corresponding application or Windows updates installation initialization, in order to perform the necessary operations to install an application or update on a Windows-based computer. The contents of these MSI files are typically compound files and libraries in application or Windows update resources that are offloaded to the system during the installation process by following the installation commands and instructions that are also packaged in these MSI files. Microsoft (for Windows update) and third party developers create and distribute these Windows Installer packages, files supplied with an MSI extension, which can also be unpacked by 7-Zip software.
how to open an .msi file?
Launch the .msi file or any other file on your computer by double-clicking it. If your file associations are configured correctly, the application that is intended to open your .msi file will open it. You may need to download or purchase the correct application. It is also possible that you have the correct application on your computer, but the .msi files are not yet associated with it. In this case, when you try to open an .msi file, you can tell Windows which application is the correct one for this file. From then on, opening the .msi file will open the correct application.
applications that open .msi file
Microsoft Windows Installer
Microsoft Windows Installer
A Windows Installer patch (.msp file) is a self-contained package that has the updates to the application and describes which versions of the application can receive the patch. An application that has been established using the Microsoft Windows Installer can be advanced by reinstalling an updated installation package (.msi file), or by applying a Windows Installer patch (an .msp file) to the application. Patches handles at a minimum of two database transforms and can contain patch files that are saved in the cabinet file stream of the patch package. Servicing applications by distributing a Windows Installer patch, relatively than a complete installation package for the updated product can have advantages. A patch can handle an entire file or only the file bits necessary to update part of the file. This can enable the user to download an upgrade patch that is much smaller than the installation package for the entire product. An update using a patch can protect a user customization of the application thru the upgrade. 
7-Zip
Equipped with a high compression ratio (as high as 7z format via LMZA and LMZA2), 7-Zip is an open-source ZIP archiver software that is usable on any computer regardless of operating system installed from the latest to the earlier versions and without any charge at all. Majority of the source codes used by this program are on the list of GNU LGPL License. These include unRar, RAR,ZIP, ARJ, XZ, Z, TAR, WIM, BZIP2, GZIP, CAB, HFS, LZMA, NSIS, CPIO, RPM, VHD, DEB, CHM, LZH, MBR, FAT, NTFS, XAR, DMG, CramFS, ISO, MSI, SquashFS, and UDF. Technically, formats ZIP and GZIP have a ratio of 2 to 10%, 7z has high ratio from 30 to 70% plus this same format has self extracting capability while both ZIP and 7z has AES 256 encryption. Other features include windows shell, file manager, command line version, FAR manager plug-in and localizations for languages up to 79.a word of warning
Be careful not to rename the extension on .msi files or any other files. This will not change the file type. Only special program To convert, you can change the file from one file type to another.
what is the file extension?
A file extension is the set of three or four characters at the end of a file name, in this case, .msi. File extensions tell you what type of file it is, and tell Windows what programs it can open. Windows often associates a default program for each file extension, so that when you double-click a file, the program launches automatically. Even though a program is no longer on your computer, you may sometimes receive an error message when you try to open the file in question.
If a situation arises in which you cannot open an MSI file on your computer, there may be several reasons. The first and at the same time the most important (it occurs most often) is the absence of a corresponding MSI service application among those installed on your computer.
The most in a simple way The solution to this problem is to find and download the appropriate application. The first part of the task has already been completed - programs for servicing the MSI file can be found below. Now you just need to download and install the appropriate application.
In the further part of this page you will find other possible reasons causing problems with MSI files.
Program(s) that can open a file .MSI
Windows
Possible problems with MSI files
The inability to open and work with an MSI file should not mean at all that we do not have the appropriate software installed on our computer. There may be other problems that also block our ability to work with Microsoft file Windows Installer Installation Package. Below is a list of possible problems.
- The MSI file which is being opened is corrupted.
- Incorrect MSI file associations in registry entries.
- Accidental removal of MSI extension description from Windows registry
- Incomplete installation of an application that supports the MSI format
- The MSI file which is being opened is infected with undesirable malware.
- There is too little space on your computer to open the MSI file.
- Drivers for the equipment used by the computer to open an MSI file are out of date.
If you are sure that all of the above reasons are not present in your case (or have already been ruled out), the MSI file should work with your programs without any problems. If the problem with the MSI file is still not resolved, this may mean that in this case there is another, rare problem with the MSI file. In this case, the only thing left is the help of a specialist.
| .aawdef | Ad-Aware Definitions Format |
| .abr | Adobe Photoshop Brush Format |
| .ac$ | AutoCAD Undo Info Format |
| .acc | DR DOS - ViewMax Format |
| .acl | Microsoft Office Automatic Correction List |
| .acs | Microsoft Agent Character Structured Storage Format |
| .ad | After Dark Screen Saver Format |
| .add | Microsoft Dynamics AX Developer Documentation Format |
How to link a file with installed program?
If you want to associate a file with a new program (eg moj-plik.MSI) you have two options. The first and the easiest one is to right-click on the selected MSI file. From open menu select option Select default program", then option "Revise" and find the required program. The entire operation must be confirmed by pressing the OK button.
Is there a universal method for opening unknown files?
Many files contain data in the form of text or numbers. It is possible that while opening unknown files (eg MSI) popular in the system Windows simple text editor, which is Notatnik will allow us to see part of the data encoded in the file. This method allows you to view the contents of many files, but not in the same form as the program designed to serve them.
Basic information about the MSI file
MSI file is one of the files in the Other Files category. Its full name is Windows Installer Package. The MSI file format is created by Microsoft. If you came to us, you are probably looking for programs that will help you work with this specific extension. On following pages you will find lists of programs that support the MSI file sorted by operating systems. If our database contains information about converting an MSI file, you will definitely find it here.
Description of the MSI file
If you use a windows PC, then you probably know how the installation on the software works. You see the feature pop up every time a programs is being processed on your computer. These installation protocols are thanks to the file known as Windows Installer Package, or MSI. This file has been a part of Windows system for many years. There might be a lot to this file, but it is thanks to the MSI that Windows computer can do so much.
What are some of the advantages to a MSI file? The best thing about the Windows Installer Package is that gives you everything you need to properly install the program. This details should have anyone breathing at ease because you don’t worry about getting all the files one at a time.
While the installation may give you everything you need, it may also give something you don’t need. There are plenty of installation that attach certain files that aren’t needed. You can customize the installation so don’t have to have any additions; but sometimes you can miss something and you one more file to deal with.
While there can be some problems with the Windows Installer Package, there is no denying that the file is useful. You can get everything you need with a click of a button. Simple as that.
Tags: MSI extension, how to open an MSI file, how to convert an MSI file, opening an MSI file
We hope we helped you resolve your MSI file issue. If you don't know where you can download an application from our list, click on the link (this is the name of the program) - you will find more detailed information regarding where to download a secure installation version of the required application.
A visit to this page should help you answer these or similar questions specifically:
- How to open a file with MSI extension?
- How to convert an MSI file to another format?
- What is the MSI file format extension?
- What programs support the MSI file?
What else could cause problems?
There may be more reasons why you cannot open an MSI file (not just the lack of an appropriate application).
Firstly- MSI file may not be linked correctly (incompatible) with installed application for its maintenance. In this case, you need to change this connection yourself. For this purpose, click right button mouse on the MSI file you want to edit, click the option "To open with" and then select the program you installed from the list. After this action, problems with opening the MSI file should completely disappear.
Secondly- the file you want to open may simply be damaged. In this case, it would be best to find a new version of it, or download it again from the same source (perhaps for some reason in the previous session the download of the MSI file did not finish and it could not be opened correctly). If you have Additional Information about the MSI file extension, we will be grateful if you share it with users of our site. Use the form located
- The computer determines the file type by its extension.
- By Windows default does not show file name extensions.
- Some characters cannot be used in the file name and extension.
- Not all formats are related to the same program.
- Below are all the programs that can be used to open the MSI file.
Universal Extractor is a convenient utility for unpacking various archives, as well as some additional file types. This program is primarily suitable for those users who create archives on a computer, but only download various archives from the Internet and then unpack them. The Universal Extractor utility copes with this task quite well. It allows you to unpack all known archives, as well as dll files, exe, mdi and other file types. In fact, the program can serve, to some extent, as a kind of program installer, because it allows you to unpack some of the installers and then run...
WiX Toolset is a useful collection of tools for many programmers who create installers for applications. This set of command line utilities is designed to handle a number of files, as well as automate the build process for each release. When creating each new program programmers deal with multiple resources, files with source code and libraries. All these files must be in the same directory for the created application to function successfully. Preparing the deployed package is an important step. WiX Toolset provides a number of utilities needed for preprocessing, compilation, linking...
When developing the FreeArc archiver, the author decided to create a program that compresses files with maximum speed. This required best qualities compression libraries LZMA, PPMD and GRZipLib. During the packaging process, the archiver forms files by type and performs compression using the most appropriate algorithm. When working, the archiver uses more than ten different algorithms and filters. If you compare this with common archivers, then 7-zip has only three, and RAR uses only seven algorithms. The archiver can be easily adapted for installation on various systems. It is developed on an open platform giving...
FileOptimizer - convenient application for file compression, created by one of the independent teams of programmers. This application It features improved compression algorithms and high speed. The program allows you to compress files of almost all types, including archives, text formats, image formats, etc. Also, this program can work with scripts, as well as through command line, which will be especially useful for experienced users. For novice users, everything is very simple. The program is integrated into context menu, which allows you to very quickly compress files located on any disk and in any folder.
7-Zip is a well-known open source archiver. This feature allows you to make changes to the structure of the program, adding certain functions to it. The program is clear and simple interface and has unique algorithms that speed up data archiving and unpacking. Also, this program can perform standard operations with the archive, for example, you can set a password for the file, or set the compression level of the archive. Also, if necessary, you can create a self-extracting archive with necessary parameters, which are specified in special comments to the archive.
Advanced Installer is a professional program designed specifically for creating Windows Installer packages. This tool comes with many useful functions. The modern interface helps you create installation packages. Advanced Installer is able to generate MSI files. The program bundles all the necessary functions to create installation packages. User can add information about product details. Supports the creation of INFO and also allows you to identify software. You can select installation folders and settings and add digital signature in packages. The application shows images...
File name.msi
File type: System, executable files.
Russian name: Windows Installer Package
Eng name: Windows Installer Package
How to open .msi file
Because the this format is a Windows installation package and in the same queue it usually comes as an archive, then you can open it with the following programs:
Microsoft Windows Installer;
Universal Extractor.
How to open an .msi file
This can be done through Microsoft Windows Installer, a program that is standard for any PC. The second option is to install the popular 7-Zip archiver and unpack it of this document through him.
Which program to open the .msi file, as well as a description of this type of file
It has long been no secret that Windows OS is the most common system among PC users. This is not surprising, since such a phenomenon is easily justified by those functionality, which are included in it. It is more user friendly in various senses of this meaning. Functionally, it is the most developed, has a pleasant and simple interface, and thanks to it, the information revolution occurred faster. Windows is constantly improving, releasing new versions of the OS that satisfy all user requirements.
The system uses a large number of various files and data that has different permissions. One of them is the .msi format. This is the installation format Windows package. It contains information about this OS, as well as information on how to install it. Basically, all the necessary information for the user of the system. But, this package may contain not only certain information, but also some DLLs that play a supporting role, as well as some user scripts.
This package will be especially useful for users who do not specialize in Windows installation. However, these are not all the features that the installation package has. It can be used to update the current version of the system. This is necessary because every a new version complemented by various functions. There are two ways to open the .msi format:
- Using the Windows Installer program. In this case, the file will be opened step by step. The first thing that will be done is collecting information. Next, the task will be completed. If an error was made during installation, the rollback will automatically begin.
— You can open the file using some utilities, for example, Universal Extractor or 7-Zip.
If the file installation was successful, then in most cases, to open it, you just need to double-click on the icon. If difficulties arise and the file does not open, then most likely there are problems in the registry. To do this, you need to go to the registry and look for errors that happened to it. If you have Vista installed on your PC, then the .msi file format will be called .msu.