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3 steps to open file with MST extension

Usually solving problems with MST file is simple – just install proper software and open the file. Read the guide and open MST file now!

  1. 1. MST File Extension
  2. 2. What is a(n) MST file?
  3. 3. How to open MST file?
    1. 3.1 Install a program that supports MST files
    2. 3.2 Find and download proper software
      1. 3.2.1 Programs that support files with MST extension
    3. 3.3 Check the MST file for errors
  4. 4. Similar file extensions

MST File Extension

File
  • File type Windows Installer Setup Transform Format
  • File developer Microsoft
  • File category Settings Files
  • File popularity rating
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What is a(n) MST file?

MST (Windows Installer Setup Transform Format) is a file format used for configuring Windows Installer packages. It contains changes to be made to the registry or other entries in the MSI package, and replaces existing values or adds new ones. MST files are also called transforms, and are used to create custom installations of Windows applications.

MST files are created using Microsoft Orca, which is distributed with Windows SDK. They can also be created with other Microsoft editing tools such as InstallShield or Wise Package Studio. Once an MST file is created, it can be deployed with the MSI package to customize the installation on user's computers.

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How to open MST file?

There could be multiple reasons for which the system does not support given file. In the case of MST extension, it is probable that none of the installed programs support given file type. Therefore, user should undertake the following steps

Step 1: Install a program that supports MST files

If an application that supports MST files is installed on user’s system, but is not used to open such files by default, right-click on the file icon and choose "Open with" option from the menu. Next, select the proper application and check the "Always use the selected application to open this kind of files" box. The system will store this information in its registry and use the selected program to open files with MST extension by default.

Hint for Mac OS users

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For Mac OS users the procedure is analogous – open the file menu by right-clicking on the MST file and choose "Information" option and select "Open with program" option. From the submenu select an application and click on "Change all" button.

Step 2: Find and download proper software

Inability to open MST files may also be related to the lack of any application that supports given file being installed on the system. Should that be the case, user needs to download and install one of the following applications. Once installed, the system will automatically associate newly installed application with MST files. If this step fails, see step 1.

Programs that support files with MST extension

Windows programs
Windows

Step 3: Check the MST file for errors

Sometimes, although relatively rarely, steps 1 and 2 might not lead to expected results. There can be several reasons for such situation to occur:

  • MST file has been downloaded from the internet but for some reason it is incomplete. In such case the file should be re-downloaded and opened again.
  • Structure of given MST file could be corrupted and as such the program is not able to open the file
  • Storage medium on which the file was stored is damaged
  • It is important to ascertain that the icon representing given file is not a shortcut a related MST file no longer present in the location to which the shortcut points
  • If the user account has restricted access privileges it is advised to contact the system administrator or an IT expert

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