File Extension MSP

File Extension Name: MSP

File Extension Description: The file extension MSP is a Windows Installer Patch. This belong the system file. The .msp file extension is used for updating Microsoft programs and the Windows operating system. This is part of the security updates or Microsoft hotfixes. This can be opened by the hotfix.exe or update.exe of the Microsoft Windows Installer.

The MSP file in the Windows Installer is used to updates the information in the parts listed below:
· Windows Installer registration information
· .msi file
· files of the application
The update can change the application’s package code, product code, and product version. The Revision Number Summary property contains the package code. The Product Code property contains the product code. The Product Version property contains the product version of the application.

The Package code is the unique identification of the installation package that must be changed every time that an upgrade is available. The Product Code update can change the application into another product. Changing the Product Version when updated can still leave the product code as is so that future versions of the application will be able the differentiate between the non-updated and the updated version of the product. A minor upgrade can still preserve the non-updated version.

A small update means there are changes in the MSI file and application files without change occurring in the Product Code and/or Product Version properties. A minor upgrade means the change is in the Product Version alone. A major upgrade changes the Product Code that transforms the installation into an entirely deferent product. This means the update has changed the Product Code.

The .msp file is a self-contained package. This package has the information for which version it is for. This also contains the updates to the application. The patch contains at least two database transforms. It can also contain patch files stored in the cabinet file stream of the patch package. The update can be installed on a per-machine context available for the users of the specific computer. It can also be done on a per-user context that is an access privilege for a particular user.

Reinstalling a Windows Installer package will result to small updates. Installing the product will result to major upgrades. The patch update can preserve the user’s customization.

Author: Microsoft

Author URL: http://msdn.microsoft.com

Associated Applications: Windows Installer patch

Common Path: N/A