Installing an MSP patch on Windows 7

Question

I am using Windows 7 Home Premium.  I have downloaded an update file for Adobe Reader, which turns out to be an MSP file.  It appears that MSP is a file type known as a Microsoft Patch.  When I double-click the file, it asks me what program to use to open the file.  The only answer I have to that question is "How should I know?"

I have asked in the Adobe support forums, but haven't solved the problem there.  I have been told that I should associate the file type with Windows Installer.  However, I haven't been able to locate a Windows Installer in my installation of Windows 7.

I find it strange that Adobe is issuing updates in an MSP format when apparently no one there knows what I'm supposed to do with the file.

So I'm still lost about what to do with this MSP file.  Is Windows Installer the program that should handle an MSP file on Windows 7?  If so, should it be on my system already?  If so, where?  If not, where can I find it?  If Windows 7 uses a different program to install MSP files, what is that program and where do I find it?

Bill, who is lost again

Answer 1

Hi Bill6009,

For the Problem you have now on the computer

Copy the following commands list provided below using right click copy Then

a. click Start.

b. Type CMD in start search box.

c. Right click on the cmd icon (which pops in search results) and select "Run as Administrator".

d. Click continue if prompted.  A Command Prompt window will open. Right click in this Window and select Paste. Then press Enter.

assoc.msp=Msi.Patch

Now reboot your computer and try installing the update and check for the issue.

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Thanks and Regards:I. Suuresh Kumar - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 2

I have the same problem with another program.  My operating system is Windows 7 and the program I need to update is EndNote, the update is a .mps file and it does not run.  I have tried the information above using assoc.mps=Msi.Patch and the .mps file still does not work.

Answer 3

Hi Bill6009,

Its really great to hear that the issue got resolved and we also appriciate you for letting us know about the measure you took in resolving this issue.

In future if you come across any issues regarding Windows 7 please visit out Answers forum.

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Thanks and Regards:I. Suuresh Kumar - Microsoft Support. Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Answer 4

Yes, that worked.  Many thanks for your assistance.

Answer 5

I found a reference somewhat that indicates that the Windows Installer is named "msiexec".  I searched for that name and found the program in the Windows\SysWOW64 directory (folder). 

I tried the program on my MSP file and got in information box that listed parameters for the program.  Among the parameters is "/update" that appears to be what I wanted. 

In the command line I tried:  "msiexec /update <the MSP file's location>".  Boxes showed up that indicated that the installer would update the Adobe Reader, but then it stopped with an error message saying that the authority is insufficient to modify a program in the "Program Files (X86)" directory.

I tried to modify my authority for that directory, but it wouldn't allow me to do so.  I saw that "administrator" has less authority than I do.

Any suggestions on what I should try next?