Properties of MST Files and How to Open a File with .mst Extension

MST files exist as 2 different types. Please find information about each of them below.

Type 1: Windows Installer Setup Transform File

The files with .mst extension collect options for programs using Windows Installer. Developers use MST files to configure test software versions. MSTs are used with MSI packages in software distributi...

MSTs customize existing MSI files. Transforms contain changes to registry or other MSI entries, replacing or adding values. MSTs are created with tools like Orca, InstallShield or Wise Package Studio. Once created, MSTs are deployed with MSI packages to customize installation.

The Windows Installer component enables software installation. An MST file contains configuration options allowing custom install parameters. MST files are used in development and testing.

Two file types use .mst extension: Windows Installer Setup Transform and Corel Presentations Master Template.

The MST File Viewer enables viewing MST file customizations. Transforms are created using the Custom Installation Wizard.

A 1033.MST file was created by SCM for SCR3310 USB Smart Card Reader drivers. MST files fall under the FPX (Transform) type.

MST files are used with MSI packages. We have online MST apps to view, edit, convert, merge, split, compare MST files without installing anything.

MST files customize MSI packages by setting the TRANSFORMS property from command line. To use an MST file:

1. Create transform
2. Add shortcut
3. Save transform
4. Open and edit existing MST

The main function of an MST file is to customize Windows Installer settings for installing applications. MST content changes when preferred install settings change. Programmers use MST files during development and testing. More information: Microsoft Windows Installer.

A common MST file problem is incorrect file association. MST files configure Windows Installer packages containing installation data like directories, features and licenses. The msiexec.exe program uses MST files alongside MSI packages. Using MST files is optional.

The Settings Files category contains 1305 other files. Windows Installer Setup Transform Format works on Windows. Main MST file supporter is Windows Installer by Microsoft.

To open an MST file on Windows, double click it to launch the program.

General Information

Title	MST File Extension
Extension	.mst
Full Form	Windows Installer Setup Transform File
File Type	Setup File
Developer	Microsoft
MIME Type	application/vnd.ms-fontobject

File Function

Primary Function	Customize installation
Additional Functions	Modify MSI files
Features	Non-destructive, Reusable

File Characteristics

Quality	Depends on creation
Supports Layers	N/A
Supports Transparency	N/A
Editable	Yes

Use Cases

Software Deployment	Yes
Custom Installations	Yes
Configuration Management	Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks	Installer hijacking
Best Practices	Signature verification, Secure storage

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release	With Windows Installer
Latest Version	Windows Installer 5.0 (Windows 10)

Associated Types

Similar Extensions

.msi, .msp, .msm

Software Compatibility

Software	Usage Policy	OS Compatibility
Microsoft Windows Installer	Included with Windows	Windows
Orca	Free	Windows
InstEd	Free, Paid versions	Windows

Type 2: Corel Presentations Master Template File

File extension MST has four file types primarily being Corel Presentations Master Template format. It is associated with Corel Presentations X8 and four other programs. MST files are traditionally cat...