Tips to open VMSD file

Can't open the VMSD file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open VMSD files as well as a list of programs that support VMSD files.

VMSD file extension

File Name VMware Snapshot Metadata Format
File Developer vmsd
File Category Data Files

The VMSD file is supported on 3 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the VMSD files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the VMSD file on each system platform.

Operating systems
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • 0
  • 0
  • 0

What is VMSD file?

The VMSD file has been categorized as Data Files. It was designed by vmsd. Data Files consists of 1326 similar files. VMware Snapshot Metadata Format is supported by 3 operating systems. Although it can be found with greater or lesser success on any operating system, it will only be useful on Linux, Mac OS, Windows. The main program that supports this format is VMware Workstation. This was created by VMware, Inc.. There are also 3 alternative programs to handle the VMSD file. The VMware Fusion, VMware vSphere programs will also handle the file when the VMware Workstation program does not fulfill its role.

How to open VMSD file?

The main problem with VMware Snapshot Metadata Format is that the VMSD file is incorrectly associated with programs. This is manifested by the fact that VMSD files open in unusual applications or do not have an assigned program. How to solve such a problem?

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VMSD file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.

Step 1. Install VMware Workstation

In this case, you should first verify that the VMware Workstation application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name VMware Workstation in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file VMSD with VMware Workstation. Below you will find a list of applications that support VMSD files.

Step 2. Create association of VMware Workstation with VMSD files

However, it may happen that the application itself does not cause the VMSD file to open in the VMware Workstation application, but you can set it manually. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. The program should be visible in the window, otherwise it should be selected manually using the "Browse" button and the program installation directory should be indicated. The "always use the selected program ..." field will set the VMware Workstation application as the default for handling the VMSD file.

Step 3. Update VMware Workstation to the latest version

If, despite the association of the VMware Workstation program with the VMware Snapshot Metadata Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. In this case, use the VMware, Inc. website or update the program from the application.

Step 4. Check for the following problems with the VMSD file

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. The most common file problems are:

The VMSD file may be unusually small compared to the original file. Usually this applies to VMSD files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The most common cause here is computer viruses. Perform a virus scan using available and up-to-date anti-virus software. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file VMSD or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected VMSD files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of VMSD file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Sometimes the program itself has options to repair the most popular VMSD file corruption. You can restore the file from a backup or use vmsd help.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted file VMSD except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some operating systems do not allow file operations in certain locations, eg in system directories or directly on the system drive. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. It is best to move VMSD to a different directory.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. In this case, the VMSD file is blocked by the first application to open it. Just close unnecessary programs. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the VMSD file again. Antivirus programs or a backup being made may lock the file for a while without the user's knowledge. If this does not work either, restart the device.