Tips to open VMSN file

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

VMSN file extension

File Name VMware Snapshot State Format
File Developer VMware
File Category Data Files

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

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

What is VMSN file?

The file in the VMSN format belongs to the Data Files category. The author of this format is VMware. In addition to this file, the Data Files category includes 1326 related files. VMware Snapshot State Format is supported by 3 operating systems. These systems consist of Linux, Mac OS, Windows, although it may occasionally be found on another system, it will be non-functional. The VMware Fusion application is recommended to open the file. It was released by VMware, Inc.. This file type can also be opened by 3 other programs. VMware Workstation, VMware vSphere will apply when it is not possible to use VMware Fusion.

How to open VMSN file?

The most common problem when using VMware Snapshot State Format is that a specific VMSN is not associated with the program. Thus, when you open VMSN, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This can be quickly resolved by following the instructions below.

The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the VMSN 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 Fusion

An often overlooked issue is to make sure that VMware Fusion is installed on the computer. This can be achieved by typing VMware Fusion into the operating system search engine. In the absence of an appropriate program, its installation in the vast majority of cases will fix the problem. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open VMSN files.

Step 2. Create association of VMware Fusion with VMSN files

If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the VMSN file still does not use the VMware Fusion program, it means no association. This option is available from the level of Properties of a specific file available in the context menu. Information about the file and the program that the file is associated with are available here. Changes can be made using the "Change" button. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. However, it is important to check the "Always use the selected program ..." box, this will allow you to permanently associate the VMSN file with the VMware Fusion application.

Step 3. Update VMware Fusion to the latest version

If, despite the association of the VMware Fusion program with the VMware Snapshot State Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the VMware, Inc. website and install the latest version.

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

Of course, it may happen that despite the above steps, the file still does not work. This could be due to the file itself, the cleanest issues are:

The affected file may be 0 KB or smaller than expected. This is most often caused by a problem while downloading the VMSN file. Downloading the file again should fix the problem.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Alternatively, you can use the scanners available online. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file VMSN or the program directory. As a result of the scan, sometimes it is not possible to recover VMSN files, which are deleted if there is a backup of this file, then after restoring it, it must also be scanned.
Older version of VMSN file may not always be supported by the latest software version. On their websites, developers usually offer free solutions to such problems, e.g. in the form of a conversion program or an older version of the program.
The file may be corrupted in a number of ways. Repairing is very dependent on the file type. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged VMSN files. The easiest way to restore the file is from a backup or by contacting VMware, but this one can be expensive. Not all damage can be reversed.
The program can also signal the fact of encryption. The encrypted VMSN files cannot be played on other computers than the one on which they were encrypted, they must be decrypted before using on another device.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. While there is usually no problem reading such a file, it may not be possible to save it. If possible, you can try to move the VMSN file to another location.
This can happen on a file that does not support multiple access. Some file types can only be opened in one program at a time. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. If the error persists after closing other programs, wait for a while. However, some background programs may block the VMSN file while scanning. If this does not work either, restart the device.