What is MIME type "application/x-msi"?

A MIME type is a string that tells browsers and other tools how to handle a particular kind of file.

The MIME type application/x-msi tells the system that a file is a Windows Installer package. It is used to install software on Windows operating systems.

Installation packages: Files like MSI contain the instructions and resources needed to install an application.
Customization transforms: Files like MST adjust the installer’s settings to meet specific needs.
Updates and patches: Files like MSP deliver fixes and updates to already installed software.

This MIME type ensures that programs handling downloads or emails treat these files correctly. It plays a key role in automating and managing the software installation process. For more details, consider checking external resources on Windows Installer technology.

Associated file extensions

.msi, .mst, .msp

Usage Examples

HTTP Header

When serving content with this MIME type, set the Content-Type header:


    Content-Type: application/x-msi

HTML

In HTML, you can specify the MIME type in various elements:


    <a href="file.dat" type="application/x-msi">Download file</a>

Server-side (Node.js)

Setting the Content-Type header in Node.js:


    const http = require('http');
    
    http.createServer((req, res) => {
      res.setHeader('Content-Type', 'application/x-msi');
      res.end('Content here');
    }).listen(3000);

Associated file extensions

.msi, .mst, .msp

FAQ

What is a MIME type?

A MIME (Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) type is a standard that indicates the nature and format of a document, file, or assortment of bytes. MIME types are defined and standardized in IETF's RFC 6838.

MIME types are important because they help browsers and servers understand how to process a file. When a browser receives a file from a server, it uses the MIME type to determine how to display or handle the content, whether it's an image to display, a PDF to open in a viewer, or a video to play.

MIME types consist of a type and a subtype, separated by a slash (e.g., text/html, image/jpeg, application/pdf). Some MIME types also include optional parameters.

How do I find the MIME type for a file?

You can check the file extension or use a file identification tool such as file --mime-type on the command line. Many programming languages also provide libraries to detect MIME types.

Why are multiple MIME types listed for one extension?

Different applications and historical conventions may use alternative MIME identifiers for the same kind of file. Showing them all helps ensure compatibility across systems.