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What’s MsiZap.Exe (Windows® Installer Data Zapper)? Is it safe or a virus?

MsiZap.exe is a command-line utility developed by Microsoft as part of the Windows Installer SDK. Its primary function is to remove Windows Installer configuration data for installed applications. This tool was particularly useful for cleaning up remnants of failed installations or uninstallations that left behind registry entries or cached installer files.​

You might find MsiZap.exe on your machine if you've previously installed the Windows Installer SDK or used tools like the Windows Installer CleanUp Utility, which internally relied on MsiZap.exe for its operations.

Researched by Carl @ SpyShelter Labs

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A Trojan is a harmful software that pretends to be a legitimate program or file to deceive users into downloading it. It can steal personal information, damage files, or give hackers control over the infected device.

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More about MsiZap.Exe on WINDOWS

Who makes MsiZap.Exe (Windows® Installer Data Zapper)?

We’ve found Microsoft Corporation should be the publisher of MsiZap.Exe.

How do we know? Our SpyShelter cybersecurity labs focuses on monitoring different types of Windows PC executables and their behaviors for our popular SpyShelter Antispyware software. Learn more about us, and how our cybersecurity team studies Windows PC executables/processes.

What does it mean if someone is the publisher of a PC .exe (executable or process)?

The publisher of an executable is the entity responsible for its distribution and authenticity. Most processes/executables on your PC should be signed. The signature on the executable should have been verified through a third party whose job it is to make sure the entity is who it says it is. Find an unsigned executable? You should consider scanning any completely unsigned .exe on your PC.

Last updated: May 5, 2025

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Why should you trust us?

Our team at SpyShelter has been studying Windows PC executables for over 15 years, to help fight against spyware, malware, and other threats. SpyShelter has been featured in publications like The Register, PC Magazine, and many others. Now we’re working to share free, actionable, and easy to understand information about Windows executables (processes) with the world, to help as many people as possible keep their devices safe. Learn more about us on our "About SpyShelter” page.

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