SMSINST: Command Line Parameter Order for Installer Executables (164353)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server 1.2
  • Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer 1.0

This article was previously published under Q164353

SUMMARY

A Systems Management Server Installer installation executable file can accept custom command-line parameters that are read into the script variable CMDLINE. When using the built-in command line options available, the built-in command line arguments must be supplied first on the application command line.

MORE INFORMATION

The following are the built-in command line options available when using an installation executable:

Test Mode - /T
Allows an installation script to be tested without making changes to the system.

Extract Mode - /X and /Z
  • /X lists the files contained in the installation executable. Files may be selected for extraction from an installer UI. Placing a directory name after the /X parameter will extract all files to the selected directory.
  • /Z performs the same function as /X, except the computer will exit Windows after extraction.
Manual Mode - /M
Runs an installation in manual mode. The installation executable will prompt for certain directories (if required). This will allow files destined for the Windows or Windows\System directories to be redirected if required.

Silent Mode - /S
Performs an installation in silent mode. The background gradient and progress bar are not displayed. Messages or prompts that the installation uses (except RESTART) will not be displayed.

Please see the Systems Management Server Installer Version 1.0 documentation (http://www.microsoft.com/SMSMGMT/installer.htm) for a more complete overview of these command-line parameters.

If you want to process custom command-line arguments in your installation executable, they must follow the Installer built-in command line options. Built-in arguments will be ignored if they are preceded by custom arguments.

The following is an example for a Setup.exe file:
   setup.exe [/S] [/X|Z] [/M] [CMDLINE arguments]
				
The following is a similar example for an Uninstal.exe file, where /C is for a Custom removal, and /A is for an Automatic removal:
   uninstal.exe [/S] [/C] [/A] [x:\path\install.log] "Optional dialog bar
   message"
				

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/14/2005
Keywords:kbinfo kbusage KB164353