KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q164353: SMSINST: Command Line Parameter Order for Installer Executables

Article: Q164353
Product(s): Microsoft Systems Management Server
Version(s): WINDOWS:1.0; winnt:1.2
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbusage smsinst
Last Modified: 03-SEP-1999

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Systems Management Server version 1.2 
- Microsoft Systems Management Server Installer version 1.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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"

Additional query words: prodsms sms uninstall deinstall de-install

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbusage smsinst 
Technology        : kbSMSSearch kbSMS120 kbSMSI100
Version           : WINDOWS:1.0; winnt:1.2
Issue type        : kbinfo

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.