Windows Installer (msiexec.exe) is responsible for interpreting installation packages (MSI files) and installing applications. Installing an application using an MSI file can be done in a number of ways including doing so by a Group Policy, by manually installing, or by using System Center Configuration Manager (SCCM which was formerly SMS). If the method you choose involves using a command line you will need to use the correct syntax.
In basic terms, Microsoft lists the syntax for msiexec.exe as follows:
msiexec /Option <Required Parameter> [Optional Parameter]
The first Option you must include would be your install option. Of those that are offered with msiexec.exe, this article will deal with the install ( /i ) and uninstall ( /x ) options. Those who are advanced with using msiexec from the command line should note that WinZip does not support the Advertise option.
After the Install Option you must include the MSI file. If the MSI file is located in the same folder as that from which your command line is running you need only list its filename. Otherwise you will either need to list its local path, such as C:\Install_files\winzipxxx.msi, or its network path, such as \\server\share\Install_files\winzipxxx.msi.
Of the remaining msiexec options, Display Options and Public Properties are relevant. The WinZip install does NOT necessitate a restart by default.
For Display Options, Microsoft provides the following for limited user involvement:
Switch |
Explanation |
|---|---|
| /quiet | Quiet mode, no user interaction |
| /passive | Unattended mode, progress bar only |
| /q[n|b|r] | Sets user interface level |
| n | No UI (same as /quiet) |
| b | Basic UI (same as /passive) |
| r | Reduced UI |
Note: a silent install (quiet mode) prevents displaying the User Account Control dialog. The command should be run with elevated privileges, such as using Run as administrator.
If you have edited your WinZip MSI file properties, installing using the parameters above will honor those edited properties. If you would rather not edit the MSI file properties directly or use transforms, you can force Windows Installer to use Public Property values that you specify on the command line. For instance, you can add the standard INSTALLDIR property on your command line with a specific directory location.
Examples
Install |
|---|
| Silent install msiexec /i winzipxxx.msi /qn |
| Install to a WinZipXX folder msiexec /i winzipxxx.msi /qn INSTALLDIR="C:\Program Files\WinZipXX" |
Uninstall |
| Uninstall silently msiexec /x winzipxxx.msi /qn |
| Don't display the WinZip - Uninstall webpage msiexec /x winzipxxx.msi /qn SHOW_WEBPAGE=0 |
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