Summary of command-line syntax for software updates in Systems Management Server

When you deploy software updates by using Software Update Services, Microsoft recommends that you deploy the updates by using command-line parameters that provide for silent installation (no user interaction, no user input, and no automated computer restarts). This facilitates more reliable deployments with fewer computer restarts and increased productivity.

Note Updates from the Windows Update Service (WUS) may contain pre-assigned command line parameters configured by Microsoft. To prevent unexpected results during or after the installation of an update from WUS, Microsoft recommends that you do not alter any existing parameters to ensure proper completion of the update installation.

You can install updates by using several types of installation technologies. Microsoft Windows Installer is one such technology. Others include "Iexpress" (for Microsoft Internet Explorer updates) and "Update" (for Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Internet Information Services updates.) Each of these installation technologies supports small differences in functionality by using different command-line parameters or settings.

Note Newer verions of Microsoft Internet Explorer use "Update."

This article includes a representative list of products, updates, and recommended command-line parameters for deployments by using the Software Update Services Feature Pack. Additional details may also be available for each product or patch in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

To configure a patch that you are deploying, use the Distribute Software Updates Wizard from the Software Update Services Feature Pack. Select and download the patch or updates by using the wizard, and double-click the patch or updates to view their properties and settings on the Software Update Status page. In the Parameters box, type the command-line options. If you have previously downloaded the update, or have media such as the Security Toolkit Compact Disc, you can also click the Import button to locate and import the updates.

Command-Line Parameters and Examples

Important Microsoft recommends that you verify the syntax for each patch before you deploy it. You can verify the syntax by running the patch with the /? parameter. This parameter displays the supported command-line options. You can use these options to identify the installation technology that the patch uses. Most updates also use a file-naming convention that you can use to identify the installation technology.

Note If you are deploying Dell system updates or Dell component updates, the correct command line is provided by the Dell update catalog. Therefore, you do not have to specify the command line. We recommend that you do not modify the provided command line. Details of command lines for Dell updates are available in the Dell Update Packager User Guide. For more information about the Dell Update Packager User Guide, visit the following Dell Web site:
For additional information about command-line options and their descriptions, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Windows NT 4.0:Windows 2000 and Later:Microsoft Internet Explorer:Microsoft Exchange 2000 Server:Microsoft SQL Server:Microsoft Office:

For information about command-line switches in Microsoft Office, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Microsoft Virtual Machine: Note: For users who need the security update for Windows NT 4.0 that is described in the Microsoft Knowledge Base article 810030 "MS02-069: Flaw in Microsoft VM May Compromise Windows", administrators can download this update from the Windows Update Catalog to deploy to several computers that already have the Microsoft Virtual Machine installed. If you want to obtain this update to install later on one or more than one computer, use the Advanced Search Options in the Windows Update Catalog to search for article ID 810030.

For more information about how to download updates from the Windows Update Catalog, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: To download this update for Windows NT 4.0, select Windows XP for your operating system. Windows NT 4.0-based computers do not have access to the Windows Update Catalog. If you must download a Windows NT 4.0 package to install on several computers, or to install later, use a computer than runs Windows 2000, Windows XP, or Windows Server 2003, and then select Windows 98, Windows Millennium Edition, or Windows XP for your operating system to access the Windows Update catalog. This security update also installs on Windows NT 4.0 computers.