installation - How do I extract files from an MSI package?

We have some old patches that we want to get the files from but don't wish to spend the time installing them to a machine.

Can anyone advise a way to extract files from an MSI installation package?

Answer

First, access an elevated command prompt, to do this:

1. 
   

   Click the Start button.

   
   


2. 
   

   Click All Programs.

   
   


3. 
   

   Go into Accessories.

   
   


4. 
   

   Right-click on Command Prompt.

   
   


5. 
   

   Select Run as administrator.

   
   


6. 
   

   When the UAC Prompt appears, click Continue.

   
   

Once you have your elevated command prompt, input the following:

msiexec /a drive:\filepath\to\MSI\file /qb TARGETDIR=drive:\filepath\to\target\folder

using the desired locations to fill the above mentioned filepaths. Example:

msiexec /a c:\testfile.msi /qb TARGETDIR=c:\temp\test