How do I extract files from an MSI package?

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.
Asked by: Guest \| Views: 242

Total answers/comments: 5

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bert [Entry]

"First, to access a command prompt, do this:

Click the Start button.

Click All Programs.

Go into Accessories.

Left-click on Command Prompt.

Once you have your 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"

bert [Entry]

"There is also lessmsi which is completely free and open source.

There are no advertisements or nagging messages, it will preserve directory structure and file names correctly, has a sophisticated command line interface, as well as a graphical user interface that allows browsing through the files as well as viewing internal MSI tables and other MSI attributes."

bert [Entry]

If you install Total Commander, there is a plugin to open and extract MSI files.
If you install Total Commander, there is a plugin to open and extract MSI files.

bert [Entry]

you can use Orca this app is a part of Platform SDK, but you can also download it from here http://astebner.sts.winisp.net/Tools/Orca.zip

bert [Entry]

lessmsi is really the best choice here, as it offers you to choose exactly what files to extract and where they should go. In addition it can be easily installed using the apt-get framework for windows, called Choclatey. The above lessmsi website has moved and it can also be found/downloaded at GitHub. In addition you can find many other tools and MSI related information HERE. :(Sorry, I can't post more than 2 links!)