FAQShop.com : Can I specify the directory name to Extract SMS 2003 SP3 to from the Command Line?

Can I specify the directory name to Extract SMS 2003 SP3 to from the Command Line?

I want to be able to specify the directory name that SMS 2003 SP3 is extracted to from the Command Line but I can't figure out how to do it. I've tried the following but it seems to ignore this and brings up the "Choose Directory For Extracted Files" dialog box which isn't what I want:

sms2003sp3 /x d:\sms2003sp3\extract

Contributed By: Cliff Hobbs [MVP ConfigMgr/ SMS]
The secret here is to bear in mind that SP3 behaves the same as any other Windows Update/ Patch. I agree it's a complete pain in the rear that what you're trying doesn't work but the solution is actually quite simple - all you need is a colon ":" rather than a space between the "x" and the drive letter for example in your case:

sms2003sp3 /x:d:\sms2003sp3\extract

Once the SP3 download is verified the files are extracted to the directory you've specified. This and the other command line options you can use with Windows software update packages can be found in Microsoft KB Article 262841 "Command-line switches for Windows software update packages".

NOTE: Once you've extracted the files you need to run "autorun.exe" to start the installation of SP3 as the installation doesn't happen automatically as it does when you just run "SMS2003sp3.exe".

To see other SMS 2003 Installation and Configuration related FAQs click here.