Extract MSI files from EXE

Most applications come packaged as a single EXE file which contains the MSI & CAB files. In order to deploy these applications using Group policy the individual files need to be extracted:

To extract:
file.exe /t::\Folder /c

You can also apply updates to existing applications. Firstly extract the msp file as above.

To patch:
msiexec /a msifile.msi /p mspfile.msp


N.B. In the case of a number of applications (such as office) you first need to create an administrative installation point by running setup with the '/a' switch.

In the case of office further customization can be performed by using the office resource kit, available at link.