Package Manager Technical Reference
Package Manager is a new tool that is installed as a Windows Vista operating system component. It is also distributed in the Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit (Windows OPK) and is installed by default in the \Tools\Servicing folder.
Package Manager can be used to install or remove packages (such as security updates, language packs or service packs). Since Windows Vista is a completely componentized operating system, Package Manager can also be used to enable or disable Windows features on an offline Windows image. Drivers are also treated as components, so you can also add or remove a driver on an offline Windows image using Package Manager.
This tool is called by Windows Setup during a normal installation. It runs transparently during a Windows installation or update. It can also be initiated from the command line prompt to install packages on an offline computer using an unattended installation answer file. For unattended installation of service packs or other updates, it must be run manually at a command prompt.
If you are servicing a running Windows installation, use OCSetup. OCSetup is a command-line tool that installs or removes Microsoft System Installer (.msi files) online. It can also be used to pass packages to Package Manager for installation or removal, or to call the Windows Installer service MSIExec.exe. For OCSetup command-line options, see the OCSetup Command-Line Options topic.
In This Section
Package Manager Command-Line Options