Microsoft Ceases AutoPatcher Project

[anandk]

Microsoft will no longer endorse AuoPatchers.

Microsoft will only allow updates to be downloaded from its own servers.

http://www.neowin.net/

[Choto Cheeta]

SAD news.... this is a pretty bad move... AutoPatcher Roxxxx !! as really easy to deploy new Installation in oranisations where you have many PCs and its really hard to run AutoUpdate to download 200 + MB for each systems on work group...

[casanova]

^^I second it. I never autoupdated my win XP.

[Gigacore]

Sad news as well for users who depend on regular updates from it. no probs for internet user

[Garbage]

BAD... BAD..... VERY BAD !!!

Now, how could I update my XP on Dial-up ???

[din]

Sad news

Really really bad........

But I think they will be back. Atleast some one will continue, may be in some Swedish servers as suggested by some in the comments section !

[csczero]

never used autopatecher ...... ive seen my friend doin it , it was taking hell of a time to patch .....

[Sourabh]

I'm just hoping RyanVM's Post SP2-Update Pack will have some future releases.

[infra_red_dude]

don't worry folks! there has always been a solution for every problem, especially if the source of the problem is MS!

[mavihs]

wat about people who r using pirated version?????? half of the people i no use pirated version. how i'm i going to help them to update now. Even some people hoe don't hav a internet connection on 1 of there PC's. how they going to update????????? =(

[infra_red_dude]

dude.. you support pirated versions and then are angry on MS for not providing support for pirated versions??!!! lol... i dunno what to say!

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by ƒire$eeker

wat about people who r using pirated version?????? half of the people i no use pirated version.

Pirated editions are the reason MS blocked Autopatcher cos it allowed user to update without any WGA check (the one in Windows Update/Download center)

how i'm i going to help them to update now.

Each & every update available by Windows Update is also available as a standalone EXE. Thats how I distribute to my friends using XP/Vista. Just click on the update name for more details, or google for the KBxxxxxx number & download from thre.

[chinmay]

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

Pirated editions are the reason MS blocked Autopatcher cos it allowed user to update without any WGA check (the one in Windows Update/Download center)

Surprisingly MS didn't have a problem with WGA check. See what a lame excuse they gave when asked by Steven Parker of Neowin :-

I asked the representative if Windows Genuine Advantage had anything to do with it and he categorically told me this was not the case, he added that Windows Update for pre-Vista versions of Windows can now be accessed using Firefox and that the concern at Microsoft had more to do with the possible malicious code that could be redistributed with certified Microsoft updates.

I just tried opening Windows Update on firefox and unsurprisingly:-

Thank you for your interest in obtaining updates from our site.

To use this site, you must be running Microsoft Internet Explorer 5 or later.

To upgrade to the latest version of the browser, go to the Internet Explorer Downloads website.

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

Each & every update available by Windows Update is also available as a standalone EXE. Thats how I distribute to my friends using XP/Vista. Just click on the update name for more details, or google for the KBxxxxxx number & download from thre.

Yes, standalone exe files are available for long time for multiple PCs but I don't think anyone except really dedicated sysadmins and fanboys like you can sit and download a few 100 updates one by one and then create a slipstreamed CD out of it.

Autopatcher had so many other required add-ons (like power toys, IE, Messengers, useful registry edits) integrated as well. I only wonder how many MS employees must be using autopatcher in their own house?

I am talking about convenience here. How easy was it to put the latest release of Autopatcher in DAP, let it download for a night on my snail speed EGPRS connection, install it in the morning and your system is fully updated.

[Choto Cheeta]

GX...

yes every single update is available as exe but dont you think its a pain to obtain those at 1st time ??

yes for u and me there is MSDN/TechNet shipment to rescue... but think of those majority who need to download one by one...

Also not just obtaning, installing them one by one ??

I understand there is n-Lite... but not for every one its actually possible to carry out one n-lite installation, as install Windows + AutoPatcher thats seems much easy... rather once again obtaining the stand alone exe's... and we are not talking about one or even 10

Autopatcher had so many other required add-ons (like power toys, IE, Messengers, useful registry edits) integrated as well. I only wonder how many MS employees must be using autopatcher in their own house?

I agree here... AutoPatcher was just not Windows update but rather complete package !!!!

Originally Posted by GX

Each & every update available by Windows Update is also available as a standalone EXE. Thats how I distribute to my friends using XP/Vista. Just click on the update name for more details, or google for the KBxxxxxx number & download from thre.

wasnt this the same what AutoPatcher was doing

In theoritical base they were doing the same.... you were just giving it to 10 or 20 people where as AutoPatcher was giving it to 2 million i suppose...

But in that case you are too in violation of MS update distribution

even u dont ask your frnd to run AVS Scan before installing the updates where AutpPatcher always asked every one to make sure AVS is turned on and upto date before even downloading their Patcher !!!

[i_am_crack]

i wonder what would be their next move

[gxsaurav]

This allowed pirated version of Windows to be updated. Microsoft's Terms of Service states that only MS can distribute the update packages for Windows, not anyone else....they were Violating the terms of use & sorry this is the way it is & it should be. I don't find anything wrong in this decision of MS.

Originally Posted by chinmay

Yes, standalone exe files are available for long time for multiple PCs but I don't think anyone except really dedicated sysadmins and fanboys like you can sit and download a few 100 updates one by one and then create a slipstreamed CD out of it

If you have genuine Windows, then simply use Windows Update & it will download all the required updates automatically & the download size will be lower then downloading each exe.

Slipstreaming is not required. I guess you don't know about the "Security release ISO" which MS releases every month for us fanboys & System admins, no one needs to sit & download 100 updates one by one.

Autopatcher had so many other required add-ons (like power toys, IE, Messengers, useful registry edits) integrated as well.

These tweaks & registry edits if break Windows then people start blaming MS, when it is not there fault. I hope u know how many support calls MS gets due to such incidents.

Again, MS is only supporting whats official & what they made & the way they made. Nothing wrong in that....after installing, you are free to screw your Windows OS the way u like. Just don't blame MS if it doesn't work.

I am talking about convenience here. How easy was it to put the latest release of Autopatcher in DAP, let it download for a night on my snail speed EGPRS connection, install it in the morning and your system is fully updated.

The monthly security update ISO will really impress u, try it.

yes every single update is available as exe but dont you think its a pain to obtain those at 1st time ??

Like I said, look at monthly ISO. Also using Windows Update is even more advised cos then it only downloads the updated dll or exe resulting in far lower download size

Also not just obtaning, installing them one by one ??

Again, Windows Update will automatically download & install them for u. Whats the problem in that.

wasnt this the same what AutoPatcher was doing

Yup, but it was also allowing non-genuine Pirated versions, which believe me or not...must be a reason for this action of MS.

But in that case you are too in violation of MS update distribution

Nope, I only distribute updated which don't require WGA check.

[infra_red_dude]

^^^ no point in arguing wid GX. and the thing that its coz the pirated windows versions cud be updated is simply too lame an excuse!

[Garbage]

hey gx,

What abt me??? I'm in remote area. I don't have an Unlimited Broadband connection. How could I update my XP ??
And why I should BUY an update CD every month which they(M$) should provide me FREE for support ???

Originally Posted by infra_red_dude

^^^ no point in arguing wid GX.

[Cool G5]

Originally Posted by shirish_nagar

BAD... BAD..... VERY BAD !!!

Now, how could I update my XP on Dial-up ???

Yes,right.I too use dialup.
Also i format the pc every 6 months,now what will i do?

[Choto Cheeta]

Again, Windows Update will automatically download & install them for u. Whats the problem in that.

GX yaar Bandwidth is the main issue with autoupdate...

at Home systems Installation once a 4 or 6 month wont give u much problem..

Think of a place where u have more than 10 or 20 systems... once again u have to follow MS New updates all the time for those stand alone updates...

and once some one is not using auto update thinks comes down to Manuall installation which once again a pain with some many of those

AutoUpdate is the choise at any day as even after Auto Patcher Office and few MS product updates needs to be obtain which one would do using Auto Update... at that case download will be around 20MB MAX but to update a system from XP SP2 stage is really hard considring our Bandwidth

Auto Update is the choise any day but our bandwidth condition really makes it hard to use it

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by shirish_nagar

What abt me??? I'm in remote area. I don't have an Unlimited Broadband connection. How could I update my XP ??

The same way you will download Autopatcher in that remote area

And why I should BUY an update CD every month which they(M$) should provide me FREE for support ???

Who said buying just download the ISO

[chinmay]

Gosh! You don't really get the point GX, do you? When contacted by Antonis Kaladis and Steven Parker (the people behind Autopatcher) MS clearly said that WGA is not a problem here. They said that the reason they are taking down Autopatcher is becuase people don't require it anymore as Windows Update is now available on Firefox.

As if that wasn't lame enough, I when checked Windows Update on my latest version of Firefox and a Genuine Copy of Windows XP Professional it said that Windows update doesn't support Firefox and IE is needed.

I am sick of people looking at the negative aspect of everything. People who use pirated version know clearly how to surpass WGA. There are releases of XP on the internet which don't even require you to crack it, just enter the CD Key supplied and you are ready to use Windows Update. What Autopatcher was doing helped a lot of people with Genuine Copy like mine too. Microsoft has come out to be lamer than ever.

[infra_red_dude]

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

The same way you will download Autopatcher in that remote area

what if he buys the mag and gets autopatcher in the cd? distribution of ms updates is not possible now so the update iso can't be distributed.. what abt that?

and MS really can't give WGA as the excuse coz that'll be pretty absurd...ok they forgot opera support! so for ppl who use opera.. what abt them!! lol... MS must do their homework first and then come out wid lame excuses! actually all the measures MS has "supposedly" taken to ensure that "genuine" windows users don't face any kinda problem haf failed and it has made the lives of those users miserable, including me!

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by Choto Cheeta

GX yaar Bandwidth is the main issue with autoupdate...

Yo, its a non issue, Have u ever tried autoupdating & checked how less it downloads in XP/Vista.

at Home systems Installation once a 4 or 6 month wont give u much problem..

Grow up dude....u don't really need to reinstall Windows every 4 to 6 months. This is just a myth.

Think of a place where u have more than 10 or 20 systems... once again u have to follow MS New updates all the time for those stand alone updates...

I have worked in such scenarios. Just download the monthly ISO of all the updates after SP2, or just that months update. Extract/Mount somewhere. Then either install all of them using QChain for Windows XP (if u r system admin) or one by one only those update which need to be installed. On a network of many computers you can share the ISO & install from there or set a group policy to update all computers on next reboot. Not all update require reboot now.

Remember, not every computer requires every update. So why download & install all of them? Isn't Windows Update a better choice?

and once some one is not using auto update thinks comes down to Manuall installation which once again a pain with some many of those

Microsoft QCHain...baseline security analyzer...try using those. Other easy options are already available for legal users...just that no one knows or tries them.

AutoUpdate is the choice at any day as even after Auto Patcher Office and few MS product updates needs to be obtain which one would do using Auto Update... at that case download will be around 20MB MAX but to update a system from XP SP2 stage is really hard considering our Bandwidth

If you are talking about bandwidth then here is the thing, what will u chose

1) You check Via Windows Update & it says 5 out of 50 updates are required. Total download size = 5 MB only..

2) U go to autopatcher site & download this months update....the litest installation file = 50 MB

3) U note down the 5 Updates given by Windows Update, & go to Windows Download center, total Size to download 25 MB...

which one do u think is better for bandwidth concerns.? Indeed go ahead & if u r running genuine Windows then try Automatic Windows Update in XP & Vista, you will be shocked yourself how low the download size is.

Windows Update package = the updated dll/exe, compressed as cab

Download center package = Full exe containing the updated dll/exe with installation engine files too....which are not required.

Have u ever tried looking why MS changed the Windows update package file format with Vista to MSU? Thats because the installation engine files are already in Windows Vista & that MSU contains only the updated dll/exe.

Originally Posted by chinmay

As if that wasn't lame enough, I when checked Windows Update on my latest version of Firefox and a Genuine Copy of Windows XP Professional it said that Windows update doesn't support Firefox and IE is needed.

Here is the thing. Windows comes with IE, even if u don't use it how hard it is to use IE for checking Windows update once in a while?

People who use pirated version know clearly how to surpass WGA. There are releases of XP on the internet which don't even require you to crack it, just enter the CD Key supplied and you are ready to use Windows Update.

Well then why do they need Autopatcher? Can't they just download from MS servers then

What Autopatcher was doing helped a lot of people with Genuine Copy like mine too. Microsoft has come out to be lamer than ever.

How? Did Autopatcher checked whether your OS is genuine or not?

distribution of ms updates is not possible now so the update iso can't be distributed.. what abt that?

That ISO is made & packed by MS, Distribution of that ISO should be allowed.

MS can re-allow the Autopatcher project with WGA check included, that will solve all problems. It doesn't take high logic to understand why MS is doing this, Firefox support or availability of updates to Non-genuine users. Besides....autopatcher was violating the MS ToS, sorry.....u can't break it just like that. Why don't u try the hotfix.net?

[Choto Cheeta]

GX... I am not the person to argue ...

anyway see every single organisations IT setup is different...

Even case of arguement really one never needs to make one Re-Installation at any point of the time... Full installation and one Ghost Image of the OS drive thats it.. simple restoreing the image next time will do...

System Essential 2007 would be also a good option now... !!!

but tell me quite honestly, whether we have work around for AutoPatcher or not, did u supported stop of AutoPatcher... ?? QChain or centralize update from one Local server to the main client was even there from a long long time... even long before AutoPatcher came to eistanse... but some how it never gain populerity of AutoPatcher...



May be lack of Knowledge

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by Choto Cheeta

anyway see every single organisations IT setup is different...

Trust me, none of the IT organizations I have worked with or seen working will prefer Autopatcher for large scale deployment instead of an image based deployment.

Full installation and one Ghost Image of the OS drive thats it.. simple restoreing the image next time will do...

Yup, with Vista you can even make a full bootable image of your C Drive using Windows Backup, & later on restore it.

System Essential 2007 would be also a good option now... !!!

Like I said, other better options are already available from MS, atleast try it.

did u supported stop of AutoPatcher... ??

Nopte

QChain or centralize update from one Local server to the main client was even there from a long long time... even long before AutoPatcher came to eistanse... but some how it never gain populerity of AutoPatcher.

Thats because most of the users u see out there are using Pirated Windows & autopatcher was a boon for them. Autopatcher didn't even come with WGA check for IE 7 installation which real IE Package comes with. Qchain is quite popular with those who know what it is, same with ISO Based deployment of updates....just start PowerShell/CMD/CLI/GPEdit (Whatever), & set it to install updates on all the computer.

[infra_red_dude]

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

Here is the thing. Windows comes with IE, even if u don't use it how hard it is to use IE for checking Windows update once in a while?

why should anyone do that if he doesn't want to use IE? isn't that against freedom of choice? i don't wanna use ie at all.. nobody can force me to use it even tho its jus for checking updates. lets say if i say i don't wanna use the MS update engine to update my system then that wud be lame as the update engine is a core component of the OS. it makes sense. but what abt ie? ie can't be made a core component of windows coz there are comptt. products out there.

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

That ISO is made & packed by MS, Distribution of that ISO should be allowed.

can you plz confirm that? coz i'm in a fix now. my uncle uses 2 XP laptops in his office. the housekeeping chores is my duty. to see that all the software, AV suite, windows are updated to their latest versions. i used to apply autopatcher for updates. the system are connected to the net thru dial up and do haf some imp. and sensitive info. i wudn't risk not updating that system neither can i download all the updates on dial up, that too twice!! once for each lappy. if that iso is not redistributable then i think i'll advise him a major changeover as i can't invite the wrath of doing anything illegal by still using that iso as it can lead to major probs for his office!!!

[gxsaurav]

Originally Posted by infra_red_dude

why should anyone do that if he doesn't want to use IE? isn't that against freedom of choice? i don't wanna use ie at all.. nobody can force me to use it even tho its jus for checking updates.

Fine, U won't have this trouble in Vista then. Windows Update is a standalone application now & doesn't need IE

if that iso is not redistributable then i think i'll advise him a major changeover.

Check betanews, Microsoft Download center & download the ISO. Done....then u can use it to install on as many computer as u like, the package is made & packaged by MS so no problem. You can distribute as long as it is in its original state without any change

[infra_red_dude]

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

Fine, U won't have this trouble in Vista then. Windows Update is a standalone application now & doesn't need IE

vista marketting, eh??!! sometimes i wonder what all will MS do for pushing users to vista! hehe... plz take it on a lighter note. no offence meant to the fanboys

Originally Posted by gx_saurav

You can distribute as long as it is in its original state without any change

sigh! *relieved*

[Choto Cheeta]

Lets talk some thing else...

Till date I am using Windows Server Update Services 3.0 was fine till i deployed Vista in few clients... it seems WSUS cant Manage Vista based ones... System Center Essentials 2007 can be one asnwer... but its not free I suppose

any work around for Clients running Vista ?? also any idea how much would be cost of System Center Essentials 2007 ??