Sad day
Posted by Antonis Kaladis on August 29th, 2007 |
Today we received an e-mail from Microsoft, requesting the immediate take-down of the download page, which of course means that AutoPatcher is probably history. As much as we disagree, we can do very little, and although the download page is merely a collection of mirrors, we took the download page down.
We would like to thank you for your support. For the past 4 years, it has been a blast. Unfortunately, it seems like it's the end of AutoPatcher as we know it.
Comments are welcome...
Antonis Kaladis
----
Some people have been asking for the E-mail to be published. Heres a copy:
http://www.autopatcher.com/takedown-notice
Lyndon Brown (Blaze)
August 29th, 2007 at 4:42 am
As a support tech I found the AutoPacher essential for saving time and valuable download limits on my broadband account. I’ll miss you greatly AutoPatcher!
August 29th, 2007 at 4:49 am
Hi Antonis,
I am disappointed about the reaction of Microsoft… Moreover, just when i finish the French August release :(
I don’t receive any mail for the moment but I think that i’ll disable the download page now.
If you got news, please, mail me :)
August 29th, 2007 at 4:50 am
Sad day, thats for sure. Autopatcher made my work easier & faster. F*** M$.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:57 am
I am extremely dissapointed in Microsofts actions… yet again.
Autopatcher has been fantastic for me over the years, as with 4 computers on my home network, and only a limited amount of bandwidth, Autopatcher has not only saved me time, but also money that would otherwise be spent on increasing my download allocation!
In my opinion, Autopatcher has been doing microsoft a favour over the years! It’s sad to see such a great achievement and project go… You guys at Autopatcher are brilliant and I wish you all well in any future projects that you embark on :)
August 29th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Sad day indeed, btw I’m still downloading the August releases right now.
I’m using autopatcher just to minimize time and effort. Not for piracy cuz I do have an original XP OEM CD. Well, it’s a capitalist corporation. Shame on you M$.
Just read the notice at Neowin, felt so depressed. Anyway kudos for the AP team for all your hard work. This project will certainly be remembered.
Thanx all.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:00 am
Wow. This IS bad news.
Autopatcher was a great help and I can’t understand how am I (and others like me) to manage without it.
WAN traffic (and update time) at work is a bad outcome but the major problem is going to be when dealing with private customers. Without AP you need to get there, run windowsupdate and just wait forever (while the customer looks at you doing nothing and getting very angry since he is paying for the time).
I hope it’s not really over.
BTW, any chance of publishing the e-mail content or is it confidential? What seems to be the problem from MS perspective? It’s not like AP is helping piracy or anything, it even includes WGA. In addition all of the stuff you repackage is (legit)available on the net anyway.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:06 am
This is a sad day for AutoPatcher indeed.
As a loyal user of AutoPatcher, and a security buff, not wanting to put unpatched machines on the internet, this might be the push I need to go fully Microsoft free, and embrace Linux totally.
I’m also interested in the contents of the email, and why Microsoft sees you guys as a problem.
I hope you survive.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:23 am
I have a suggestion. To avoid containing any Microsoft code, perhaps future autopatcher releases could ask the user to download all additional hotfixes - a list with download links could be provided to ensure that none are forgotten. Autopatcher could then integrate them all into its install file. Although this wouldn’t be so helpful for those who only use Autopatcher once on a new system, the end result would still be just as useful for those who manage networks or need to install on clients’ computers, etc.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:26 am
Very sad day. Plus, French translation was just been released a few days ago… Hope it is not really over too.
Anyway, GREAT job team, great job.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:30 am
I don’t think the e-mail mentioned anything about being confidential. I’ll read it again and maybe post it if it’s not. So, why does Microsoft think we’re a problem? Why do they think we’re bad for their business?
Good question. Most of the e-mail sounded like copy-paste to me, so I can’t really be sure. Anyhow, while we seek an answer to these questions, we have no option but to let go of the download page (although, truth be told, none of the files are hosted on-site, and we can do very little to stop mirrors from distributing them at this point).
I’ll let you know of any news, good or bad.
Antonis
August 29th, 2007 at 5:41 am
I cannot believe that Microsoft did this. If their software patches are freely available then what is their problem? You are providing a service Microsoft refuses to do. It has now been over 3 years since Microsoft released SP2 for XP. Since Microsoft cannot do their job, then maybe they should take their e-mail and shove it up Billy-boy’s @$$.
If you ask me, Microsoft should learn how to do software updates like Apple. After a few security patches release, they release a major patch for all versions of their OS that will bring all releases of their OS up to the latest specs. This way you only have to do minor patches once the big patch is applied.
If Microsoft will not do something like Apple does or something like what you do here with Auto Patcher, then maybe every corporation should bill Microsoft for the waste of bandwidth used up on their networks for all computers to update. The monthly “patch” iso file that Microsoft releases is a joke. I am not going to download a 3 GB file that does not even include previous patches and includes patches to operating systems we do not even use in languages we do not speak.
August 29th, 2007 at 5:56 am
change name and domain and continue!
August 29th, 2007 at 6:01 am
Holy Crap, Noooooo just another reason for me to move over to Ubuntu I think. Although the update process there is easy it does download alot of stuff !
This is very silly move from M$ I used Autopatcher all the time when I was a system admin.
I hope the community keeps this alive if some way or another ;¬) fingers crossed.
Go to hell M$.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:06 am
[...] coup de tête de Microsoft… qu’importe, l’article reste tel quel. Explications : AutoPatcher | Neobond via Neowin Posted by apul Filed in [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:08 am
[...] Forum Announcement + Discussion View: Announcement @ [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:09 am
[...] estão a ler bem, esta notícia foi anunciada no site oficial do [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Maybe someone could ensure future releases will show up on public torrent sites?
August 29th, 2007 at 6:19 am
Is this for real? I wonder how many Microsoft employees at home use autopatcher? I really think Microsoft are just becoming too big for their boots and if you ask me, I’m looking to possibly buy a Dell with a Linux Distro on it now, rather than anything else.
Message for Microsoft, go away and work on making better Operating Systems and better software overall rather than making useful projects like this come to an end.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:20 am
[...] on Neowin have been disabled for guests and members. Link: Forum Announcement + Discussion View: Announcement @ AutoPatcher.com Did You Enjoy this Post? Subscribe to Microsoft Talk. It’s Free! « Back [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:26 am
[...] Legal defies logic today by forcibly removing a free and trustworthy software package which makes updating Windows more convenient and [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:34 am
Damn it, I hate Microsh|t for this. AutoPatcher was going just fine, it’s an excellent project that has helped millions (including me).
If I were you, I wouldn’t give up. I would continue developing new and new versions of AutoPatcher every month so that they show up on torrrent sites. That way everybody is happy. Except for Microsoft who preffers to shut down excellent projects made by very kind and helpful people instead of creating a much better operating system who doesn’t need that many fixes.
Thank you MicroSHIT, you just made my day. Please die and never shut down something before thinking about what you’re doing. Bleaaaahhhhh !
SoboLAN - over and out…. bleeaaahhh..
August 29th, 2007 at 6:34 am
[...] be easily and quickly applied to your Windows, saving both time and bandwidth. Neowin announcement Autopatcher announcement Forum discussion [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 6:41 am
Well, you can always create a script which downloads the patches from the official Microsoft website using a program like wget, put ‘m in the right directory and execute autopatcher on the results.
That way you do not violate Microsofts property rights. If they try to prevent the common user to download patches other than by way of Microsoft update, good luck to them. That is soooo going to work…
August 29th, 2007 at 6:45 am
I knew as soon as I read “Sad day” in my RSS feed what had happened. Good old predictable Microsoft.
I’d just like to say what a pleasure it has been to use Autopatcher. It made being tech support for the family a great deal easier, especially after doing a reinstall (and saving all of the patch downloads on a 1GB limit 512kb ADSL connection).
May your future endeavours be more successful and free of corporate tyranny. Good luck guys.
August 29th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Rest assured everyone, we’re doing everything possible in order to reach in some sort of an agreement with Microsoft. As many suggested, perhaps a script which downloads files directly from microsoft.com and integrates them into AutoPatcher is an agreeable solution. At this point, it’s really up to Microsoft to decide.
Antonis
August 29th, 2007 at 7:04 am
Are you sure this isn’t just a joke ? Are you sure that email is really an official email from Microsoft and not just a big ugly joke made by a kid who faked the sender’s email adress ?
August 29th, 2007 at 7:04 am
[...] zi?u visiem adminiem, kas str?d?ja ar Microsoft jaunin?jumu uzlikšanu izmantojot AutoPatcher. Microsoft ir piepras?jis sl?gt AutoPatcher lapu un l?dz ar to ar? labais projekts ir v?sture. Today we received an e-mail from Microsoft, [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 7:10 am
@SoboLAN: it says here http://neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=42266 that Neobond received a call from Microsoft so its unlikely.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:22 am
AUTOPATCHER.COM & Neowin dont have to listen to the Take Down Notice..
I think Neowin should leave it up since Neowin members & autopatcher.com users can donate money for neowin legal fees. and I’m sure if this gets the lights of the courts the courts wold faver on Neowins side since Microsoft did leave it for so long..
in order for Big Companies not to bully somone has to stand up to them.. and I think Neowin & autopatcher.com should stand up to Microsoft.. I’m also sute that worlds best computer magazines would also help out in the legal fees if need be..
:::::: NEOWIN & AUTOPATCHER.COM STAND UP TO MICROSOFT ::::::
August 29th, 2007 at 7:23 am
Hi Guys,
Check your PM’s and let see if we can keep the project alive.
Others are allowed to download patches and hotfixes directly from MS so let’s re-engineer AP so that it does the same thing.
If MS want to be stupid and place extra load on their servers then lets do this if that is what then want! :-)
Kind Regards
Simon (aka PsiMoon314)
August 29th, 2007 at 7:24 am
[...] Sursa [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 7:26 am
[...] Legal defies logic today by forcibly removing a free and trustworthy software package which makes updating Windows more convenient and [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 7:28 am
I have only one comment: Ask Bill’s wife about his manhood. You’ll find out what “Micro” and “Soft” stands for.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:28 am
Any amount of virus’s and trojans etc could be hiding in them patches, so I can see why Microsoft did it.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:32 am
[...] Official Autopatcher Announcement Neowin Forum Thread Autopatcher Torrent Downloads I hope you enjoyed reading this article. You may now subscribe to my RSS Feed, scroll down to leave a comment, or get back to the homepage. [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 7:35 am
Could it be possible that M$ want to push for the use of WSUS in the corporate environment and use windows home server at the home level for the types that would make use of it on a home network?
August 29th, 2007 at 7:37 am
This is just another way Microsoft is helping convince he world to switch to linux.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:41 am
[...] that could be redistributed with certified Microsoft updates. This is a sad day indeed. Read More: Official Autopatcher Announcement Neowin Forum Thread Autopatcher Torrent Downloads __________________ Warez Monsters 4 Step Spyware [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 7:42 am
This is really sad to hear. Autopatcher is just the thing I always use as system admin. I just visit each computer with autopatcher and update them instead of the auto online update. Bad move from microsoft.. I really want to knoe what the legal reason behind this all is
August 29th, 2007 at 7:54 am
maybe if you play nice you could get a job there!
August 29th, 2007 at 7:56 am
A big “BOO!” to M$ ! Sorry for the AP team. Many ppl have been switching to Linux since the launch of Vista… i am glad microsoft is helping others make the right choice too.
August 29th, 2007 at 7:59 am
Autopatcher was useless because Windows Update and WUS are better.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:01 am
I have a computer with an XP licence that came with it, 100% legal, bought and paid.
The update function no longer works! It stopped working early this last summer. Trying to re-install Windows Genuine Advantage tool via their website fails. I have tried to find the WGA tool on MS´s site and install it manually but, they have safely hid it away.
Why do they “illegalize” our legal licences? And, why hinder us in updating via Autopatcher?
This is of course nothing but an attempt to FORCE us to buy their crapware, Vista.
And, Vista will forever remain in beta-stage, never be fully patched, full of holes and leaks and shit . Because they are working on a new OS to be released in two years.
I have had enough! Microsoft = fraud! No more Microsoft computers into our house ever again! My next OS will be Linux.
If Microsoft wants to kill it´s own company, then so be it.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:04 am
The end of AUtoPatcher is the end of my use of any Windows product, period.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:06 am
I say we slow down the MS servers by downloading a huge file.. we should pick a day and we do it all at the same time.. this should teach them..
August 29th, 2007 at 8:08 am
i work in a local computer shop and autopatcher has became an essential piece of my equipment. Its been a great help. Thanx alot guys all the best.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:13 am
lol
August 29th, 2007 at 8:16 am
I’m likely not saying anything that has not already been said. Therefore, I won’t. However, is there any way that the blind rage over M$’s wanton disregard for the user and technical support community can be channeled into something productive? AutoPatcher and all that has gone into it’s development is too valuable to just let it go quietly. Beyond mass emailing and DOSing M$, could something be done at least to catalog the required updates for each version (if need be, link directly to M$ DL) and then develop tools to “roll your own” auto patcher. In the very least I would like to simply say thank you to everyone who has supported this project, especially to the developers, and also those who have used their bandwidth to host and provide this wonderful tool set. Thank you.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:17 am
Thats sad!
August 29th, 2007 at 8:18 am
Autopatcher was the most valuable tool for me when fixing computers or installing Windows XP in record time.
I know MS problems with piracy and the genuine windows program but we need a project like this.
A true sad day. I hope that you can find a way to download the patches after some sort of validation and make it “genuine” proof.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:23 am
Although I really hope this thing will be sorted out (because I do use microsoft products on some of my machines [not to mention customers]) this new development is just another example (previous example was the latest WGA failures) of why using a closed source systems is wrong and is bound to backfire at you from time to time.
Even if MS will pull them self together and cancel their objections to AP the example (and the statement) stands:
When you use close source you are at the mercy of the software owner.
Ah… the freedom of linux, create local update servers, burn repositories to cd’s, tweak your distro and reditribute, make your own from scratch.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:24 am
Don’t let this wonderful project die; use some technique for downloading the hotfixes from M$ and build-up a local database of patches [like Daisy (http://vtwug.w2k.vt.edu/daisy.htm) or Proactive Security Auditor (http://www.elcomsoft.com/psa.html) do]. AP was too way useful to give up
August 29th, 2007 at 8:28 am
This message made me sad, really. AutoPatcher has been my friend for a while now, it’s just too hard to believe this came true.
Thank you for all your hard work over the years !!! You gave the world a part of yourself with AP. Thank you again.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:35 am
Sad news indeed..
I hope MS will look into the subject more carefully and reach an agreement..
To the Autopatcher team:
Thank you guys for all your work ;)
Christos
August 29th, 2007 at 8:36 am
While I hate to see AP go away, because I believe it’s an indispensable resource that every IT person should have, I do understand Microsoft’s position on only allowing updates to be downloaded from Microsoft for security reasons. It makes sense.
That said, they are obviously aware of the success of AutoPatcher, so I am surprised they haven’t committed to their own project to do the same thing or offered to buy the engine from the AP Team (or just contract them directly the way they did with SysInternals) and continue development of the project.
Perhaps, however, an arrangement could be made with Microsoft. I don’t believe it’s necessary to argue the issue, but perhaps negotiate a sensible solution.
For what it’s worth,
Aaron
August 29th, 2007 at 8:37 am
[...] AutoPatcher.com Etichete: none [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 8:50 am
I can’t wait until net neutrality fails and MS has to pay all these isps so people can download microsoft’s updates, I doubt they’ll realize how they missed out on saving money but they won’t care as they throw even more money down the drain. Funny, in my opinion.
August 29th, 2007 at 8:52 am
I say get this site on Swedish Servers. They cant do anything when ur hosted thr :p
I Really dnt get the point why they want Autopatcher Down.
People who buy their products use it (They paid for it ).And for people who didnt buy let MS stop Piracy of the main software rather than doing this crap
Anyways, Good Luck to All the autopatcher team , Wil Really miss u and Thanks for 4Years of Awesome Dedication and Contribution to this Community :)
August 29th, 2007 at 9:01 am
[...] Forum Announcement + Discussion View: Announcement @ [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 9:02 am
Without autopatcher there is no way for me to update my system using my horribly slow and expensive internet connection….so i guess i’ll just have to migrate to Linux…
I intended to get a Vista licence but i guess there is no point since i don’t intend to download tons of patches…
Nice work guys, it was great while it lasted :)
August 29th, 2007 at 9:05 am
REVENGE!!!!
I’d like to get the actual email they sent you. . so I can reply myself (with my own name). I believe that Autopatcher CAN continue off shore and MS can go cry in a corner. . .who’d care?
YOU (autopatcher) were doing Microsoft a Favour - If I was in charge of MS you’d have been getting a monthly payment and a pat on the back. . .
The virtual world has not limitations AT ALL, period. BUT the money hungry people will attempt to stop you. . don’t let them. . . I don’t, U shouldn’t
Good luck with your new Server I’ll go hunting for a donation box if the main page says your activaly raising money to do just that.
MS is a retarded Company and as soon as ReactOS reaches a Daily use level I AM THERE (all my efforts will be improving a FREE alturnative to the MS crap people endure)!
You will be rememberd regardless, but find a work around (like you did to begin with) don’t give up.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:10 am
I bet they will try kill windizupdate, too. And, perhaps sue all independent 3rd party suppliers who assist us all in keeping previous non-Vista Windows versions up and going. And, help us maintain Vista and keep malware out, because Microsoft does not do that, either.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:25 am
i came to check the neowin site as i always do in the morning, but to my shock and disbelief, i find this!!
today is a sad day, and i do hope that the team can find a way around this, the last version of autopatcher will continue to be used by me on all my computers.
but i will not be receiving any future patches and updates due to the fact that i have been boycotting the windows update service since i found autopatcher.
i see people wanting to switch to linux, and i highly support doing so if you can. unfortunately thats still not an option for me, and may never be. if the ReactOS project ever becomes usable, i will finally ditch MS forever
August 29th, 2007 at 9:32 am
First of all, Thanks for the great work guys.
Now, the problem is distributing Microsoft software without license, that can be easily fixed like linux distros manage to ship kosher packs and then ask users to download proprietary software themselves(using mirror lists, p2p, etc…).
All you’re gonna need is to warn the user he’s only allowed to download the patches if he owns a valid license of Microsoft software and you’re pretty much safe.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:36 am
I hope you guys can, at least, inquire about some kind of resolution and keep this going. They really should hire you people! I’m sure many people agree that post XP SP2 and with the introduction Vi$ta, AutoPatcher has made updating pain-free. Typical Micro$oft, sucking up or shutting down good projects that help their customers. Their product-line has become so complex in recent years that their products and customers have suffered. –P.S. I will not touch Vi$ta until SP2! —ThX for all the great work!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:39 am
[...] Professionals” (ha!) for improving their product. Now they’re closing down a site that improves their update process. Today we received an e-mail from Microsoft, requesting the immediate [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 9:42 am
It sounds like this would’ve been a great place for Microsoft to license the distribution of their patches and updates. I know that AutoPatcher has saved me tons of time trying to restore my XP-based system when I have to reinstall the OS (which is something I do yearly…) For those of us who don’t have access to a high-speed connection, Windows Update is a nightmare and trying to keep my system up-to-date with the latest plugins and addons was greatly enhanced by AutoPatcher. I hope an agreement can be reached to continue the distribution and support of AutoPatcher in the future.
August 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am
I have a feeling that this may have something to do with the fact the WGA is “optional” in AutoPatcher.
Either way, I dislike the Windows Update site so much that I am considering switching back to Linux at some point soon.
This sucks….
August 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Really im shocked from what i sow today concerning closing autopatcher
Thanks for your good effort and ur good participation to help us updating our systems for almost 4 years
From now on believe me ill disable the auto update ivs
any idea if we can contact Microsoft to show our disappointing from this action from Microsoft
August 29th, 2007 at 9:43 am
First of all thank you for saving me so much time over the past few years.
As for the action of the bully, not surprising, when something actually works the bully rather hatefully decrees we remove it, so typically Microsft, and they wonder why they are called the antichr**t
Hopefully you can somehow keep this going somehow
August 29th, 2007 at 9:44 am
That sux! A**holes!
August 29th, 2007 at 9:47 am
Yeah, right! Indeed, this is a sad day for all of us, but this doesn’t meen much. Microsoft can’t do what they are trying to do. Updates from the oficial website of Microsoft will apear on other sites and forums. They can’t close all of them. :P
August 29th, 2007 at 9:56 am
Fcuk Microsoft. But don’t worry.
Is this software program open source yet ?
If not, just make this program Open Source and people will distribute it by P2P themselves - it will be made *undestroyable* this way.
Anyway, even If you don’t make it open source, it will be even worse for microsoft.
People from microsoft management act like stupid fools. I honestly think they are DECREASING their profits and losing market share to Linux by actions like THIS.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:10 am
How can ms do this?
August 29th, 2007 at 10:12 am
[...] even need an internet connection. Or I should say that it did… No more folks! According to AutoPatcher’s Latest News they received a take-down notice from Microsoft today, to remove the download page. Which they have [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 10:16 am
To the Autopatcher team, it must be a hard blow for all of you that already dedicated your time, energy, money, and processor time for such a good hearted effort to help millions of people around the world that don’t have cheap direct internet connections. I pray for your best, and that hopefully MS realize what kind of mistake and desecration they have done. Thanks, so many thanks to all Autopatcher team!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:17 am
Making it open source will do nothing. This has been discussed many times and I would hope like hell Antonios NEVER does this. A security program should NEVER be open source!
I’m still in shock, this really sucks. I think I’m too sad to care about the money I have wasted at home on CD/DVD/Inserts I have printed out for orders.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:18 am
You sire the email actually came from Microsoft in the first place, and it’s not a prank? Have you checked the headers for IP information?
Continue the program and ask for their letter from their legal team.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Nice work on AutoPatcher everyone, I hope this contined support continues to show Microsoft what a mistake in the near future they have made.
Thanks for your efforts, none of which were wasted.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:25 am
last year I was hired to upgrade an entire school district with over 2000 computers, all of which still had SP1 and the connection to the internet was over single T-1’s, very old stuff. I was able to get them all upgraded by providing a Disk to my contracters with SP2 and all the hotfixes via Auto-Patcher. I can’t tell you how easy this made my job, and quite frankly, given the limited bandwidth this district had, would have been impossible any other way. You guys provided a fantastic resouce and you will be missed. Can any one with the last releases throw it up on usenet for me? Don’t worry I’ll find it!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:26 am
[...] Check out : http://www.autopatcher.com/134 [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Autopatcher was an absolute must in an IT person’s arsenal. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HARD WORK. I’m perplexed and disgusted with Micro$oft. This really sux teh big one. Micro$oft could fu
August 29th, 2007 at 10:31 am
Autopatcher was an absolute must in an IT person’s arsenal. THANK YOU FOR ALL THE HARD WORK. I’m perplexed and disgusted with Micro$oft. This really sux teh big one. Micro$oft could fuck up an Iron Ball.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:34 am
I agree with Adrian also.
When I was contacted by MS 3 years ago because they didn’t like my domain http://www.windowsubcd.com, I received documents from their attorney. They used a service where I had to SIGN for the papers. I kind of think this may be a prank, especially when you say it sounds “copy and pasted.”
To see REAL legal documents from MS attorneys check out this page:
http://www.ubcd4win.com/msdocuments.htm
August 29th, 2007 at 10:41 am
Just everyone send an email to Internet1@microsoft-antipiracy.com with message “We want autopatcher back” … maybe they will rethink this stupid decision!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:44 am
I have only one thing to say : F**K Microsoft !!! I can’t stand it !
I think every new bug in Windows is one more reason to use Linux !!
August 29th, 2007 at 10:44 am
Perfect !! M$ will rule the world. Damn capital world !! :(
August 29th, 2007 at 10:51 am
What great times there’s been over the 3.5 years that I’ve been using the site.
You’ve evolved and bettered yourself like a fine wine also.
I for take my hat off to the work you’ve undertaken, obviously trying at times, imposing on your social life and many other intrustions beside.
TechFobe.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:56 am
Guys, it’s been great while it lasted; a sad day for all who create/distribute/and use the software.
August 29th, 2007 at 10:59 am
Sigh…. I have only been using AP for a year now, and it made my job so much easier. I guess I will just have to use latest AP then use Windows Updates so I don’t send out machines with the hundreds of errors M$ packs into their OS.
M$ should have put you guys on payroll, not shut you down. The service you provide is better then anything M$ can think up, and you shouldn’t be shut down cause your not slapping a M$ logo on it or making WGA optional. I can’t possibly see why they would care to let you put out a FREE service that just makes M$ life easier.
Well it was good while it lasted, hopefully you can work out a deal with them, or persuade them to let you keep this project alive.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:02 am
its even making are forums http://forums.ebuyer.com/showthread.php?t=11136
Im PC_doctor, my post is there.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:05 am
How do I patch my bootleg XP now?
August 29th, 2007 at 11:08 am
“
Let’s take down evry software that help our Windows to work !
If WE dont enhance it, nobody will….
“
August 29th, 2007 at 11:10 am
To all those who want MS to reconsider their decision to kill off AutoPatcher, please consider making a polite comment requesting they do so here: https://support.microsoft.com/common/survey.aspx?scid=sw;en-gb;1348&showpage=1&WS=mscomukform1
August 29th, 2007 at 11:12 am
@Joe- that’s not even funny, go away moron!
August 29th, 2007 at 11:16 am
That’s it. this is the last straw. microsoft is going to pay for this - its going to cost me a lot of money timewise to do all the patching via windows update to get to august patch level.
microsoft, i PROMISE you.. i will make sure you lose whatever income you were going to get from me, or any of my clients, in any way i can from now on. this is the LAST STRAW
and im not going to do it by preaching anti-microsoft.. noooo that wouldnt work. instead im going to make sure they see all the colors of every other company SO BRIGHT, that they will all but forget about everything besides your frakken windows which they are backed into a corner into using.
f!ck you m$
August 29th, 2007 at 11:18 am
This has nothing to do with security concerns. They want people to buy more Windows Server licenses and use their WSUS product. For many years the university I work at distributed an autopatcher-like automated security fix CD image and they asked us to pull the plug. I began using Autopatcher because the Windows Update site was always ridiculously slow compared to a USB key install (plus you needed the machine behind a firewall before it was patched).
The slightly good news is that I can still use my already downloaded Autopatcher first!
August 29th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I am not sure why you are so quikcly responding to Microsofts request. I mean, what can they really do. Especially if you are outside the USA. Even if they sue you, it is very difficult for people to collect on civil judgements unless the defendant has a lot of assets that can be attached, etc. And you can always file for bankrupcy which would discharge you from responsibilities for your debts including judgements that are pending against you.
I think a lot of people jump too quikcly to respond when a big company comes calling like this. But the truth is there may be very little they can practically do to you, and most people don’t use the bankrupcy system to help them.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:51 am
What can I say ? It’s just disappointing me and all autopatcher users. I would always think that my machine is updated with all the updates, tweaks and some required softwares link Java, Flash, etc. And, that’s what AutoPatcher has been doing. I would always wait for the month end to get new updates from AutoPatcher. AutoPatcher should continue and put the mail on its website. MS has got a bit mad. I don’t think there’s any point in stopping AutoPatcher. I would like to thank for the hard work you had done and will be doing. Don’t let this site get down nor the downloads page, I would expect your downloads page to come up within a week no matter what stops you.
August 29th, 2007 at 11:56 am
why don’t u calculate md5 sum of each update and during execution of ap verify it…if it is ok so install updates if it not ok don’t install updates..
August 29th, 2007 at 11:57 am
Google Cache!
Downloads page
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Qpuh2p6ss4oJ:autopatcher.com/downloads/+autopatcher+download&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&client=firefox-a
August 29th, 2007 at 11:58 am
my deepest condolences AP, This is a sad day for Windows users all over the world.
You might even suspect that Microsoft is deliberatly trying to push us away from their products.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:02 pm
Obviously anything that makes Windows faster and easier to use is something MS want nothing to do with.
That became apparent with the release of Vista (Slower than XP)
I will miss your service greatly, and I hope that there is another way you can continue the sterling work.
Maybe MS should consider releasing more SP’s instead of new OS’s all the time.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
i am very sad to hear this, i have been using autopatcher for a year now and it has been great to use, i will miss it very much.
Sign the petition i made at http://www.gopetition.com/online/14046.html
PLEASE SIGN.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:09 pm
F*CK YOU MICROSOFT F*CK YOU EAT MY D*C
August 29th, 2007 at 12:11 pm
[...] AutoPatcher.com [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 12:15 pm
Wow, this is sad, this project was awesome and the new release was perfect and flawless. Shame on you m$. You should have buy them instead…
August 29th, 2007 at 12:18 pm
Hello All, please click and sign the online petition below:
http://www.gopetition.com/online/14046.html
Thanks Terinea Weblog for Download link
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:Qpuh2p6ss4oJ:autopatcher.com/downloads/+autopatcher+download&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=2&client=firefox-a
Thanks dabz for online petition
http://www.gopetition.com/online/14046.html
August 29th, 2007 at 12:31 pm
Why doesn’t M$ provide this - Buy you out instead. No brainer Microsoft.
August 29th, 2007 at 12:32 pm
You know people…Autopatcher has a nice tool Autopatcher Module Editor… :)
August 29th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
DAMM IT!!!!! Microsoft! What the HELL you’re doing…!!!! This is the best way to updating your OS, instead go online to your SERVER… Wanna your server overload DAMM IT..?!?!?!?!
THIS IS VERY CONFUSING…. WHY MICROSOFT DOING THIS…?!?!?!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
F*** M$!!!
Autopatcher rulez!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:42 pm
[...] Neowin that he is looking into the matter and will try to get some answers. More to follow. View: Announcement @ AutoPatcher.com (No Ratings Yet) Loading [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
[...] http://www.autopatcher.com/134 [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 12:44 pm
[...] Sad day — Today we received an e-mail from Microsoft, requesting the immediate take-down of the download page, which of course means that AutoPatcher is probably history. As much as we disagree, we can do very little, and although the download page is merely a collection of mirrors, we took the download page down. [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 12:52 pm
Ok. Enough bitching about M$.
Remember they only killed the redistribution of their code, not the purpose of AP. AP can continue as a creation utility for the patches and updates. This way everyone can continue to enjoy the benefits of AutoPatcher by rolling their own. I would be glad to help in any way possible to shorten this developement.
I’m sure everyone that helped build releases has ideas how to make this happen.
Let’s stay in the solution people!
August 29th, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Over the years I have found Autopatcher to be in invaluable tool.
Being the designated IT technician within my circle of friends, many of whom are still on dial-up, I have relied on Autopatcher to keep their PCs up-to-date.
Autopatcher was fulfilling a need that existed in the PC community that Microsoft failed to provide themselves. Now that Microsoft plan to shut Autopatcher down, I trust they have plans to release a similar monthly downloadable offline hotfix rollup package.
I can’t believe that Microsoft want each individual PC in this world to have to update itself over the internet. Actually, I can believe it.
My thanks to all those involved with the Autopatcher project.
I sincerely hope this is not the end…
August 29th, 2007 at 12:59 pm
Microsoft is biting itself in the ass, anything that helps patch systems is a MAJOR PLUS for them! Idiots!
August 29th, 2007 at 1:03 pm
Every time I read this kind of information, I think about Microsoft promoting “Freedom to innovate”. There is no freedom in capitalist societies like we know them today. Companies are protected againt individuals, and we call this freedom. Copyrights are not useful for the people, they exist only for the companies to make more money without having to work.
Microsoft was not alone on the market before and will not be in the near future… Things are changing all the time. The ones that were strong are weak today and the weak are going to be strong in the future…
August 29th, 2007 at 1:11 pm
And yet again we get gang banged by bill gates.
Another reason why the linux community is taking over the shares of disgruntled windoes users.
i personally LOVE linux and have plans on converting all my machines ( 11) to linux within the next 12 months. This “sad day” only lets me know i am doing the right thing. Thanks guys for all you have done !
August 29th, 2007 at 1:16 pm
Perhaps Autopatcher will just have to be retooled. It can be distributed like many projects with out the Microsoft patches present. (Smaller downloads - less bandwidth) Then a program downloads all the patches directly from Microsoft. Think of the extra download traffic they will see…. :)
I know of a program that does just that, but won’t say to keep them out of trouble. (I will sent that info to the team.)
nStuff
August 29th, 2007 at 1:28 pm
I have 3 windows2003 servers which for some wonderful reason are unable to use the Windows update site, even after doing the fixed that M$ said should fix the problem.
But using autopatcher, i’m able to the best made OS patched. Right; Bill said it was the best OS ever made, why am i’m still having to patch it every month. Thank you Bill.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:38 pm
Bill Gates can come and kiss my unpatched aero glass ass.
LOL.
August 29th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Without autopatcher there is no way for me to update my system using my horribly slow and expensive internet connection….so i guess i’ll just have to migrate to Linux…
Lol, linux has more updates than Xp, because it include software too…
August 29th, 2007 at 1:50 pm
Do you think the post “AutoPatcher on USB flash drive?” [http://www.autopatcher.com/124] has anything to do with this?
My sincere condolences over this, for all of hard work put into the project… Please find a way to stay active.
Has the MS e-mail been posted somewhere?
August 29th, 2007 at 1:51 pm
I am also sad. I install XP every day at work and autopatcher makes my work a lot easier. My customers are pleased that their computer is up to date with the latest patches and fixes even before they connect it to the internet at home. I dont understand why Microsoft has said this to you, I dont see any crime being committed. Why Microsoft, why?
August 29th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
I am glad that i have near enough all the downloads that AP have ever made. I hope AP never stops. You are the best!!
August 29th, 2007 at 2:02 pm
The way I see it, it does not have to be the end of autopatcher, it may actually be possible to work around this and improve autopatcher at the same time.
It should be possible to enhance autopatcher with an “autopatcher construction kit” that does the downloads straight from MS.
The only thing you would have to do is maintain and spread a list of were the updates can be downloaded from MS website and how autopatcher should deal with them.
With that list the “construction kit” simply updates its local copy of autopatcher every month.
That’s the workaround. the improvements I can see because of this:
- the principle can be extended to other software packages.
- updating the local copy can be highly automated.
- bandwidth costs go were they belong (MS), no more distribution problems.
- possible to do more than one update per month if you want.
Obviously it won’t be as simple a it sounds, but it certainly is feasible. he does someing like it -> http://wud.jcarle.com/
August 29th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
Once again the microbrains at Micro$haft are killing something that makes their insipid software tolerable. Time to switch to an all Linux network.
I’ll really miss you guys.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
[...] Microsoft saw this application in a different light, and decided to shut it down. As of right now the AutoPatcher site remains available, but the links to the downloads have since [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
[...] this link to pay your respects. Share This: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
[...] encargados del autopatcher obligándoles a cerrar la página de descarga. Viendo los comentarios al post que pusieron los autores, se ve que esta iniciativa era seguida con muy buenos ojos por los [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 2:16 pm
Is there anyway we can petition this? Its not like this is illegal as the updates are from Microsoft anyway and its not really breaking any laws that I’m aware of. Microsoft provides them for free anyway and so does this site. If anything, AP is helping distribute legit Microsoft Updates. Things like this come in real handy for network administrators and IT techs alike. I am extremely pissed that Microsoft has done this.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Thts is a real shame; one of the great uses of AP was for people who do NOT have ANY net access..
My Mother-in-law lives in a remote area of Ontario; phone service is still on a party-line. I have made use of AP as a handy means of getting ALL MS patches to her :(
August 29th, 2007 at 2:26 pm
Shame on you microsoft, i KNOW YOR READING THIS!!!
ste
August 29th, 2007 at 2:37 pm
[...] Legal defies logic today by forcibly removing a free and trustworthy software package which makes updating Windows more convenient and [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 2:43 pm
here is what i have to say, some companies have sent c&d’s to places they did not like and all the places did was just put up a its out there in google land so look for it. I would say piss on Micro$oft and just keep doing what you do best. Don’t deprive us who use your product. Hell you ain’t maken no money off of it anyways. They want the download page down then go for it but i bet people will still be happy to mirror it for you.
August 29th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
An end to a very great era. As some others here, I run my own pc shop. Autopatcher saved me countless hours and frustration. I know there are other options, but AP had everything rolled up into one nice package from security updates to system tweaks. My thanks go out to the AP team and here’s hoping this will not be the end of the project
August 29th, 2007 at 2:49 pm
Triste nouvelle pour le projet Autopatcher Francais et international. En effet, l’équipe à l’origine de l’Autopatcher vient de recevoir un mail de Microsoft demandant à ces derniers d’arrêter purement et simplement le projet. [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 3:13 pm
M$ sucks. Wake up billy, Google is coming.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
WTF! This is really sad… At first because they want to obrigate us to use what they want. They price of Windows XP isn’t acessible to everybody. So, how could we update our system from bugs they own bugs. And I haven’t patience to update on microsoft’s website. I hate the microsoft! They want to dominate the world. I’m sorry for my english…
I’m from Brazil.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:18 pm
Hi guys obviously i am extremely disappointed at M$ and their cronies , but i was thinking and i am sure other have probably thought of this too ; can this project not continue like on IRC ; i mean there could be a channel dedicated to this project and the new releases can be released there ; M$ cannot do anything abt that :D
regards to all
August 29th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Umm…Why don’t you just tell them “no”?
You’re not doing anything wrong.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
It’s funny how the email came after an Office Autopatcher release (an Office license costs a lot more then a Windows one - even Vista). Also, and I’m just shooting blind here, the mail might be addressing the paid-for distribution of AP (an consequntley of Windows Updates). Am I right so far?
Expect similar project to be brough down to. Anyone who has heard about slipstreaming has heard about RyanVM and RyanVM update pack. My guess is that it will have the same fate because it does a lot worse then AP, it tampers with the MS update files. Just found out there is a discussion there on exactly the same topic.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:21 pm
Sad day indeed…I think it was the selling of discs that got M$ so upset..
August 29th, 2007 at 3:22 pm
Once again: No matter what microsoft going to do… Will always have someone doing this… Patching the f*** windows. And for FREE.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:24 pm
yeah! another extremely clever move with a brilliant attitude, “lets ruin our one and only unoffical supporting project.”
man seriously, im really sad. i just wanna say, thank u! im also appreciative to the family of supporters. thats it! xp was almost ripe, n now that means its gettin steale. i dont care dx10 and any other shiny vista mumbo jumbo, im gonna switching to ubuntu. ill never use any windows again, but the effort behind the autopatcher will always be remembered.
rip!
August 29th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
You know, you don’t have to remove things just because they said so. Lawyers often make legal threats that are utterly baseless in the hopes of scaring you into surrender. Just because they sent a threat letter, it doesn’t mean they have a case.
You should get your own lawyer to see if they have any actual case and fight back. What they’re doing here is ridiculous and stupid. I understand why they’re doing it, of course, but that doesn’t make it any less spiteful.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Hm? Why do you have to obey microsoft? All of a sudden people can’t even develop software for their OS?? Just ignore them! You’re not infringing on any law.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:36 pm
Yet another one of their typical reactions to software that’s better than theirs. Very disappointing, but not unexpected from a obstinate bunch like Microsoft.
It’s a shame really, I was recommending AutoPatcher to everyone. I guess it’s back to patching the annoying and tedious M$ way.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:37 pm
Nooooooo!
So dumb. This is why Micrsosoft has so much trouble these days. When the community comes up with a better solution, they shoot it down.
Autopatchers that exist for Linux still thrive today, with no evidence of security issues or “malicious code”.
Blah. So lame.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:40 pm
You can do something. Release the source.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:42 pm
By the way, the person who posted this is obviously an idiot: “Making it open source will do nothing. This has been discussed many times and I would hope like hell Antonios NEVER does this. A security program should NEVER be open source!”
You have never heard of full disclosure, because you’re an idiot. You trust broken crypto, because you’re an idiot. You use closed source security programs, because you’re an idiot. Enjoy.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Antonis, please publish the email from microsoft.
And, thank you so much for your great work! I have maintained my own, my mother´s, my children´s and my friends´ computers by use of AutoPatcher. Updating via Windows update on a slow line just does not work.
The future is Linux. Let Microsoft commit suicide if they so want to.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:48 pm
Sorry if this is a little off-topic, but if anyone stung by this has the time/inclination to switch to Linux you can manage your own software repository.
You can easily reproduce the functionality provided by AutoPatcher using Ubuntu or Debian Linux. Let’s face it: this is another symptom that Microsoft are too inflexible and domineering for the software industry. If you can, dump the losing platform and get onto one that’s flexible enough for your needs! :)
August 29th, 2007 at 3:49 pm
I can’t believe microsoft would do something like this - they need to start making FULL PATCHES like everyone on this site has done for so long, instead of still selling bullshit that takes you another 3 days of downloading to get fully patched up. I’m going to really miss autopatcher.
thanks SOOOOOOOOOOO much to everyone who put this together and kept it going for as long as you did….much props to everyone, and if it goes underground….please let us know :)
August 29th, 2007 at 3:52 pm
Hi,
I hope someone at Micro$oft is reading all of these comments, for god sake the company seems to just dig itself further and further into a large hole.
I’ve used Autopatcher once, when I had to upgrade all of my systems at once because of unskilled coders on Microsofts end that left my entire network vulnerable. On dialup, I had no other choice but to use Autopatcher at the time.
It is safe to say I’ll be migrating my entire business to Linux, even though connection bandwidth is no longer an issue.
Nice doing bu$ine$$ with you.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:54 pm
Cracking the “this this verified” check in autopatcher would really be quite simple. One could even replace the cryptographic keys if you liked. Just remember, to someone who can read assembly faster than C, closed source is just as easy to modify as open. Read my blog post on security through obscurity here: http://ultra.iblogger.org/index.php?itemid=3
August 29th, 2007 at 3:55 pm
Is there the chance of a suit against MS for improper restraint of trade. Sounds like a world court issue, possibly.
Many “consultants” get their mileage from comments, suggestions and files that offer advice and repairs for MS products. By trying to shut your efforts with Autopatcher, it would seem that MS is interfering with your rights too.
Plus it galls me and tons of others that the “big guy” can carry out this kind of unsubstantiated attack. In the light of reason MS continues to use these tactics to bludgen anyone with fewer lawyers. Seems to me they should have to substantiate their claim in writing to you BEFORE they demand any action ou your part. So what did they say and are there any concrete examples of “your bad”??
At least EFF is suing MS for trying to get out of the GPL issue by declaring that they, MS, do not have to abide.
Hang in there. And I understand the weather is not that bad in Greece.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:56 pm
And of course, nobody is even discussing why. Autopatcher isn’t telling you why either.
As per usual, people focus on one story and make no attempt at all to look at the other. It sort of makes sense that MS wouldn’t want someone they have no affiliation with distributing their patches with no formal agreement. What would happen if some disgruntled person decided to package up an exploit and distribute it as genuine? Have the staff at Autopatcher attempted any such agreement with Microsoft?
All I see here is a lot of posts whining that they now have to download patches from Microsoft instead of letting autopatcher do the work. Wah. Underqualified sysadmins have to go back to doing a job again instead of relying on software to do it for them.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:57 pm
Ok, MS issued a cease and deist on Autopatcher. Not being overly adept at coding, would it be possible to rework the code so that it down loads the required patches from MS and then installs them on the user’s machine?
If anything, the increased traffic on the MS site might convince someone at MS to say “hey, you know, that Autopatcher thing wasn’t really all that bad…” Especially if the traffic produces enough server demand.
I don’t know, just a thought.
Fare well Autopatcher and God speed.
August 29th, 2007 at 3:59 pm
I’d never heard of Autopatcher until I saw the update on Slashdot, but I’m having a hard time with the shutdown. I’m a PR guy by day, and I can’t believe my counterparts at MS are very happy with their legal department. What a nightmare. If the powers-that-be at MS had a problem with Autopatcher, why not work with the site managers and come to an agreement? You solve the problem and you might win over a few hearts in the process.
Ugh. PR guys never get along with the lawyers.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
I myself use WSUS in corporate environment - free tool from M$ - saves me bandwidth too. Not sure what all the fus is about.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:05 pm
Another nail in the M$ coffin!
Yours is the best app for dealing with M$ patches and I will truely miss it.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:06 pm
pwn3d. The mirror sites are still up. Here’s one that I found really nice and quick with Google’s cache of these pages. (I love that cache. :-D)
http://www.getautopatcher.com/
Enjoy, and have a great day!!
August 29th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
I love autopatcher….FCUK Micro$hit!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 29th, 2007 at 4:18 pm
I’m sorry to hear about this development.
Many thanks to the AP team for the work they have done over the last few years and I hope that you are able to overcome this and come back stronger than ever.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
I hope that MS choke on the loses they’ll incur through piracy!
AutoPatcher is the greatest thing since striped toothpaste. I pray you guys find a loophole for this horsecr@p.
Long live AutoPatcher!
Death to MS!
August 29th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
This is the funniest list of comments I’ve eveer seen. all that’s happened is a company has put a stop to another company releasing their products without the required validation of genuine software and (based on advertizing revenue) makes money off someone else’s work.
I agree that MS could make windows update easier but that’s no reason for them to ignore someone’s effort to make it easier to steal MS software.
And for all the people who are using this as the reason to jump to linux - good riddance. Make sure to post here after you get your Linux distro installed and have to download a number of packages and updates that makes Windows Update look like a blessing.
But at least you can all come here and complain about bad bad MS.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:19 pm
[...] It seems that Microsoft is forcing down the Autopatcher page. [...]
August 29th, 2007 at 4:23 pm
More and More Microsoft pushes us towards Ubuntu…..Give it a few years and we will all be able to remove Windows from our lives
August 29th, 2007 at 4:24 pm
I feel that I have to add my disappointment to this list.
I have been a staunch supported of Microsoft for many years and despite their recent FAILINGS with VISTA I am still a supporter.
It makes no sense why Microsoft would deter this kind of service. It helps them out as well as helping out the end user/Network Admin/PC Tech etc. I work for an company that contracts with various entities that cannot afford “highspeed” connections and Auto Patcher has been a wonderful app to help these clients keep their systems updated.
I hope that Microsoft reconsiders their position regardng AutoPatcher and maybe even assists in the development.
Good luck to all.
AutoPatcher, you will be missed!!!
August 29th, 2007 at 4:26 pm
I am thinking its because of 2 reasons.
autopatcher also installed competing companies software (flash is a competitor)
also any fix could have a bug in it and mcirosoft would be blamed.
People stop bashing mcirosft without using your brains.
Yes this is bad but microsoft has its rights to do so and has good reasons to do so.
Just look at all the witch hunting thats going on with them right now. everybody is getting into the lets sue microsoft campaign so microsoft is trying its hardest to stop any more lawsuits.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:31 pm
One sentence: total NSA control over Microsoft backdoor-contaminated patches.
We’ll stick it to you whenever, wherever and however we want to stick it to you - NSA.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Well, a great big Thank You goes to all of you who have devoted effort to the AP project. As a self-employed computer repair technician, you have saved me HOURS patching each machine I have to rebuild, 2 to 5 machines a week. Using AP I don’t have to physically sit at the machine, use WUS, download and apply the patch(es), reboot, and do the entire thing again. Rebuilding hosed OS machines in this manner took better than ten hours and sometimes approaching 16. You have no idea of how many hours you saved me, hours that I can’t bill to the client. Not to mention, out here in the styx we have a high-speed wireless internet connection, but it won’t support more than one WU downloading at any given time. I’m not sure what to do to recover the lost time I’m going to have, other than start making Ubuntu Live CDs and leaving them in the disk drives of every machine I return to a customer. As far as I am concerned, this is war. I’ve already reached my boiling point with Microsoft earlier this summer and every machine in my house is or will be running a different version of Linux, except for the two on wireless NICs, that takes a bit more tweaking. But wireless support is coming, and when it does, my customers with new Vista laptops and networking and performance problems that are unfixable will find Ubuntu CDs in their trays, too. In the meantime, unless the email from Microsoft specifically states that it cannot be made public, then you should release it and let those with legal understanding make of it what they can. Again, thanks for all your hard work. AP is an excellent idea, and like most things that work, Microsoft doesn’t get it.
Remember, everything Microsoft makes sucks, except for their line of vacuum cleaners.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:34 pm
waiting for OSX 10.5 if the rumors are true M$ nevermore…
August 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
Are you sure the email from Microsoft was legit? Seems like a cease and desist letter would have come postal instead of through an email.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:36 pm
this is sad news. thanks for all the great work, will surely be missed!
tom, I disagree with you. people using autopatcher are also aware of the risk, and I don’t think this user group is a burden for MS. - we know how to reinstall windows!
and why should ms do this now? after sp3 would at least make a little more sense (if it’s coming..), but now?
August 29th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Why not just make autopatcher download the patches from microsoft and build itself from them. Would probably reduce your bandwidth usage too by passing it on to microsoft.
One possible problem would be getting this to validate for genuine advantage.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
Can someone from the team email me?
I’d like to resume this project alongside my Uxtheme patching and VAIO (aka Alky for Applications) projects.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:38 pm
You did a great job, but once again the Microsoft shows that their pruducts are low as 1 dollar and their character is even lower. Why? You worked hard for this but envy and greed won. You became more popular with autopatcher than they with Vista. Why? We need more space on hd for patches than for Vista hehehe. Same goes for XP.
Good luck in your future.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Saw the news on Slashdot, this really sucks. I never heard of Autopatcher until today and now it’s too late. I really could have used this. Best of luck to you.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:44 pm
Is anyone really surprised? I’m not. M$ just keeps being d*cks and don’t care about the little people. Look how expensive their software is. I understand that they have paid programmers to write the software but come on, charging $300 for an OS that will sell by the millions? And they wonder why their software gets pirated. I’ve used M$ products for a long time and I don’t know if I can keep using them. Security holes, software doesn’t work like it should, security patches left and right on Vista that JUST CAME OUT, …the list goes on and on. One of these days maybe they’ll learn.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:45 pm
Well one option is not freedom. One option depends to how-they-woke-up-today. And if they can wake up ready to shutdown autopatcher or stop the support for XP or whatever, they can change my way of working without asking me!
I was preparing my almost-complete switch to linux just when XP support would stop. I will move it a couple of years before, let’s say this week…
August 29th, 2007 at 4:46 pm
The proper response to this is to begin autopatching as many machines as possible to a different OS.
August 29th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
It’s really a sad day … and Microsoft understand nothing !
August 29th, 2007 at 4:54 pm
The “Offline Update” program from Heise Security is similar to AutoPatcher, but it downloads all updates directly from Microsoft’s websites, and then burns to CD the updates plus a scripted install mechanism.
Could AutoPatcher do the same, and neatly avoid distributing Microsoft software wi