3 replies to this topic

[lxfx]

Heya,

I'd like to start of by saying thanks for this wonderful tool, I'm sure it will save me a lot of time in the future, let alone being sure that i'm able to update any (english) XP system I encounter with just my external drive.
After a test on my desktop I was able to update it to the most recent version but I noticed a few things... I'm sorry if these things are super obvious, or already asked before but I couldn't find anything in the FAQ's.

- I read that you guys, the Autopatcher team have to acknowledge every update that MS releases for users to be able to download this update. I also understand that you guys must have some kind of personal life (don't we all) so I can imagine that sometimes this can take a while. So my question is, what is the usual delay between MS's release and yours?
- Another question: would it be wise to enable my Windows Update to keep looking out for new patches? (not downloading, just notifying) This way I could fire my apup and all would be well. What do you guys do? I suppose you just disable windows update? If so, how can I disable the warning in my taskbar when it's disabled?
- During my update Windows Update was still enabled (by accident) and informed me of a certain update (which was installed already by AutoPatcher) but he keeps yanking about it. Is this normal (faulty) Windows Update behavior and should I just ignore this and cancel the download? Also when I contacted the Windows Update website (http://update.microsoft.com) the website didn't seem to detect certain updates which were already installed by AutoPatcher. Again, faulty MS behavior, or something else? I could give you more details if needed.
- and lastly, I understand that if you guys stop this project no more updates would be offered through AutoPatcher right? So I would have to stick to using my previous AutoPatcher Updates + Windows Update to top it off? I sure hope you keep this project running because I'm sure many people see something valuable in it, as do I.

Again, thanks for the tool and sorry for my (probably nooby) questions..
A satisfied user.


Edit: while I was checking out some more differences between Windows Update and AutoPatcher I noticed that some updates were classified as High Priority by MS but non-critical by AutoPatcher. (KB939683 for instance) Is this on purpose?

Edited by lxfx, 24 March 2009 - 09:32 PM.

[_def_x_]

Hi lxfx...

In a nutshell, no, do not disable/stop using MU/WU, AutoPatcher is not meant to replace on-the-spot updating. You should not look
to AutoPatcher to function like MU/WU.

AutoPatcher has in mind the builder, tech, or home user/builder who prefer to have a new build patched as fully as possible so that
before the computer ever hits the internet it is safe. This is done through the use of AutoPatcher/APUP that collects and consolidates
all the files (hotfixes/patches etc) that are needed to do this, with a number of added benefits, they are there to use again, are mobile,
and you don't risk getting infected while you find your way to Microsoft to update your new build. Not to mention the process of installing
the updates is profoundly easier using AutoPatcher - in my opinion.

At some point if Microsoft offers a "service pack" that is the equivalent to everything in your AutoPatcher/APUP release, of course, use
the service pack.

I will leave questions concerning "detection" and "time lines" to the development team (and anything else they want to add).

I hope this is a start to better understanding the purpose and use of AutoPatcher and APUP.

Mike

[lxfx]

Thanks Mike for your fast reply.

I indeed considered Autopatcher as an alternative for WU, which clearly isnt supposed to be the case.
I already understood the advantage of having a backup of all patches to protect "fresh" xp installs and I still really like this tool for that.
So I guess, i'll enable my WU as usual and just keep my AutoPatcher backed up in case I need it...
Thanks for answering this question! I keep getting smarter

[Cristiano]

> a certain update (which was installed already by AutoPatcher)
it probably was rootcert. from times to times, this one is updated and, very often, we are more up-to-date than WU

if is this not the case, please state the name of the update that we gladly will check that

[]s