It Packs A Punch

I was a bit surprised when I started downloading AutoPatcher XP and I saw that the total amount was 192MB. In hindsight, my feelings were a bit apprehensive about the program that took so much room. I typically don’t like to allot unknown programs too much space, but I’ve become more and more open minded since becoming a reviewer.

After much anticipation and momentary boredom, I finally downloaded and installed this gigantic updating program and in an instant, my cynicism dissipated. I quickly bit my tongue and withheld further blasphemous comments since I finally saw why it was receiving such great user reviews. This program stupefied me. It literally had any and every update that came after SP2. I fell in love with the possibility that I could run every update in one fell swoop and this was without using Microsoft’s lame interface. I was also able to increase and decrease the size of the window (the November version lets you do this now).

What's Included

AutoPatcher XP November includes nearly all the critical and recommended hotfixes. For the critical updates, the patcher includes a cumulative security update for IE6 (Windows XP SP2), it includes a malicious software removal tool v1.8 and .NET Framework 1.1 (+SP1), to name just a few.

For the recommended updates, the latest list includes a cumulative update for Outlook Express for Windows XP, an update to enable DirectX video acceleration of Windows Media video content in WMP 10 and a security update for the Step-by-Step Interactive Training Application, along with many others.

AutoPatcher XP’s interface is simplicity at its best. Similar to Windows Explorer, all updates are categorized and micro organized within the following drop-down menus: Microsoft Windows Critical Updates and Recommended Updates, Updated Components, Windows Addons and, finally, Registry Tweaks for your System.

For every single update, the basic information about what the update does is listed at the bottom of the page. This also includes ‘Module Details’, the time it will take for the total install and another external link connecting you directly to Microsoft’s site, giving you precise and detailed accounts of what that update’s function is.

The usefulness of this program is that it lets you choose exactly what you want done to your system. You don’t need to install every single critical update on your computer, because you probably won’t need all of them. And you definitely don’t need to install some of the recommended updates, because you don’t use all of them.

I mean, how many people are going to use a security update for a the Step-by-Step Interactive Training Application? If you are, then more power to you for wanting to learn how to become a better user. But for the average Joe out there, that’s something he can live without.

For the more advanced users and administrators, this program is a must have since it includes three tier type of installs. The first and most basic is a tier one install where the normal user interface remains the same. The second tier interface is a little more limited but with the same amount of functionality. Finally, the third tier is one that’s completely invisible. All of these can be setup as unattended installations.

I selected what I wanted and unchecked what I didn’t then sat back while the AutoPatcher took care of all my updating needs.

The Good

It’s got all your updating needs in one batch. AutoPatcher XP is golden for your updating needs and system tweaks. This is a great product to have for any user or admin who needs to update their systems.

The Bad

In this version, the ‘Registry Undo’ tool will not function. If you need to undo a registry tweak, you may ask for the specific file in the AutoPatcher XP forum.

The Truth

If you’ve gotten lax about your updates, or don’t want to constantly restart your system after only doing two or three Microsoft updates directly from their site, then you should seriously consider getting AutoPatcher XP. It’s easy to use, the interface is simple and effective and you don’t have to work too hard. The only thing is the registry tweaking and the initial size of the download, other than that, it’s a dream program. Without a doubt, it’s worth downloading.

Check out the screenshots below.