How often do you install Windows? Crashes, viruses, or even fixing other peoples' computers... most people install their operating system regularly, whether they want to or not. After a while, you will get sick of going to Windows Update and continuously downloading patch after patch, update after update. Well, we have just the thing.
AutoPatcher is a comprehensive collection of patches, addons and registry tweaks that give you peace of mind in the knowledge that your Windows operating system is up to date. It's designed to quickly patch a system with the most current updates (and tweaks) available. It runs silently in the background, and needs no inputs once started.
As the developer of AutoPatcher, I will try to keep this section as technical as possible, hoping it will be a useful resource for people looking to customize AutoPatcher.
Hello people,
Since I did have some free time these days, I made a couple of modules for AutoPatcher 5.0.
Run with arguments
This module adds a "Run with arguments" option in executable file (.exe) context menu. This way it's easier to start a program with commandline arguments. It's much faster than using the Start - Run or opening a command prompt on the folder. Get this module here (right click and Save As).
DLL & OCX Self-Registration
This was a registry tweak in AutoPatcher 4.x, so I made a module version of it. Basically, this just adds two options on DLL and OCX file context menu. Sometimes power users need to 'register' DLL or OCX files to make some program aware of the files. This process is called self-registration. Usually installers take care of this, but just in case they don't, with this module, you can perform self-registration (or self-unregistration) on any DLL or OCX file. You can get this module here (right click and Save As).
Windows Installer Patch Apply To
Slipstreaming Windows Installer patches is now easier than ever. Instead of using the Start - Run or the command prompt, you can now right click on any .msp file and select "Apply To". You will then pick the target Windows Installer Package (.msi) file you want to patch, and the slipstreaming begins! Get this module here (right click and Save As).
You can start using AutoPatcher 5.0 today! All you need is the stand alone version (which includes no modules). Then, download the modules you like in AutoPatcher's \modules folder and run the Module Installer (found in the same folder). Pick which of the available modules you want to install and you're ready to go!
Kind regards,
Antonis Kaladis
AutoPatcher/AutoStreamer Project Manager & Lead Developer
Hello people,
Wow, it's been a month! AutoPatcher 5.0 is almost ready to go. That's of course if no bugs are found. So far I had no problem dealing with small issues and requests. All features described back in November 11th are now working, in addition to:
Security
The security in AutoPatcher 5.0 is greatly improved. Official module configuration files, as well as their file listings are encrypted, to ensure authenticity. Even the slightest modification will either make the module unofficial or render it completely unusable.
Broader Operating System Support
AutoPatcher 5.0 now supports all versions of Windows from 95 to the latest 2003 Server family. Furthermore, it can detect the exact version and type of the running operating system
Unattended Tiers
Although AutoPatcher always supported unattended mode, there was real need for extended unattended capabilities. Version 5.0 supports 3 different unattended modes, called tiers. In addition to the classic unattended mode (Unattended Tier 1), there is now a mode which hides advanced information (Unattended Tier 2), as well as a completely invisible mode (Unattended Tier 3).
Kind regards,
Antonis Kaladis
AutoPatcher/AutoStreamer Project Manager & Lead Developer
Hello people,
After several talks with AutoPatcher users here in Greece, I decided it's time to start coding AutoPatcher 5.0. Version 5 will be completely rewritten, due to major changes. It will not be released anytime soon, so please don't ask for an ETA. Here's what you should expect:
Modular
AutoPatcher 5.0 will be module-based. There will be no central database. This means it could be downloaded in parts, but also, that updates will be much smaller.
Better detection
Every module can specify its own detection criteria. For instance, hotfix modules will check for a certain registry value, which will indicate its presence.
No more XML
That's right. No more XML. Since we're moving on to modules, XML really doesn't help much.
Multiple languages
Each module can specify its language. This means that modules of multiple languages can coexist and AutoPatcher will only load the correct ones.
Multiple operating systems
Modules for different operating systems can coexist. AutoPatcher will only load that ones which apply to the running operating system.
All-In-One solution
You will be able to update any locale or version of Windows just by downloading the appropriate modules and running one file.
Never download the same things twice
With AutoPatcher 5.0, you will no longer have to download things you already have. Just download the new modules and AutoPatcher will be happy.
Kind regards,
Antonis Kaladis
AutoPatcher/AutoStreamer Project Manager & Lead Developer