VIPRE's Auto Patch feature will attempt to update programs that are out of date. Since we are dealing with 3rd party software, this can sometimes lead to a situation where VIPRE fails to apply a certain patch. This issue can appear for a few different reasons:
- The software is no longer installed on the computer
- The software has already updated on its own
- The software does not allow 3rd party patching
When VIPRE has patches pending, it will provide you with a notification on the MyVIPRE page under the Updates section. This notification will tell you how many patches are available and allow you click to roll over to the Auto Patch section to apply them.
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Should Auto Patch fail to update the software, we can remedy the issue by using the steps below.
Verify software is installed
We need to open the Programs and Features window to verify the software is still installed on the system. To open Programs and Features:
- Open the Windows Start menu, type "Control Panel" and click on the Control Panel icon
- Depending on the view being used, locate and click on "Uninstall a program" or "Programs and features"
- Locate the software in question, and verify that it is present
If the software is no longer installed, the program will need to be re-downloaded which will likely result in the program being updated during the re-installation. This will require us to hide the patch using the steps at the bottom of this article. The same is true if the software is no longer installed and you do not have plans to re-install it.
Verify the software versions
When available, VIPRE will identify the version of the software it is attempting to install. Using the program and features list from the previous steps, we want to ensure that VIPRE is attempting to install a patch that is newer than the installed version. If the software versions are the same, or the currently installed version is higher than the one VIPRE is attempting to install, this can result in Auto Patch failures. To verify the version Auto Patch is attempting to install:
- Open VIPRE, click on the Manage tab
- Click on Updates
- Scroll to Auto Patch Updates and click Manage Patches
Here, we can identify the software VIPRE Auto Patch is attempting to update and ensure the currently installed version is not already the same or higher. If so, we will need to hide the patch using the steps below. Should Auto Patch fail to install an update that is higher than the currently installed version, it is recommended to have the software update done through the program in question. This will prevent any further delays and bypass any obstacles (such as UAC prompts) that will interfere with Auto Patch's attempt to update the software.
Hiding obsolete patches
After verifying the nature of an Auto Patch failure, it is sometimes necessary to hide patches. To hide a patch:
- Open VIPRE, click on the Manage tab
- Click on Updates
- Scroll to Auto Patch Updates, click Manage Patches
- Right-click on the patch in question and select Hide this patch
The patches can be restored from the Hidden tab should we ever wish to restore them. Software update failures that occur with 3rd party software are not the responsibility of VIPRE. Auto Patch is simply initiating the existing software updates. Software update failures can occur regardless of the source and the publisher of the software in question should be contacted for support.