How to Update Windows XP without Using Microsoft Update Site

Few people don't ever update their windows for..ahem...obvious reasons. For them there was Autopatcher. But since Microsoft has forced Autopatcher to close, these guys are in middle of nowhere.

But here is a little known but handy service "WindizUpdate.com" which allows you to update windows without visiting the MS site. It asks you to download a plugin to your browser to use the service. Basically it allows you to update your computer without IE and without transferring any personally identifiable information from your computer, few more advantages of using the service are listed on the WindizUpdate website, in future the service plans to provide driver updates along with windows update.

You can try the service but remember updating your computer from a non-Microsoft site can be dangerous, I have not tested it personally so I can't recommend it to you confidently. But if you do try it, please post your experience and comment here for others.

Following text is a direct lift from that site.

Why use WindizUpdate?
Not only will it keep you up to date with the latest updates from Microsoft, it will also keep software and drivers from other vendors updated. However, that functionality is currently missing.

Good reasons to use WindizUpdate
1. No personally identifiable information is collected from your computer.
2. No more unwanted spyware -- Microsoft Internet Explorer can finally be removed from your computer (if that were possible).
3. It lists just the updates you need.
4. If an update has been superceded by a newer one, it will not ask you to install the older one.
5. Using enhanced data from MBSA, WindizUpdate will find more security patches needed for your O/S than the "other" website.
6. If there is a security issue with a component that is not yet installed, it will not ask you to update it. For example, if you have not installed hyperterminal, it will not update it.
7. It is not restricted to just Microsoft products. Software from other vendors can also be updated.
8. Upgrading to the latest version of Internet Explorer is not considered a Critical Update!
Works on Windows versions no longer supported by Microsoft -- Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95
9. Our plugin is not an ActiveX control.
10. Integrated download manager with error detection -- you can cancel downloads at any time, and the next time you wish to install the cancelled update, it will continue from where it left off. Only corrupted sections of the file are redownloaded.

If you are still not convinced that WindizUpdate is the site for you, please check out our page titled "do we need to say any more?

Disadvantages
1. There is a delay from when new updates are released from Microsoft to when they appear on this site.
2. If you're using Internet Explorer, you will need to use Microsoft's Windows Update site for updates -- this site will be of no use to you.
3. You'll need to upgrade your browser if you're using MSIE 4.xx -- This site won't work, neither will Microsoft's.

I have given everything. Now its up to you do decide.