Someone reviewed v on Jul 5, 2022

Pros: 555

Cons: 555

Bottom Line: 555

henrypeck reviewed v1.1.6.141 on Apr 9, 2010

Does not work. Sumo found 2 programs requiring updates while Update Notifier just sits there.

reidyn reviewed v1.1.6.141 on Mar 19, 2010

This hasn't worked in some time now. Not only is it not scanning my system correctly, but it isn't showing the latest versions of apps from the list that it's allegedly retrieving online. For example, I'm looking at WizMouse 1.0.0.6 on my system, but somehow Update Notifier believes I still have 1.0.0.2 and that 1.0.0.2 is the latest version. Most of the apps in the list that it has built from my system have been upgraded since it last successfully checked, but it doesn't realize this. Nor does it realize that even if those were the versions that are installed, updates have been issued for all of those. Totally 100% broken. I've e-mailed the developer to ask whether this is still being maintained and in the meantime I'm uninstalling in favor of something else. I'll try FileHippo as others are recommending, but I also recommend the CNet TechTracker as another alternative. Perhaps between it and FileHippo we can stay up to date.

KNRover reviewed v1.1.6.141 on Jan 16, 2010

I used FileHippo's update checker for a couple of years when I stumbled on Update Notifier. I have tried it for a couple of months and liked the interface so much I uninstalled FileHippo. However, during the 2 months, I noticed that it never came up with any new updates. So today, I downloaded and installed FileHippo and let it scan for updates. It found 4. One of those was the latest Java RE; the others were minor. My conclusion: Update Notifier misses a number of needed updates. I will probably uninstall it in the next week or so.

speedwaystar reviewed v1.1.6.141 on May 11, 2009

Finds more updates than the FileHippo.org updater. The only slight annoyance is the download site, which has an unnecessary second page you have to click through to get to the actual download. For the ads, I guess.

emil.sekula reviewed v1.1.5.133 on Mar 11, 2009

I think it could be nice to do some Update Notifier forum instead of comment all problems here. Here you have one by techsupportalert: http://www.techsupportal...rum/showthread.php?t=83.

JWvanLohuizen reviewed v1.1.4.125 on Feb 7, 2009

This is a great little free and simple to use utility, but what you may not know is that 2 great guys gladly and diligently maintain a great website that contains all of the programs and has lots of great information about all of them.

They are very open to suggestions and appreciate of the the user input that also helps adding more software to the site. Cleansofts.org.

This software is still portable but now includes an install file to help a user browse to the location that they want to store the program and run it. This was added after a user suggestion.

After another user suggestion, the latest release added the ability to display all the programs and versions currently installed on your computer and reports when they are up to date as well. This allows users to submit their installed software for inclusion on the website, thereby being reported in Update Notifier.

This is a must have for every computer user of every level of tech knowledge.

innerspirit reviewed v1.1.3.109 on Jan 22, 2009

It's looking good, it found some out of date software on my system and it was very easy to download the updates.

eviljolly reviewed v1.1.3.107 on Dec 21, 2008

Runs fine in Vista x64. Nice little utility. Found some programs I didn't expect to see.

andrewtheart reviewed v1.1.3.107 on Dec 20, 2008

I'm not the kind of person that would typically use a too like this, but on a whim I downloaded/installed this. It works great! It found updates to a lot of software I had sitting on my machine, including more obscure programs (Notepad++, Opera, Pidgin, MediaCoder, 7-Zip, etc). Saves me a lot of time having to search for updates myself. Great job guys.

Undesired Username reviewed v1.1.3.107 on Dec 20, 2008

The X caption button now closes the main window, but there is an exit confirmation--just in case you happen to struggle with a bout of indecision when you decide to close the window. (Personally, I can't stand needless exit confirmations. I think they belong on serious software such as real-time AV monitors, but even there they should be optional.)

Overall, though, this is a helpful utility. It would be nice if it detected updated drivers, but I can understand why they dont--because that's a whole other mess.

penguin22 reviewed v1.1.2.89 on Nov 17, 2008

I recently started using this along with filehippo's Update Checker and find that Update Notifier does find more obscure software and helps keep my system up to date. Not since CNet had their free update checking service has a good viable option appeared.

I have to agree, it would be nice to have the application X close the entire app, including the tray icon.

Brian49 reviewed v1.1.2.89 on Nov 16, 2008

Not bad, but for me it's a drawback that it doesn't search for updates to installed software other than programs - drivers, in particular. I agree that closing the main window should also result in exiting the program; and that it shouldn't generate application data which has to be manually deleted if the program itself isn't wanted.

Ian C. reviewed v1.1.1.83 on Nov 11, 2008

Doesn't seem to work at all in x64 Vista. It runs, just doesn't detect anything.

nickbrown reviewed v1.1.1.83 on Nov 10, 2008

Undesired Username,

We would like to thank you for the feedback, even it's not very positive :).
Regarding your comments:

a) single .exe vs. installer (like you can see, the opinions are different from person to person (see dalmiroy2k's response). But in the near feature, we'll have on our website 2 versions (installer & standalone .exe)

b) exit application vs. tray icon. We'll implement this option in settings.

c) ignored versions. We already have the option to ignore/un-ignore (just use the Filters). I'm wondering why you didn't notice the functionality, especially that you seems to have a high experience in software design?

d) About the resize, I have to disagree you. All major software have fixed size (to look the same on different OS)

Thanks

dalmiroy2k reviewed v1.1.1.83 on Nov 8, 2008

It really helps if you manage several pcs specially your family's and you don't have time to search for program updates one by one.
The program itself being a standalone exe helps. I carry it in my pendrive.

Undesired Username reviewed v1.1.1.83 on Nov 7, 2008

Thanks for fixing the 120 DPI issue.

It would be nice if Update Notifier provided links to the real home pages for the software it lists. As it is, there is a context menu item that deceptively (yes, deceptively) says "Visit Software Home Page", which takes you to that software title's page on cleansofts.org. Poor design.

I knew Update Notifier didn't "require" installation, and provides no installer, but that's a failing on your part, not mine. I manually install it (under "Program Files"), and see to it that its %appdata% directory and Startup shortcut are removed when I want to remove Update Notifier. I'm sure the vast majority of users don't know that Update Notifier leaves behind some files under %appdata%. (I know, they aren't large, but that's not my point.) Poor design.

Reply to author: I'm not saying Update Notifier should have an installer because "gee whiz, I can't handle it!"; my main point is that Update Notifier dynamically creates its settings files (and a Startup shortcut), and those should be removed automatically with an uninstaller.

I hate it when applications force me to use their tray icon to exit them. Such is Update Notifier. Even when not configured to start with Windows, nor configured to automatically check for updates, it closes to the tray. Poor design.

Once any software title is "ignored", the Update Notifier interface provides no way to unignore it. One has to manually edit (or delete) IgnoredUpdates.xml, which is something very few users will be aware of.

Reply to author: My mistake; there is a "Show Software Update" menu item available to remove items from the ignore list. Sorry.

I wish I could resize the main window. Poor design.

Reply to author: It's possible to make it resizable, it's just not as easy. This was a minor complaint in any case. Not a big deal.

nickbrown reviewed v1.1.0.75 on Aug 30, 2008

Undesired Username: the problem was fixed after you reported it and btw UN doesn't require installation because it's a standalone file ;)

This kind of software always will have some False Updates, because of the Publishers. They don't follow the standard for versions. That's why we introduced a Report Problem option and Ignore Updates.

Thanks

Undesired Username reviewed v1.1.0.75 on Aug 29, 2008

Take advice from someone who has 100+ outdated software titles on his system? Ah... No thanks.

nickbrown: I removed Update Notifier and don't feel like installing it again just to capture a screen shot. If you feel the problem is worth fixing, all you have to do is set a test system at 120 DPI and run Update Notifier.

horsecharles reviewed v1.0.4.64 Beta on Aug 25, 2008

I want to give great kudos to Update Notifier. It caught a ton more stuff than the new FileHippo Auto Update Checker, the main competitor in this arena.
I will not remove FileHippo, though-- they do complement each other... plus FH does not deal with anything but freeware.

A great improvement of Update Notifier is that it provides one the file needed-- previous apps in this area just inform about a needed update...maybe even provide a generic home page link-- but you're on your own as far as having to go search for a direct download link for it... especially troublesome for apps not hosted on their homepage / website...as well for those that do get hosted onsite, but their very latest updates get hosted elsewhere.
I have some caveats, none of them UN's fault-- the blame(s) go to individual software authors.

1. It will remind about apps that seemingly don't exist in your computer-- these are usually apps installed in conjunction with another program, while often the name gets changed.
Examples:
ORB, which is installed as Winamp Remote as well.

Scitech, can be bundled in AutoIt as SciteAutoIt.

For both of these one should look up the specific product to update, not the one provide by UN.

2. UN may not deal with beta versions-- 7zip being an example.

3. If UN prompts you to update a program which you know is already at that version, dollars to doughnuts the software is listed more than once in Add/Remove Programs. For some apps, when you remove previous versions from Add/Remove, the latest gets uninstalled as well-- be prepared to reinstall latest version afterwards.

4. Be careful with programs that are shareware BUT:
A. you've the latest freeware version or a freeware lite version.

B. you've gotten at Giveawayoftheday.com
UN will provide you with latest versions of most programs...

look at the Category-- Shareware or Freeware-- before downloading & updating.

All in all, Update Notifier is a great app: caught 100+ updates... this in spite of FileHippo Auto Updater and regularly visiting BetaNews.

Of course, don't expect everything to be caught by these type of apps... I can already picture reviewers coming on here with "I'm giving it a 1 because it didn't catch update for my Serialz2000" ROTFLMAO

PS you will catch a lot of annoying & poorly-featured apps that won't install, w/ something like "Install will exit immediately, as you have a previous version installed. Go search your computer for an uninstall shorcut to it, and run it. Once you're done with that, search your computer for this install file and run it. Good Bye."

PPS if you want to be furnished with updates to apps that are not 'officially installed'-- install them with: Nirsoft Zipinstaller
Ensure you go into Options and enable Explorer context menu.
BTW you may want to install zipinstaller with itself(download both zip & exe versions-- then use the latter to install the former).

Later gator, in awhile crocodile, toot a loot prostitoot.

nickbrown reviewed v1.0.4.64 Beta on Aug 25, 2008

Thanks everyone for your kind words and support. Every message (positive or negative) help us building a better service.

Undesired Username:
Can you please send us a screen shot for that problem? Also, please use Report Problem for every false update that you see, so we can investigate the problem (right click on every update).

DaveBG:
It's not our intention to offer there any bad softs. In the future we'll change that section to show more relevant softs, based on the usage statistics.

As we are few peoples involved in this FREE Project, we need your help, so send us all the bugs and feature requests that you may have.

Thank you!

Undesired Username reviewed v1.0.4.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2008

Yeah, "infinitely perfect". As if it made sense to add an amplifying adverb to an absolute adjective (in other words, "perfect" has a binary meaning--either something is perfect or it's not, just as someone is either pregnant or not. You can't be "infinitely pregnant").

Unfortunately, the latest update looks screwy at 120 DPI, with the scroll bar out of place. It also incorrectly detects several updates on my system (i.e. updates that don't exist), for UltraEdit, PuTTY, and others.

I'd call it "infinitely pffffffffft".

DaveBG reviewed v1.0.4.64 Beta on Aug 24, 2008

Very nice app only 1 problem - the recommended section is useless. It offers crapware and bloatware. I know ... everyone has preference and staff of this app probably has too but many inexperienced users might get fooled into downloading these...

bellgamin reviewed v1.0.4.64 Beta on Aug 23, 2008

On a scale where 5=Perfect, Update Notifier deserves a 10 (infinitely perfect)!

It works fast & stable & accurate & efficient. No install needed. No nags. Nothing but what it promises -- & then some. I am stoked!

monzi reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 16, 2008

This program is great!
1. Its small
2. Its freeware
3. It works!
4. Can start up with windows.

I cant really find anything bad about this program. The UI might be very limited. No options no nothing. But it works. It searches your drive for programs that it recognizes and then searches the net for updates to those program.
I've tried a lot of these update programs. Either they didnt work or it was expensive shareware. This one is free and i works :-) No more searching the net for updates

nickbrown reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 13, 2008

Thanks for using our software.

tgbyhn10, flosshatt: the program is not installed. Only starts at windows start. Click settings from program & uncheck the option.

We'll increase our software database, so with every release will be better and better. Regarding other softs on the market, we already have other features that they don't have (Watch List, Recommended Software, etc). Also, we prepare more features starting version 2.0.

Thanks for sending us all your suggestions.

tgbyhn10 reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 13, 2008

How do I remove this program from my system? I can't find an uninstall option anywhere- not very nice.

flosshatt reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 13, 2008

Nice application.
Small, quick and free and no installation needed!

Drawbacks:
autorun on windows startup without asking

isaacg reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 12, 2008

Works pretty well. Found several updated software that FileHippo's Update Checker did not (but missed a few that FileHippo did catch). I still prefer the functionality of FileHippo (able to hide certain updates, show/hide betas, etc) FileHippo also has a much nicer site with links to the official software website, old versions, screenshots, changelogs and more.
http://www.filehippo.com/updatechecker/

robmanic44 reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 12, 2008

Somewhat useful, but Revo Uninstaller has an upgrade component which I believe is better. You simply click on the app and then click update.

Ryusennin reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 11, 2008

The idea is cool of course, although it's not new (DriverAgent.net, etc).

But I'm not too impressed with this notifier. Its feature set is extremely limited. Remember when Download.com used to have a powerful online scanning feature? Yet the service went down the drain years ago, despite the big publisher backing it. I don't see how Cleansofts is going to turn any better.

You could say it's better than nothing. But I already have better than nothing, and it's called BetaNews :)

coover reviewed v1.0.3.40 Beta on Jul 11, 2008

Interesting software! Certainly in it's favor is that it runs directly from the downloaded .exe. The software is not actually installed on your computer. And results came quickly, about 5 seconds after I clicked on the .exe.

I wasn't surprised that there weren't many results for my computer as I've been running SUMo, another updater, and most of my software is up to date. I was surprised that one of the results listed was software already updated to the version recommended.For whatever reason, it read the version installed as 3.2 and recommended 3.2.0.15, which, as I said, is the actual version installed.

Evidently, this program only selects certain software, not all the software, but I realize that maintaining an exhaustive database of the versions of all the software available is not possible, and then scanning for each and every version on the computer would probably take a longer time than would be tolerated by the computer user.

The software is easy to use and the fact that they actually give you the update link is good.

But this software is not freeware. It is, in fact, Adware, though the Ads are not large and bothersome. In fact, in order to observe the ads (recommendations), you must click on the 3rd tab of the application.

This application is useful ,but you may want to take a look at the freeware SUMo (also offered on BetaNews). It is more difficult to use and doesn't offer "direct" download links (it offers suggestions on where you may find the update), but it will probably give you a bit more information.

Ian C. reviewed v1.0.3 Beta on Jun 5, 2008

No problems running it on Vista here. However it's detecting my version of Firefox 3 RC2 as just Firefox 3, and recommending an "upgrade" to RC1. So the only thing I can really say that it has done for me is try to sell me some garbage software like Spyware Doctor and Registry Booster.

nickbrown reviewed v1.0.3 Beta on Jun 4, 2008

We just release a minor build, for Vista 32 problems.
If you still have problems, please contact us:
http://cleansofts.org/event/contact.php

Thank you.

Nick BROWN

ZeRO9999 reviewed v1.0.3 Beta on Jun 4, 2008

yep, crashes on Vista 32bit

gate1975mlm reviewed v1.0.3 Beta on Jun 4, 2008

Would be great I guess if it worked.

Crashes on Vista every time I try to run it :(

Aires reviewed v1.0.1 Beta on Mar 22, 2008

Very promising. I do hope this develops but I also recomend a name change.

nickbrown reviewed v1.0.1 Beta on Mar 21, 2008

We have now almost 30 000 softs in our database, and probably in 1 or 2 months we'll have about 80 000 softs, so our detection will increase.

Thanks again for using our software.
Nick BROWN

portezbie reviewed v1.0.1 Beta on Mar 20, 2008

I am currently running windows xp and have been using filehippos update checker and I love it, but the list of programs it checks for is pretty limited so I am always interested in programs of this sort. Downloaded this program and it works fine for me. No install which is nice and, although I turned it off, the auto start and scheduled check is a nice feature to make updating a regular part of your system. It found 4 programs that I could update that filehippo missed and linked me to easy dl's that worked fine. A simple refresh showed of update notifier removed the now updated programs from their list no problem. So far a great piece of software! I just hope to see some more setting options in the future and of course as always a bigger list of applications.

Haaglander reviewed v1.0.1 Beta on Mar 20, 2008

It crashes on Vista 32bit, but ok it's a beta.

nickbrown reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 20, 2008

Hi,

I'm one of the publishers of this software, so I would like to answer to all the comments above.
First of all, thank you because you tried our software.

Genital.Joe: our program is different from the FileHippo' one. Our program has a Watch List and installed software are permanent checked for updates.

Jammerdelray: we noticed that we had the same name , after we released it. but firefox was an included update notifier now ;)

neogator: you need Administrator rights for Vista

We just released version 1.0.1, and we work hard to improve it and solve all issues, so thank you for sending your comments.

Best regards,
Nick BROWN

Jammerdelray reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

They stole the name from Update Notifier a Firefox Extension.

RWW reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

It showed I needed to update programs I just updated.

neogator reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

crashes on Vista 32bit SP1

The MAZZTer reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

Crashes when run.

jafo818 reviewed v1.0 Beta on Mar 19, 2008

Can someone compare this to UpdateStar? I trust the folks from O&O so I'm not sure how this one stacks up. UpdateStar isn't perfect of course, but the interface rocks.