Method of operating a computer system for updating programs stored therein

A stored program having a plurality of separately installable features, stored on a computer system is to be updated. An end user invokes an update program to update the stored program. The user selects one of a plurality of operating modes for the computer system and identifies a target drive and directory where the software program is stored. Thereafter, the user identifies a source drive and directory where a plurality of update files are stored. If a prompted mode of operation has been selected, the system copies the update files from the source drive and directory to the target drive and directory and then applies all of the updates to the respective features stored on the target drive in a sequential manner. If a full function mode of operation has been selected, the system copies the update files from the source drive and directory to the target drive and directory and then displays the highest numbered update stored on the target drive and directory for a selected installed feature. The user can apply the highest numbered update and all of the lower numbered updates associated with the selected feature or a subset of the updates in a sequential manner.