Abstract: A system for updating an agent used in a backup software program. The backup software program operates on a network having, for example, a server and a number of workstations. A backup engine executes on the server. An agent executes on each of the workstations to be backed up. The backup engine transmits an updated agent to each workstation, transmits an executable regeneration module to each workstation and transmits an execute command to the agent at each workstation. The agent at each workstation stores the updated agent and the executable regeneration module and causes the execution of the executable regeneration module. The executable regeration module deletes or renames the agent, and also renames the updated agent to the name of the agent and thereafter enables operation of the updated agent as the agent.