Ron Schenone

Microsoft Windows 7 – Improved Drivers?

Posted by on Jun 1, 2008 | 6 Comments

One of the biggest complaints users had about Vista when it was first introduced, was the lack of drivers or drivers that were problematic. In the hope of eliminating or at least curtailing a similar situation, Microsoft has instituted a policy in which drivers for Windows 7 beta, must be included started June 1, 2008, when submitted for Vista.

Customers have a need to ensure compatibility with the new releases of the OS and that hardware (systems and devices) are fully functional after an upgrade. This will enable Microsoft and partners to evaluate the results and correct issues in the new OS and the associated hardware as part of the release plan.

Beginning with the release of the first beta of the next operating system, all Windows Vista client and Windows Server 2008 submissions must include a complete CPK with test logs for the new beta OS. The test logs generated from the beta OS are not required to pass. Issues with hardware, system BIOS or drivers must be investigated and resolved by partners prior to the launch of the logo program for the new OS.

The tests should be run after performing an upgrade from Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 to the beta OS. Testing on the new beta OS must be done with drivers that are intended to install on the beta OS.

Design and Implementation Notes

Beginning with the first beta of Windows 7 all Windows Vista submissions must include a complete CPK with test logs from Windows 7. The test logs generated are not required to pass.

I believe that this is a good way to start aquiring the proper drivers for Windows 7 before the final release hits the streets.

Comments welcome.

Source in .pdf format

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/theoracle/ the oracle

    The problem is that nowhere does it say that drivers developed before Jun 1 will be subject to the same testing procedure. Will they be refused upon install? (that would be progress)

    Besides logo testing has been very lame with MS in the past.

    I use Promise UATA cards in many of the computers I build, and when I install the latest driver from Promise, which has the Windows ‘seal of approval’ Windows still asks, are you sure you want to install this? It DOESN’T have the ‘SOA” – but by looking, and checking with both Promise and MS the driver is indeed approved – yet Windows still balks. This is one of about 5 drivers I know of like this. It is not as if no one knows who Promise is, and certainly many use their products, as they have been included OEM in Dell, Gateway, and H-P computers at one time or another.

    This is an example of the right hand of MS not knowing what the left is doing – and when introduced, they refuse to acknowledge each other!

    (Microsoft needs to spend more time getting the word from one dept. to another)

  • http://wp3.lockergnome.com/nexus/blade/ Ron Schenone

    Hi Marc,
    This is why I placed a ? mark in the title. This may be more wishful thinking. :-)

  • Anonymous

    So you’re saying it’s a bad idea to ask her if she has a Yelp page?

  • http://askaaronlee.com Aaron Lee

    Guess that means no poking on first dates too. Darn!

    • http://chris.pirillo.com/ Chris Pirillo

      All bets are off with you, dude. :)

  • http://punditcommentator.blogspot.com Pundit Commentator

    This is why, when I did have a Facebook account, I refused to ever acknowledge my personal life on it.