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The WHQL & Logo Newsletter provides up to date information about WHQL hardware testing issues/submissions and the "Designed for Windows" logo program. Did you get this newsletter from a friend? Subscribe to the WHQL newsletter.
Windows Vista Capable Legal Agreement Now Available for Review and Acceptance
Amendment #1 to the Designed for Windows Logo License Agreement (Amendment) is now available for download here. The Amendment is provided to update and clarify specific portions of Exhibits 1 and 2 to the Designed for Windows Logo License Agreement (DFWLLA 8.x) and must be signed to use the Designed for Windows XP/Windows Vista Capable logo. The Amendment cannot be accepted online. Printed and signed Amendments must be returned to the following address prior to distribution of any systems bearing the Windows Vista Capable logo:
Microsoft Corporation
One Microsoft Way
Redmond, WA 98052-6399
USA
Attention: hwlogo@microsoft.com
Windows Logo Program (Hardware)
Fax: (425) 706-7329
With copy to:
Law & Corporate Affairs, Trademarks
Fax: (425) 706-4112
Note: Only users with the Sign Master Legal Agreements permission can accept legal agreements for their organization.
New Digital Signature Requirements for Windows Vista
For both consumer and enterprise users of Windows around the world, protecting personal and corporate data remains a top concern. Digital signatures help ensure security on computer systems, because they allow administrators or end users who are installing Windows-based software to know whether a legitimate publisher has provided the software package.
To increase the safety and stability of the Microsoft Windows platform, beginning with Windows Vista:
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Users who are not administrators cannot install device drivers that don't have digital signatures.
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Drivers must be signed for devices that stream protected content.
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Unsigned kernel-mode software will not load and will not run on x64-based systems.
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To optimize the performance of driver verification at boot time, boot-driver binaries must have an embedded Publisher Identity Certificate (PIC) in addition to the signed .cat file for the package.
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The scope of this new policy is far reaching. We have a new paper on the WHDC web site that describes how to manage the signing process for kernel-mode code for Windows Vista, and how to sign a driver package by using tools provided in the Windows Driver Kit (WDK). Download and study:
Clarification On How to Submit Driver Symbol Files to Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual)
The WHQL Unclassified/Universal submission program currently requires symbol (free) files for all binary components. The symbol files are required to help debug issues that may arise with the driver. Upload the symbol files separately from the driver package. Follow the steps below when including symbol files in your submission package.
To prepare a submission for the Winqual site, put the driver package in one folder (for example c:\drivers) and put the symbol files in a separate folder (for example c:\symbols). Then, during the submission process on the Winqual site, on the Add Drivers page, use the following steps to upload the driver and symbol files.
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Select the operating system for the drivers
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Browse to, or type the path to the driver package, (for example c:\drivers), and click OK
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Click Include in Package, browse to, or type the path to the symbol file, (for example c:\symbols), click on OK
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WHQL Errata
No new Errata changes this week.
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