Windows Vista Annoyances

Driver Signing

Every now and then, when you try to install the software for one new gadget or another, you’ll see a warning box that says, “Windows can’t verify the publisher of this driver software.”

It’s not really as scary as it sounds. It’s just telling you that Microsoft has not tested this driver for Windows Vista compatibility and programming solidity. (Technically speaking, Microsoft has not put its digital signature on that driver; it’s an unsigned driver.)

Note

In very rare circumstances, you may also see messages that say, “This driver software has been altered” or “Windows cannot install this driver software.” In those cases, go directly to the hardware maker’s Web site to download the official driver software; Windows is trying to warn you that hackers may have gotten their hands on the driver version you’re trying to install.

In theory, you’re supposed to drop everything and contact the manufacturer or its Web site to find out if a Vista-certified driver is now available.

In practice, just because a driver isn’t signed doesn’t mean it’s no good; it may be that the manufacturer simply didn’t pony up the testing fee required by Microsoft’s Windows Hardware Quality Labs. After all, sometimes checking with the manufacturer isn’t even possible—for example, it may have gone to that great dot-com in the sky.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTION: Driver vs. Driver

Which is better: the drivers that come with Windows, or the drivers I’ve downloaded from the manufacturer’s Web site?

In many cases, ...