MCSA/MCSE Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-270): Installing ...

Objective 3.5 Manage and Troubleshoot Drivers and Driver Signing
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Objective 3.5
Manage and Troubleshoot Drivers
and Driver Signing
Drivers enable Windows XP to communicate with hardware devices. Drivers act as part
of the operating system and, as a result, have the potential to cause Windows XP to fail
with a Stop error, also known as a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). This is the most disturbing
type of error Windows XP can display, and it causes any work that has not yet
been saved to be lost.
Most Stop errors are caused by problematic drivers. Although drivers act as part of the
operating system, they are usually written by the hardware vendors, not by Microsoft.
Hardware vendors might not use the same rigorous testing procedures as Microsoft
and, as a result, unhandled errors that cause Stop errors can occur. With the proper
skills, you can isolate the driver that is causing a problem and replace it with a more
compatible driver.
To reduce the number of driver problems, Microsoft offers driver signing. Microsoft
reviews and tests drivers written by hardware manufacturers to verify their stability. If
a driver proves to be stable, Microsoft signs the driver, and users can install it with minimal
risk. In fact, you might choose to block any unsigned drivers from being installed
in your organization to prevent unpredictable driver problems.
To successfully answer questions in this objective, you must know how to configure
and use Windows Update. You must be able to navigate to a specific hardware device
in Device Manager; view its properties; and update, roll back, and uninstall its driver.