Monday, 26 November 2012

Disabling Digitally Signed Drivers in Windows Vista


Microsoft designed their platforms in order to work in a very good manner and to create fewer problems to the users. That’s why they introduced the Digitally Signed drivers in Windows Vista. Third party drivers, most of them, cause problems in Windows platforms. Third party drivers sometimes causes Windows platform to show erratic behaviors. But the thing is that, not all the drivers cause that and the Third party driver limitation often irritates users. Since signed drivers for Windows are not available for all devices and hardware, relying on Third Party driver – unsigned ones – is the only option for many Windows platform users. The Redmond professionals have purposefully added an option for disabling digitally signed Driver check. Disabling Driver check and installing poor quality drivers can cause Vista Problems.

Digitally Signed Drivers
By default settings, the Windows Vista platform does not install device drivers that do not contain Microsoft’s digitally signed signature. This means that, if the driver is not signed or recognized by Microsoft, you can’t install it in Windows Vista with default settings. This feature helps the platform to protect users from installing malicious unsigned drivers and software. In some cases, there is always an exception and bypassing the driver check becomes necessary for adamant power PC users. To disable the driver check, here are some instructions.

Instructions

Disabling Digital Driver Signing Enforcement
1. Click on the Start button located on the left side of the Windows Taskbar. Navigate to Programs and then to Accessories in the Start Menu.
2. Right click on the Command prompt option and click Run as Administrator in the drop menu. As an alternative you can type CMD in the Run Text box and click on the OK button. Both the options will run the Command prompt.
3. In the Command prompt window, enter the following command: Bcdedit.exe /set nointegritychecks ON.
4. After entering the command press the Enter button. Now type EXIT and press enter or click on the close button to close the Command prompt window. Now restart your computer.
5. Now open the System and Maintenance option in the Control Panel.
6. Now open the Device Manager by clicking on the option in the left menu.
7. Check for the device, whose digitally signed driver you want to disable and right click on it. In the drop down menu click on properties.
8. In the Driver tab click on disable option.
You have now disabled the driver. But you should reinstate another driver or you will face other Vista problems due to this.

Thursday, 8 November 2012

Upgrading to Windows 8 – Things you should know


Windows platforms are the most used platforms in the software industry. Microsoft has never let down end users with their software line up. In the Windows platform string, Windows 8 is the latest one in spotlight. Microsoft released Windows 8 in the late autumn. Microsoft has packed their newborn operating system with an array of features, hoping to maintain their monopoly in the software market. The new Windows 8 is striking in appearance and brute in performance. Compared to the rats in market, Windows 8 is a great deal for the end users. With the New Windows 8 support provided by Microsoft, Computing is very easy for Windows 8 users.
Microsoft has never let down their customers in terms of support. They always provide upgrade for old Windows users to the new ones. Case is not any different with Windows 8. Microsoft has provided upgrade facility for Windows platforms from Windows XP to Windows 7. Upgrade option is available in 131 markets and costs around $39.99. The price mentioned here is standard US price and will vary in different markets around the globe. This price is very cheap compared to the upgrade option for Windows 7. Actually, they are providing this option to promote Windows 8 among the existing users. In my opinion, this is the best deal you can get for an operating system. This offer will expire on January 31, 2013 and can be purchased through the Microsoft Online Retail Website. The Market cost for the Windows 8 pro DVD is almost near $70 in the market. This price is low compared to the price of the previous platforms in Windows series.

What are my Options?

The different options for upgrade and installation for Windows 8 is given below:
Users can opt for clean install, for a fresh start with Windows 8.
Users who want to upgrade Windows XP to Windows 8 can only keep personal files unharmed in upgrade; else will be lost.
Windows Vista users can retain personal files and settings when upgraded to Windows 8.
All the programs, personal files and setting does not get affected in any manner, while upgrading to Windows 8.

Microsoft has their hopes in Windows 8. They have decided for a low upgrade price to attract more potential users. Microsoft has launched Windows 8 support in their official websites and lot of external agencies is expected to enter the market in short time.