Lab 14.1: Modifying Driver Signing

Driver signing is a relatively new option designed to improve system stability. Microsoft introduced driver signing with Windows 2000. It controls the installation of new drivers; you can block, warn, or allow the installation of unsigned drivers. Unsigned drivers may have been tampered with or may cause system instability. To reduce problems, Windows 2000 and Windows XP automatically look for driver signing and then take the action you have selected. Signed drivers have been tested to verify compatibility and have not been modified by others.

Upon completion of this lab, you will be able to control driver signing.

Set Up

For this lab, you will need a computer running Windows 2000 or Windows XP.

Exercise

The driver signing options include Ignore, Warn, and Block. Blocking unsigned drivers gives you the most protection from incompatible or modified drivers. The warn option allows you to decide which drivers to install based on your opinion of the driver. You should take care when installing unsigned drivers. Ignore opens up your system to modified drivers and drivers that may cause your system to crash. This option will not check for driver signings.

1. Open Control Panel.

   In Windows 2000:

   Start Settings Control Panel

   In Windows XP:

   Start Control Panel

2. Open the System applet.

   In Windows 2000, double-click the System icon.

   In Windows XP:

   Performance and Maintenance System

3. In the Systems Properties window, click on the Hardware tab.

4. Click the Driver Signing button to open the Driver Signing window. Note the default Driver Signing option:

5. Close the Driver Signing windows and the System Properties window.