How to Use the Driver Verifier
Windows
Vista (and all versions of Windows since Windows 2000) include the
Driver Verifier (Verifier.exe). You can run either graphical or
command-line versions of the Driver Verifier. To run a command-line
version, open a command prompt, and then type Verifier.exe. To run the graphical version, click Start, type Verifier.exe, and then press Enter.
Driver
Verifier is useful for isolating a problematic driver that is causing a
Windows Vista computer to intermittently fail, because you can use the
tool to configure Windows Vista to actively test potentially
problematic drivers. Once driver verification has been configured for a
driver, Windows Vista puts additional stress on the driver during
normal operations by simulating conditions that include low memory and
verification of input/output (I/O). Enabling driver verification for a
problematic driver is highly likely to initiate a Stop error that
identifies the driver.
To use Driver
Verifier Manager to troubleshoot problems that might be related to a
driver, enable driver verification for all drivers that might
potentially be causing the problems. Restart the system, and then wait.
Driver verification happens in the background while the system performs
normal tasks, and might not yield immediate results. If a verified
driver returns an inappropriate response, driver verifier will initiate
a Stop error. If a Stop error has not occurred after several days, the
verified drivers might not be the source of the problem you are
troubleshooting. Once you have completed the troubleshooting process,
use Driver Verifier to delete the settings and disable driver
verification.
Note
Use
Driver Verifier only on non-production systems to identify a
problematic driver. Using Driver Verifier greatly increases the
likelihood of a Stop error occurring and decreases system performance. |
To verify unsigned drivers, follow these steps:
1. | Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
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2. | Click Create Standard Settings, and then click Next.
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3. | Click Automatically Select Unsigned Drivers, and then click Next.
As shown in Figure 2,
Driver Verifier Manager finds unsigned drivers, enables verification of
those drivers, and then displays the list of unsigned drivers.
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4. | |
5. | Click OK, and then restart the computer.
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To verify all drivers, follow these steps:
1. | Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
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2. | Click Create Standard Settings, and then click Next.
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3. | Click Automatically Select All Drivers Installed On This Computer, and then click Finish.
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4. | Click OK, and then restart the computer.
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To disable driver verification, follow these steps:
1. | Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
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2. | Click Delete Existing Settings, and then click Finish.
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3. | Click Yes.
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4. | Click OK, and then restart the computer.
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