Device Drivers and Installation for Audio Components
This section summarizes requirements for device drivers for audio. The items in this section are required for all PC 97 systems.
26. Device driver and installation meet Windows and Windows NT standards
The manufacturer does not need to supply a driver if a standard driver provided with the operating system can be used. If the manufacturer supplies drivers, the requirements include the following:
- All devices and drivers must pass testing by Microsoft WHQL.
- All configuration settings are stored in the registry.
- The correct minidriver, VxD, and any other manufacturer-supplied files specified in the device's INF must be installed in the correct locations.
- Driver installation and removal use Windows-based methods as defined in the Windows 95 and Windows NT DDKs.
- Driver files provided by the vendor must not use the same file names as used by files included in Microsoft operating systems, unless specifically agreed with Microsoft.
- Only 32-bit protected-mode components are installed. No real-mode or 16-bit protected-mode components are provided in order to operate under Windows.
- Driver supports Plug and Play IRPs (for WDM drivers) or messages (for VxDs).
- If support using WDM drivers is provided in the operating system, the driver supplied by the manufacturer must be a WDM driver.
For complete details about standard installation requirements for drivers, see "Basic PC 97" in Part 2 of this guide.
27. Applications provided with device meet Windows standards
Any Windows-based applications provided with the device must meet Microsoft requirements for software compatibility as indicated by the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" logo.