Device driver updates causing Vista to deactivate
After weeks of gruelling troubleshooting, I've finally had it confirmed by Microsoft Australia and USA -- something as small as swapping the video card or updating a device driver can trigger a total Vista deactivation.
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24.10.2007 Zune Device Diagnostic Tool
The Zune Device Diagnostic Tool compiles data to help Product Support Services diagnose Zune USB and wireless sync connection problems.
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20.12.2007 Microsoft Teasing New Game Device?
A new viral Web site at notfornoobs.com has launched that appears to tease an upcoming game-related device by Microsoft and hardware manufacturer Razer.
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21.8.2006 Portable Xbox Device is Coming
It's just a matter of time before a mobile Xbox device becomes available. That's the word from Microsoft corporate vice president Shane Kim, who dropped the bombshell in an interview with game-enthusiast site Kikizo.
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21.7.2009 Microsoft Zune Picture - Zune In The Wild!
The reason the shot is in black and white is because Microsoft assigned a unique color scheme to every Zune prototype in existence right now—all 150 of them—so any leaks could be traced to the employee who leaked it.
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16.8.2006 Zune 3.1 released, Zune now cheaper than iPod
Microsoft has released firmware version 3.1 for all models of their Zune MP3 players.
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18.11.2008 Windows Mobile Device Center reaches RTM
Windows Mobile Device Center has finally reached RTM. In a statement on the Windows Vista Team Blog, the release of the final version was announced.
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4.2.2007 Microsoft Tells Device Makers, We'll Foot Your Legal Bills
Microsoft said Sunday that its long-awaited push e-mail capability for mobile devices is finally headed into the market.
Although Microsoft is offering push e-mail abilities later than some mobile specialists, such as Research In Motion and Good Technology, the company says the numbers are still on its side. Although there are a billion mobile phones and 400 million Outlook e-mail users worldwide, only about 10 million people are getting their corporate e-mail delivered to their phones.
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13.2.2006 Ballmer: Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager
Steve Largent, CEO of CTIA notes… 243 million wireless subs in U.S. 1 billion texts per day here comes Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer…
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23.10.2007 Gates to show off multitouch wall device at CEO Summit
Gates will demo TouchWall, which could be used by business people to give presentations, and talk about his ideas for the future of user interface technology.
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14.5.2008 The Vista driver outlook gets a little brighter
’ve been watching for the past six months as PC hardware makers deliver updated drivers to make their products work with Windows Vista. Lately, the trickle has turned into a steady stream.
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8.7.2007 Driver Magician Lite 3.31
Driver Magician Lite is freeware, it identifies all the hardware in the system, extracts their associated drivers from the hard disk and backs them up to a location of your choice.
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11.10.2007 Windows Vista Display Driver Model
The Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) is a new display driver architecture supported in Windows Vista. This display architecture is an overhaul of the Windows XP-based display architecture and gives users a better performing, more reliable desktop experience, while supporting new scenarios, graphics, and applications.
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2.8.2006 Vista SP1 Has Driver Compatibility Problems? Do Tell!
Ever since February 4, 2008, the day Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 were released to manufacturing, Microsoft made a move indicating that it was not entirely comfortable to release Vista SP1.
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4.3.2008 Zune HD will be the only Zune standing
Paul Thurrott has confirmed that the Zune HD will be the only Zune left once the touchscreen media player launches in two weeks, as it is clearly shown in my masterpiece made in MS Paint below.
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2.9.2009 Driver Magic - Automatically updates your computers drivers
Automatically updates your computers drivers quickly and easily.
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4.7.2007 Vista SP2: Windows Driver Model Upgrade
Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista extends the operating system's support for drivers that play nice with all Windows operating systems.
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28.12.2008 Xinput Driver for Microsoft Common Controller (64 Bit)
The Microsoft Common Controller Driver is a new game input standard that is used for both the Xbox360 console and for Windows XP SP1 and above.
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6.5.2006 ATI driver flaw exposes Vista kernel to attackers
An unpatched flaw in an ATI driver was at the center of the mysterious Purple Pill proof-of-concept tool that exposed a way to maliciously tamper with the Windows Vista kernel. Thanks to pacpis for this news.
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12.8.2007 Windows Driver Kit RTM Build 6000.16386 Available on Connect
UPDATED! Microsoft have made the final version of the Windows Driver Kit available on Connect under the
Microsoft Windows Driver Kit Beta Program.
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5.11.2006 Intel Centrino Wireless Driver Malformed Frame Remote Code Execution
Security vulnerabilities exist in the Microsoft* Windows* drivers for the Intel® 2200BG and 2915ABG PRO/Wireless Network Connection Hardware because of the way that they currently handle certain frames.
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7.8.2006 Windows Driver Kit Beta release hints at upcoming Vista SP1
Thanks to pacpis for this post. One of our members received the following e-mail earlier today from the WDK team:
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18.7.2007 Windows Mobile Device Center Beta 3 for Windows Vista Out
The Microsoft Windows Mobile Device Center Beta enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with any Windows Mobile 2003 or Windows Mobile 5.0 powered device.
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8.10.2006 Windows Mobile Device Center 6.1 for Windows Vista
The Windows Mobile Device Center enables you to set up new partnerships, synchronize content and manage music, pictures and video with Windows Mobile powered devices (Windows Mobile 2003 or later).
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7.6.2007 exFAT DRIVER for Windows XP and Windows Server 2003
Microsoft has released an update for Windows XP SP2 and SP3 system that adds exFAT file system drivers to the operating system.
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6.2.2009 Zune pics
Marking the next big milestone for its Connected Entertainment vision, Microsoft Corp. today unveiled details of the first products to be released under its Zune™ brand.
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15.9.2006 Hands On The Zune
Today, I had an opportunity to listen to a few songs and a radio station on the Zune here at the Microsoft Campus in Seattle.
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22.10.2006 Zune: Welcome to the Social
As Microsoft launches Zune this week, the goal is not to manufacture another digital music player but to create a shared, social experience that will be shaped by the collective imagination of consumers and will inspire discovery of new music and artists.
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14.11.2006 Zune Reviews: It's OK, But No iPod
When the Zune arrives next Tuesday, Microsoft was hoping to make a big splash. However, it won't be getting any help from the technology media, which have for the most part passed over the so-called "iPod killer" in lackluster reviews.
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12.11.2006 Microsoft didn't create Zune
The person who actually created the “Zune” name is getting no credit at all. Zune is on everyone's lips these days, be it in a context of criticism or...
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22.11.2006Zune HD to remain US only, for now
Microsoft has gone on record saying that the Zune HD will remain a US device only. This means that if you are anywhere outside of the US then you
will not see the Zune HD for some time as Microsoft may be testing the markets. "For the time being the Zune HD device will remain US only. Right
now we are focused on deploying an exciting service in the form of Zune Video to 18 markets. We are looking at potential future hardware experiences
for these markets, but do not have anything to announce right now" The Zune HD, which launches on September 15th, will be a serious competitor to
the iPod touch.
Read full story.....
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11.09.2009Zune Device Diagnostic Tool
The Zune Device Diagnostic Tool compiles data to help Product Support Services diagnose Zune USB and wireless sync connection problems.
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20.12.2007Zune Updates Coming November 13
Microsoft is preparing users of its Zune music player for the much-hyped upgrade to both the Zune device and desktop software...
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07.11.2007Zune 2: An intimate conversation with the Zune team
Cesar Menendez, a Microsoft employee working on Zune, had some interesting things to note when Channel 10 interviewed him. It turns out that the newly
released Zune 4 ($150), Zune 8 ($200) and Zune 80 ($250), the names of which you may have guessed correspond to the device capacity in GB,
aren't the only part of the Zune experience that received a revamp. The Zune software and the Zune Marketplace have been recoded from the ground up.
Cesar also throws out a statistic: the Zune Marketplace now has 3 million tracks available, 1 million of which are DRM-free.
Read full story.....
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05.10.2007How to identify a buggy device driver on Windows Vista
If your computer is acting unpredictably, locking up, and encountering blue screens of death, then youre most likely the victim of a faulty driver.
The Driver Verifier Manager (DFV) is a great tool for troubleshooting driver problems by identifying the troubling driver. Although DFV does not
actually fix the driver, it still is a really useful tool because it helps you identify the troubling driver so you can choose to delete or update the
driver.
Before you attempt to use this tool, please be sure that your are really having driver problems. The tool will prevent
your computer from starting by identifying the troubling driver. I say this only because it may be a lengthy process for you but if you are
having troubles, it will definitely be worth it.
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18.02.2008Microsoft Aims for Apple with Zune
Microsoft launched its highly
anticipated Zune portable
device on Tuesday, saying the
goal was not to create another
digital music player but a
whole new experience
altogether. The device is
available at 30,000 retailers
nationwide...
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14.11.2006Zune: software update Sep. 15 & Zune HD is only Zune left
Engadget spotted that Microsoft has confirmed the new Zune software update will be made available on September 15. In a newsletter to subscribers,
Microsoft notes "soon you'll be able to experience the all-new Zune software packed with exciting new features. Watch for the update on September
15 so you'll be ready to enjoy the full Zune experience." It's expected that the latest update will include more HD video options and an
apps marketplace. Zune HD applications were confirmed by a Microsoft official in late August. Earlier this week Microsoft company officials confirmed
that current Zune models, the Zune 8, 16 80, and 120, have all been discontinued and that the Zune HD will be the only Zune device manufactured.
Read full story.....
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04.09.2009Device driver updates causing Vista to deactivate
After weeks of gruelling troubleshooting, Ive finally had it confirmed by Microsoft Australia and USA -- something as small as swapping the video card
or updating a device driver can trigger a total Vista deactivation.
Put simply, your copy of Windows will stop working with very little
notice (three days) and your PC will go into "reduced functionality" mode, where you cant do anything but use the web browser for half an
hour. Youll then need to reapply to Microsoft to get a new activation code.
Read full story.....
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24.10.2007Microsoft job posting hints at Zune, Xbox, integration
Many have questioned why Microsoft hasn't integrated the Zune and the Xbox ever since the launch of the Zune. The two products are the staples of
Microsoft's hardware division and yet the two do not integrate well together. A posting for a new position at Microsoft states "User
Experience Designer" and goes into the details of "creative directors to propose innovative designs and content solutions for the Zune Device UI,
Zune Xbox and Zune PC Application." The job posting spells out that the Zune and Xbox will be key parts of the new position. Microsoft may finally
be doing what many have wanted, a Zune that seamlessly works with the Xbox 360 for music and video sharing.
Read full story.....
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21.12.2008Microsoft blames Zune outage on leap year
Microsoft is blaming the global break down of 30 gigabyte Zunes on the way the music player handles a leap year.
According to a
message left by Microsoft's Matt Akers on the Zune support forum, "there is a bug
in the internal clock driver causing the 30GB device to improperly handle the last day of a leap year."
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01.01.2009Microsoft readies Zune Firmware Update 2.3
The Microsoft Zune team plans to soon release firmware version 2.3 for the portable multimedia device. The download link isn’t up yet, but
I’ll be updating this newspost when it does go up. The update is not a major one, meaning no new features will be added. It does, however,
address a battery issue that a minor amount of Zune 30 and Zune 80 users have been experiencing. More specifically, the problem occurs when users
suspend their Zune hard drives by holding down the play/pause button – in some cases the battery continues to drain. The firmware update will
also reportedly improve device recognition as well as stability and reliability during syncing (both wirelessly and while connected to a PC).
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
18.12.2007Microsoft Matches iPod Price
for Zune
As first confirmed by BetaNews
earlier this month, Microsoft
said Thursday that it would
match the price of Apple's
30GB iPod, and lower the price
of its Zune portable music
device to $249.99 USD. Zune
goes on sale November 14...
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28.09.2006Zune team talks back
As the date changed over to the 31st of December 2008 thousands of 30gb Zune users were faced by an alarming revelation, not one of the devices would
turn on past the Zune logo screen. Since then panic has arisen in the official Zune support forums and on various fan sites. With little communication
from the Zune team other than a brief message alerting users to their knowledge of the problem and their intent to speedily fix it, many users were
left to worry about the future of their devices.
Well now all 30gb Zune users can breathe a sigh of relief as Matt Akers, a Zune team
member has posted an official statement about the problem on the Zune support forums. Thankfully the statement confirms that all malfunctioning
devices will return to normal operation by noon on the 1st of January. It has been outlined that the bug is in the clock driver built into the
device's hardware.
To view the statement and a FAQ from the team see the below link.
But what has this incident done for
the Zune's image? The device was met sceptically after a much hyped launch in 2006, is this one blow too many for Microsoft's troubled hardware
branch?
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01.01.2009Microsoft Launches Zune Web Site
In advance of the player's
official launch on November
14, Microsoft has taken the
wraps off its new Zune Web
site promoting the device,
along with a "Zune
Arts" site for users to
download and share background
images and short videos...
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02.11.2006Zune HD Specification sheet revealed, disappointment ensues
Microsoft has made available the specification sheet for the Zune HD, which explains the formats that the device can read and the approximated battery
life of the device. The battery life for listening to music seems adequate but the battery life for watching videos seems very low. The Zune HD will
be able to read the following video formats: "Windows Media Video (WMV) (.wmv) – Main and Simple Profile, CBR or VBR, up to 3.0 Mbps peak video
bit rate; 720 pixels x 480 pixels up to 30 frames per second (or 720 pixels x 576 pixels up to 25 frames per second). Zune software will transcode HD
WMV files at device sync.
Read full story.....
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14.08.2009MS Adds Vista Compatibility to Zune
Microsoft issued its second
firmware update for its Zune
music device, offering
stability and performance
improvements. In addition, a
version of the software was
released that is compatible
with Windows Vista...
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20.12.2006Interview with the Zune source
In May, after months of anticipation and rumors, Microsoft finally confirmed the existence of the Zune HD. The official confirmation was more or less
a "let's get this out of the way for E3" move. Microsoft wanted to be sure the Xbox 360 and its Natal controller would be the star of the show.
Like all journalists, I tend to be wary of news tips from people I don't know. Such was the case when I was contacted way back in March by
someone claiming to have inside info on upcoming Zune hardware. The tipster told me that the new Zune would be a full touch screen device.
Read full story.....
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25.06.2009Study: Zune Sales Slow But Steady
While Microsoft is adamant
that sales of its Zune player
are 'meeting expectations,'
data indicates that the device
failed to break into the top
10 in sales, and is competing
in the wrong market segment...
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05.01.2007Wireless Purchases and "Buy From FM" Coming to the Zune
Microsoft has announced that, beginning with a software update next week (beginning September 16th), all Microsoft Zune portable media players will be
given a software update that make it easier to discover and purchase music while on the go.
To make all purchases on the go possible,
Microsoft will be giving users access to the Zune Marketplace directly on their Zune devices using an available Wi-Fi connection. To help shoppers
find what they are looking for, they will be able to browse lists of top songs and new releases or use the on screen keyboard to find the music they
are looking for. Once a track is selected, it can be downloaded or streamed directly to the Zune device.
To further the ability of Zune
users to discover new music, the firmware update will also allow listeners to "Buy from FM". This feature utilizes the built in FM tuner and the
Radio Data Systems and RT+ feeds already available inside of FM signals to identify a song being played on the radio. Users can tag these songs and
then download or stream them directly to their Zune device. If no wireless signal is available, at the time, the tracks will be added to a queue and
will be downloaded once the device is connected to a computer or an available Wi-Fi hotspot.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
09.09.2008MS Pulled Zune Pricing at Last
Minute
BetaNews has learned that
pricing of the Zune device was
included in the orginal draft
of the Friday announcement,
but was pulled after Apple
lowered the price of the iPod.
An analyst has provided
creedence to these reports...
betanews.com -
19.09.2006
