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A troubling problem with Windows Vista has recently surfaced. Specifically: simple driver updates that can cause the entire operating system to shut down. Essentially, Windows Vista will deactivate and require an entirely new activation code. Otherwise, users will be cast into the unpleasant realm of Reduced Functionality Mode, which means you can surf the web for 20 minutes, but not much else.

The problem stems from Windows Vista’s activation process and Volume Activation 2.0. When the machine is first activated, Windows creates a list of the installed hardware, but does not gather the information from hardware IDs. Instead, it relies on hardware information offered by the device drivers themselves.

Any changes to the list are assigned value judgments based on the complexity of the change. A new processor counts as much more significant than installing more memory. Once a preordained threshold is passed, Windows deactivates. At this point, a new activation request is created, and you’re on the phone with Microsoft.

The problem with this is that because Vista compiles the initial list of hardware from drive information and not from hardware IDs, a change or update to driver models can now register with Windows Vista as a physical hardware change. Too Many Hardware Changes Registered=Reduced Functionality Mode of Death. A failsafe that was supposed to protect Microsoft from its more nefarious fans installing its property upon multiple PCs (That’s piracy, people.) has instead created a significant headache for honest users. Not all driver updates are going to cause this snafu, but it’s something you should be aware of and look out for.

Categories: Odd & Strange, Windows Vista
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