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From the Editor
Debugging Drivers for Windows Vista: If you try to set up a kernel debugger on the latest builds of Microsoft Windows Vista, you will notice a major change. Depending on which build you have, the Boot.ini file is either missing from the build or the file is there but is ignored.
Windows Vista introduces a new boot loader architecture, a new firmware-independent boot configuration and storage system called Boot Configuration Data (BCD), and a new boot option editing tool--BCDEdit. These components are designed to load Windows more quickly and more securely. Since the December Community Technology Preview (CTP), Windows Vista uses BCD instead of Boot.ini. For information, see Boot Configuration Data (BCD) in the Platform SDK. The Windows Driver Kit (WDK) team gave us a sneak preview of the step-by-step details for configuring kernel debugging on a PC that is running Windows Vista, including BCD editing. For details, see Debugging Windows Vista in the Driver Tips on the WHDC Web site. To further help your driver development efforts, a new release of the Debugging Tools for Windows (version 6.6.3.5) is available now. Check the WHDC Web site for details about what has changed, and download both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. —Annie Pearson
for the WHDC team
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Driver Tip
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Most drivers never look at the actual data in the pages that are described by a memory descriptor list (MDL). But drivers that perform decryption or calculate checksums reference and use that data. Such drivers should always use a local buffer to manipulate the data. You can review the details in the new Driver Tip on WHDC: What Is Really in That MDL?
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Developer Previews and Downloads for Windows Vista
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Microsoft has released Windows Logo Program Requirements Suite, Version 3.0, Draft Revision 0.7. Three revision drafts are now available:
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Windows Vista Logo Program for Systems
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Windows Server code named "Longhorn" Logo Program for Systems
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Windows Logo Program Device Requirements for Windows Vista and Windows Server code named "Longhorn"
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Kernel patch protection in Windows Server 2003 SP1 and later versions of Windows for x64-based systems shields code and critical structures in the Windows kernel from modification by unknown code or data. This paper answers frequently asked questions about kernel patch protection in Windows.
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This paper describes how using the XPS Document technologies of Windows Vista supports and enhances document workflows and the document life cycle. It provides decision-makers and implementers with information about this new technology and how they can apply it to their business or product line. The paper also highlights opportunities for third parties to use these technologies to add value to their document processing and management products.
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Edition for  January 31, 2006 |
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Events
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RSA Conference
February 13-17, 2006
San Jose, CA |
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WinHEC 2006
May 23-26, 2006
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
Seattle, WA
Registration begins February 7, 2006 |
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