Driver Maintenance: Getting Started

Updated: November 5, 2008

Microsoft Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) provides a wide set of services. System and device manufacturers, driver developers, and software vendors can use the Winqual services:

To qualify products for the Windows Logo Programs.

Winqual processes submissions from manufacturers who want to participate in the testing programs for Microsoft logo programs such as the Windows Logo Program for hardware. Manufacturers of qualifying products can license the Windows Logo for use on product packaging and marketing materials, reassuring customers that your products work well with the Windows platform.

To create and submit a package for the Windows Logo Program or for driver signing, follow the directions on the Winqual web site. Microsoft processes your submission and then provides a pass or fail test report.

To view Windows Error Reporting (WER) data - whether or not the product has the Windows Logo.

WER is a set of Windows technologies that capture crash data and support end-user reporting of crash information, creating a feedback loop for addressing user problems.

Through Winqual services, software and hardware vendors can analyze the data and respond to users who experience these problems.

To manage driver updates.

Windows Update is the online extension of Windows that helps keep the operating system and drivers up to date, providing a mechanism that you can use to reach your customers with updates, helping to reduce your support costs.

If your drivers receive digital signatures through the Windows Logo program, you can use Winqual services to manage distribution of drivers on Windows Update.

Winqual services provide a mechanism for manufacturers to submit marketing information about products for use in the the .NET Connected Directory.

General Winqual Resources
Microsoft Powerpoint (.ppt)How to Improve Driver Quality with WHQL/Winqual [WinHEC 2005; 1.2 MB]
Microsoft.comWinqual Help

Winqual Training Videos
Windows MultimediaUsing the Winqual Legal Agreement Center [Streaming media format]
Windows MultimediaUsing the Winqual Submission Tool [Streaming media format]
Windows MultimediaWinqual Device Submission Example [Streaming media format]
Windows MultimediaWinqual Failover Cluster Submission Example [Streaming media format]
Windows MultimediaWinqual System Submission Example [Streaming media format]
DownloadableUsing the Winqual Legal Agreement Center [8.3 MB zipped presentation in Windows Media format]
DownloadableUsing the Winqual Submission Tool [6.2 MB zipped presentation in Windows Media format]
DownloadableWinqual Device Submission Example [10.5 MB zipped presentation in Windows Media format]
DownloadableWinqual Failover Cluster Submission Example [18.5 MB zipped presentation in Windows Media format]
DownloadableWinqual System Submission Example [12.5 MB zipped presentation in Windows Media format]

Logo Program Submission Services
White PaperHow to Update Manufacturer Part Numbers for Logo Program Submissions
WHDC Portal/NodalProduct Maintenance: Getting Started
WHDC Portal/NodalQualification Service: Getting Started
Microsoft.comAbout Submissions for Microsoft Logo Programs
Microsoft.comCreating Submission Packages

Windows Error Reporting Services
Microsoft.comHow WER Works
Microsoft.comWindows Error Reporting Service

Windows Update Services
White PaperMicrosoft Update Driver Publishing
White PaperWindows Update and Driver Distribution Center Support for Windows Vista Customers
Microsoft.comDriver Distribution and Winqual
Microsoft.comMicrosoft Update and Winqual


Looking for help with your personal computer?