Difference between WDM and non WDM drivers?

[blackpaladin]

I was searching for drivers for a C-media sound card and I found two versions, one has WDM in the file name and the other doesn't. Any difference betweem them??

 

[WobbleWobble]

 

[noxxic]

VxD and WDM? The former is an older driver model and works with older versions of Windows (95, 98?). I don't think WDM necessarily means it's certified by Microsoft.

 

[MrChad]

Originally posted by: WobbleWobble
Usually if there are 2 versions of the drivers, then the non-WDM one is usually newer.

WDM = Windows Driver Model which means it has been certified by Microsoft that the driver works properly in Windows.

But getting WDM cerification is expensive and a time consuming process, which is why many hardware manufacturers don't WDM certify their drivers.

There is generally nothing wrong with non-WDM certified drivers. It just means they haven't gone through Microsoft's vigorous testing process.

I think you are thinking of WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified vs. non-certified drivers.

 

[WobbleWobble]

Originally posted by: MrChad

I think you are thinking of WHQL (Windows Hardware Quality Labs) certified vs. non-certified drivers.

Oh my gosh! I must be on crack today! You're right, I was thinking WHQL. My mistake!