As you may have been aware having certain drivers installed on Vista will prevent Windows Vista SP1 from installing. Microsoft had not exactly been forthcoming on which drivers but has now made the list available to the public. The company listed the affected drivers in a support article. It consists of mostly audio and display drivers but there are warnings for fingerprint readers as well.

Audio drivers
Realtek AC’97
For x86-based computers: Alcxwdm.sys - version 6.0.1.6242 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Alcwdm64.sys - version 6.0.1.6242 or earlierSigmaTel
For x86-based computers: Sthda.sys - version 5.10.5762.0 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Sthda64.sys - version 5.10.5762.0 or earlierSigmaTel
For x86-based computers: Stwrt.sys - version 6.10.5511.0 or earlier For x64-based computers: Stwrt64.sys - version 6.10.5511.0 or earlierCreative Audigy
For x86-based and x64-based computers: Ctaud2k.sys - version 6.0.1.1242 or earlier
For x86-based computers: P17.sys – all versions (This was originally a Windows XP-based driver.)Conexant HD Audio
For x86-based computers: Chdart.sys - version 4.32.0.0 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Chdart64.sys - version 4.32.0.0 or earlierBiometric (Fingerprint) Sensors
AuthenTec Fingerprint Sensor with the Atswpdrv.sys driver file – version 7.7.1.7 or earlier
UPEK Fingerprint Sensor with the Tcusb.sys driver file – version 1.9.2.99 or earlierDisplay drivers
Intel Display
For x86-based computers: Igdkmd32.sys – versions between and including driver 7.14.10.1322 and 7.14.10.1403
For x64-based computers: Igdkmd64.sys – versions between and including driver 7.14.10.1322 and 7.14.10.1403Other drivers
Texas Instruments Smart Card Controller with the GTIPCI21.sys driver file – version 1.0.1.19 or earlier
Sierra Wireless AirCard 580 with the Watcher.exe application – version 3.4.0.9 or earlier (This application is located in the AirCard 580 Program Files folder.)
Symantec software driver for Symantec Endpoint Protection and for Symantec Network Access Control clients
For x86-based computers: Wgx.sys – versions 11.0.1000.1091 or earlier
For x64-based computers: Wgx64.sys – versions 11.0.1000.1091 or earlier
Additionally, users are warned against using vLite to strip features out of a Windows Vista installation and install using it. Microsoft says that could also prevent the installation of Windows Vista SP1. The previous support article lists possible causes and solutions.
Some companies, Symantec, for example are aware of the issues and have provided free updates to registered users.
March 19, 2008 By Jonathan Schlaffer
www.vista123.net, tweak and customize Windows Vista easily.
