Driver Signing Set to "Warn" During Windows 2000 Setup

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This article was previously published under Q216754

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SUMMARY

During Windows 2000 Setup, driver signing (code signing) is set to "warn" by default. NOTE: When you install a driver that replaces a file that is protected by WFP (Windows File Protection), it automatically changes the Driver signing policy to 'Warn' regardless of it's previous setting.

MORE INFORMATION

Driver signing is a process in which all drivers are "signed" by Microsoft to be known good drivers. Before a driver is installed, it is compared with a database to determine if it is signed. You can specify the following actions when a non-signed driver attempts to be installed:

Allow drivers to be installed (no prompt)
Warn when a non-signed driver is installed
Do not allow non-signed drivers to be installed

Since the default setting is to warn you before a non-signed driver is installed, a non-signed third-party driver can cause a prompt to be displayed during an unattended Setup. You cannot disable the prompt since its purpose is to prevent operating system instability. All manufacturers who provide Windows 2000 drivers are required to have their drivers signed.