A description of the driver support in x64-based versions of Windows Server 2003 and in Windows XP Professional x64 Edition

x64-based versions of Microsoft Windows Server 2003 and Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition require 64-bit device drivers for hardware devices and peripherals. The requirement for 64-bit drivers applies to kernel mode components and to user mode components.

Drivers for devices such as printers, cameras, and scanners are typically user mode components and require 64-bit drivers. Additionally, the drivers that are included in Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 are not the same for x86-based and for x64-based versions of Windows. Therefore, devices where 32-bit Microsoft Windows Server 2003 drivers are available might not have 64-bit drivers available for x64-based versions of Windows.

Itanium-based 64-bit drivers are not compatible with x64-based versions of Windows because they are compiled specifically for the Itanium operating system. Drivers that are written for Itanium-based computers will not install correctly on x64-based versions of Windows.

To obtain device drivers that are not included on the installation CD for x64-based versions of Windows, use these methods in the following order:

• Method 1 On the Microsoft Windows Update Web site, search for a driver that is certified by the Windows Hardware Quality Labs (WHQL). To search for a WHQL-certified driver, click Start, click Windows Update, and then follow the instructions on the Windows Update Web site. Alternatively, you can visit the following Microsoft Web site:
  http://update.microsoft.com (http://update.microsoft.com)
• Method 2 Obtain a WHQL-certified driver from the device manufacturer's Web site. For information about how to search for a WHQL-certified driver on the device manufacturer's Web site, contact your device manufacturer.
• Method 3 Obtain a beta or non-WHQL-certified driver from the device manufacturer.
  
  Important We do not recommend drivers that are not WHQL-certified. Microsoft cannot guarantee the compatibility of device drivers that are not WHQL-certified.

Drivers that are not WHQL-certified are known as unsigned drivers. Drivers that are WHQL-certified are known as signed drivers.

Note It is the responsibility of the specific hardware or software vendor to make sure that programs and device drivers are compatible with x64-based versions of Windows.

For information about your hardware manufacturer, visit the following Web site:Important The driver and the driver Setup program must be 64-bit compatible.

If you experience problems when you try to install a 64-bit driver that is not included with 64-bit versions of Windows, make sure that the driver's .inf file is correctly decorated.
For more information about the device driver .inf file decoration requirements, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Technical support for Windows x64 editions

Your hardware manufacturer provides technical support and assistance for Microsoft Windows x64 editions. Your hardware manufacturer provides support because a Windows x64 edition was included with your hardware. Your hardware manufacturer might have customized the Windows x64 edition installation with unique components. Unique components might include specific device drivers or might include optional settings to maximize the performance of the hardware. Microsoft will provide reasonable-effort assistance if you need technical help with your Windows x64 edition. However, you might have to contact your manufacturer directly. Your manufacturer is best qualified to support the software that your manufacturer installed on the hardware.

For product information about Microsoft Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For product information about Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 editions, visit the following Microsoft Web site: