14 DAY TRIAL // It takes nothing more than a network connection and a network adapter to kill Windows Vista, according to Microsoft. The Redmond Company is tackling an issue where the installation of legacy network drivers results in an unresponsive operating system. Microsoft revealed that Windows Vista will be rendered into a state of unresponsiveness in a scenario where a user installs software that deploys legacy network drivers.
"This problem occurs because a thread holds the TdxDeviceList lock and sends a request to the critical queue. However, the critical queue is already full. Work items that are in this critical queue are waiting for the TdxDeviceList lock that is held by the thread," Microsoft revealed.
The simplest workaround for this type of issue is to completely disconnect the computer from the network. Users are advised either to disable the network adapter from the machine or to physically unplug the network cable. Following this action, the users should make the operating system respond again and remove the software or drivers that caused the problem.
However, a hotfix was also made available from Microsoft addressing this specific issue, but it is not offered for download. Vista users have to contact Microsoft Customer Support Services in order to obtain the hotfix. But only if the problem is urgent. Otherwise, Microsoft wants affected vista users to simply wait for the first service pack for the operating system that will be delivered by the end of 2007.
"A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft. However, it is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply it only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next service pack that contains this hotfix," Microsoft advised, emphasis added.