How to Use Driver Verifier

Windows 7 (and all versions of Windows since Microsoft Windows 2000) includes the Driver Verifier (Verifier.exe). You can run either graphical or command-line versions of the Driver Verifier. To run a command-line version, open a command prompt and then type Verifier.exe. To run the graphical version, click Start, type Verifier.exe, and then press Enter.

Driver Verifier is useful for isolating a problematic driver that is causing a computer running Windows to intermittently fail, because you can use the tool to configure Windows to actively test potentially problematic drivers. After driver verification has been configured for a driver, Windows puts additional stress on the driver during normal operations by simulating conditions that include low memory and verification of I/O. Enabling driver verification for a problematic driver is highly likely to initiate a Stop error that identifies the driver.

To use Driver Verifier Manager to troubleshoot problems that might be related to a driver, enable driver verification for all drivers that might potentially be causing the problems. Restart the system and then wait. Driver verification happens in the background while the system performs normal tasks and might not yield immediate results. If a verified driver returns an inappropriate response, Driver Verifier will initiate a Stop error. If a Stop error has not occurred after several days, the verified drivers might not be the source of the problem you are troubleshooting. After you have completed the troubleshooting process, use Driver Verifier to delete the settings and disable driver verification.

Note Use Driver Verifier only on nonproduction systems to identify a problematic driver. Using Driver Verifier greatly increases the likelihood of a Stop error occurring and decreases system performance.

To verify unsigned drivers, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
2. Click Create Standard Settings and then click Next.
3. Click Automatically Select Unsigned Drivers and then click Next.
   Driver Verifier Manager finds unsigned drivers, enables verification of those drivers, and then displays the list of unsigned drivers.
4. Click Finish.
5. Click OK and then restart the computer.

To verify all drivers, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
2. Click Create Standard Settings and then click Next.
3. Click Automatically Select All Drivers Installed On This Computer and then click Finish.
4. Click OK and then restart the computer.

To disable driver verification, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, type Verifier, and then press Enter.
2. Click Delete Existing Settings and then click Finish.
3. Click Yes.
4. Click OK and then restart the computer.