T 4.73 Impaired software functionality due to compatibility problems with Windows Vista and Windows 7

Software that could be operated successfully on previous versions of an operating system will not necessarily work with the current version of the operating system. Possible causes for such incompatibilities include new security features or operating system properties. As a result, use of the software may be limited or completely impossible. This can apply to existing software and to software just purchased.

According to Microsoft, the new security features in Windows Vista and Windows 7 may cause compatibility problems when activated. The new features include the following:

• User Account Control (UAC, User Account Control), which is a new feature in Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Kernel PatchGuard or Patch Protection, which can only be run on 64-bit versions of Microsoft Vista and Windows 7 and on previous 64-bit Windows versions
  
  - Redirection of the system paths and registry keys in the WoW64 32-bit mode (Windows-On-Windows 64-bit) of the 64-bit Windows versions
• Windows Resource Protection (WRP), which is a new feature in Windows Vista and Windows 7
  -The protected mode of the Internet Explorer, which is a new feature in Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Necessity signed driver for the 64-bit version of Windows Vista and Windows 7
• Outdated objects frequently used by Windows XP-compatible software do no longer exist. The same applies to GINA and so-called Session 0 processes

Examples:

• User Account Control (UAC)
  
  The User Account Control can affect and prevent the execution of login scripts based on group policies. The deployment and correct execution of GPO-based login scripts must be examined on a case-by-case basis on computers running Windows Vista and Windows 7. The user must possess the user rights needed to execute the scripts.
• Windows Vista and Windows 7 Kernel Patch Protection
  
  Kernel Patch Protection is intended to prevent unauthorised changes to the kernel by programs (the term "patch" refers to patch corrections). When Kernel Patch Protection is used, programs can only communicate with Kernel components over special Windows Vista and Windows 7 programming interfaces (i.e. the Application Programming Interface, API).
  
  Kernel Patch Protection is only available for the 64-bit versions and is not available for the 32-bit versions of Windows Vista and Windows 7; it cannot be deactivated.
  
  Experience has shown that programs offered by third-party providers, especially virus protection programs, are not always compatible with Kernel Patch Protection.
  
  The results of such incompatibilities can include completely disabling or restricting virus protection on the IT system.
• Fingerprint readers, VPN solutions and protective software no longer work correctly if they use old GINA modules or address old function calls of the IPv4 communication protocol.