Window 7 Info: Hardware Support for Windows 7

Even though Windows 7 is essentially the evolution of Windows Vista, as the operating system is available in public Beta, users of the development milestone will inherently come across glitches, including hardware incompatibility problems. Furthermore, some Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 testers are bound to run into incompatibility issues even with Microsoft’s own hardware products, namely the peripherals that the company is building through its hardware division. However, the software giant already has software in place designed to make its hardware products play nice with Windows 7 Beta.

According to Microsoft, the Habu Laser Gaming Mouse and the Reclusa Gaming Keyboard do not have Beta software available for Windows 7 Beta. “Habu Laser Gaming Mouse will continue to have basic functionality without an additional software download. Reclusa Gaming Keyboard will continue to have basic functionality without an additional software download,” the company informed.

When it comes down to keyboards, the Windows 7 Beta testers will be able to access fresh Beta software releases, and will have to install IntelliType Pro 7.0 beta software in order to enjoy full, and not just basic, functionality for the hardware. Microsoft indicated that the Beta software will have to be installed separately for keyboards, even if the customers bought desktop sets.

“Microsoft is aware of the following known issues when using IntelliType Pro 7.0 beta with Windows 7 Beta:

- the magnifier feature might appear jittery when the lens is moved. When resizing the lens, the screen might flash black.
- complete device information might not be displayed in Devices and Printers in Windows 7 Beta.
- the Windows Live Call feature, which can be assigned to keyboard keys, might not start Windows Live Messenger.
- the My Favorites buttons might not start the assigned favorites immediately after assignment. WORKAROUND: Pressing the Legend (star) key might make the My Favorites key start the assigned application,” the software giant stated.

The Redmond company revealed that Microsoft mouse products would also require IntelliType Pro 7.0 beta in order to work seamlessly and with full functionality with Windows 7 Beta. Mouse products experience just the first couple of issues affecting the keyboards and noted above.

For Install LifeCam, Microsoft recommended that users install the software directly through the Setup program and not via drivers. Adjustments, including to Audio and Video settings for speakers, microphone and video can be tweaked via the Settings menu of the LifeCam Dashboard.

“Microsoft is aware of the following known issues when using the LifeCam beta software with the Windows 7 operating system beta.

- avermedia tuning cards may disrupt the video stream from your LifeCam.
- the Windows Live Messenger Call Button on the webcams does not work if Windows Live Messenger is already running.
- AMCap 2.0 does not work on Windows 7 Beta (AMCap 9.1 does work).
- the Post to Windows Live Spaces button does not work.
- the Audio and Video Tuning button in LifeCam does not work with Windows Live 9.0. Workaround: If you need to adjust your microphone or camera, use the Audio and Video setup in the Windows Live Messenger Tools menu,” Microsoft said.

LifeChat software with Windows 7 Beta can be brought up to full functionality by turning the headset off and then back on. This will resolve issues where the headsets no longer produce the ringing sound for calls, or no longer deliver music from Windows Media Player having debuted a call.

Beta software is also available for the SideWinder keyboard. Microsoft revealed that SideWinder is affected by the top three problems specific to the company’s keyboards, which are resolved via the installation of IntelliType Pro 7.0 beta software. SideWinder Mice and IntelliMouse Explorer 3.0 are also brought to full functionality with Beta software, resolving issues involving the magnifier and device info.

Although Microsoft is offering Beta software for both the Xbox 360 Wireless Controller for Windows and the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows, the company stated that it was not aware of any issues when it came down to the integration with Windows 7. For Wireless Notebook Presenter Mouse 8000 the company stated that IntelliPoint 7.0 beta software would bring full functionality of Windows 7 Beta.

At the same time, there are a range of hardware products that are not supported at all on Windows 7 Beta, including Fingerprint Readers, Presenter 3000, Remote Keyboard for Windows XP Media Center Edition and Remote Control and Receiver for the Media Center PC.

7 Beta is available for download here.

Download Microsoft hardware support Beta software for Windows 7 Beta: