Thanks go to C²zero from our Back Page News forum.
Microsoft have halted hardware driver support for users of Windows 98 and Windows NT in a bid to push users to the company's new operating systems.
The push also means that the latest hardware will not support PCs with operating systems as "old" as Windows 98 like the new line of ATI' recently launched Radeon 9000 and 9700 series of cards. These cards will not support Windows 98 through Microsoft, although ATI said those operating systems will still be supported through the Windows Me OS.
As can be seen from Microsoft's site :-
- Beginning 01 July 2002, at 12:01 A.M. PST, WHQL will no longer accept submissions for all hardware devices and systems for the following operating systems. This includes all submission types for all devices and systems.
- Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition (SE)
- Windows NT 4.0 Workstation
- Windows NT 4.0 Server
ATI go on to say "Users of Windows 98 and Windows 98 (SE) just simply need to use the WHQL certified Windows ME driver provided both on our shipping CD's and on our website. ATI also has an NT4 driver available for the RADEON 9000 and RADEON 9000 Pro which will be made available shortly. Furthermore users of those operating systems are still supported by ATI's customer care program and can still obtain technical support." 
News source: ExtremeTech
View: Windows Hardware Quality Labs announcement - 14th June 2002
