Using File Signature Verification

When installing new software on your computer, system files and device driver files are sometimes overwritten by unsigned or incompatible versions, causing system instability. The system files and device driver files provided with Windows XP have a Microsoft digital signature, which indicates that the files are original, unaltered system files or that they have been approved by Microsoft for use with Windows. Using File Signature Verification, you can identify unsigned files on your computer and view the following information about them:

  • The file's name

  • The file's location

  • The file's modification date

  • The file type

  • The file's version number

Open File Signature Verification

Note

  • To start File Signature Verification, click Start, click Run, type sigverif, and then click OK.