In the February 2014 HCK for Windows 8.1 QFE, these changes are made to the System – Sleep and PNP (disable and enable) with IO Before and After test:

- We also released filter 4706 to remove the need to plug in a MUTT device.

  • The test run time is reduced by a factor of four.

These changes address the feedback we received about the test after we shipped Windows 8.1 HCK.

Existing filters & contingencies

As a result of reducing the test difficulty, all existing blanket errata filters and contingencies granted for this test will expire on March 31, 2014. Specifically, these filters (along with any blanket contingencies that were given) will expire on March 31, 2014:

  • 4663  System - Sleep and PNP (disable and enable) with IO Before and After (Certification) to be waived while investigation is underway.
  • 4664  System - Sleep and PNP (disable and enable) with IO Before and After (Certification) to be waived while investigation is underway - waiver for when logs are not generated.

Summary of changes

Driver verifier settings changes

Because of the driver verifier settings changes that we’ve made, you’ll notice a reduction in stress on the system when the test runs. This has been the case since the release of QFE 003.

Device configuration requirement change

We encourage you to plug in an optional MUTT/SuperMUTT device when running the test. We have released filter 4706 to filter out errors that occur because there is no MUTT device plugged in.

Recommendations

  • We recommend that you run the test with QFE 006 changes and report any test or operating system bugs to us.
  • The 0xC4 bug ensures that the test reports are legitimate WLAN driver bugs that must be fixed. Follow up with your IHV on any 0xC4 bug checks found. This can be done before or after certification. The IHV will need a copy of the .dmp file generated. If you need help with the investigation of these bug checks, you can contact driverqualitytools@microsoft.com. 
  • Running the test with the MUTT/SuperMUTT device helps you find bugs in the USB controller and/or other devices enumerated on the USB bus (like webcams). So we strongly recommend that you run the test with the MUTT device connected. Simply connect the MUTT before starting the test and follow up on any issues that you find.