Migrating a Windows Embedded CE Driver to Windows Embedded CE 6.0

1/6/2010

The Windows Embedded CE driver model has changed for Windows Embedded CE 6.0. In Windows CE 5.0 and earlier, drivers ran in the Device.exe process. In Windows Embedded CE 6.0, drivers run in the NK.exe process. Due to the updated driver model, Windows CE 5.0 and earlier compatible drivers should be modified in order to work properly with Windows Embedded CE 6.0. Stability and security are also extremely important for drivers, as an instable driver in Windows Embedded CE 6.0 can potentially cause the OS to fail.

In Windows Embedded CE 6.0, the kernel process receives the top 2 GB of virtual memory space, while the remaining 2 GB is allocated for all other processes. The virtual memory for each process is not available at all times. Instead, only the kernel process along with any current processes are accessible. For more information on the virtual memory layout for Windows Embedded CE 6.0, see Virtual Memory Layout: Windows CE 5.0 vs. Windows Embedded CE 6.0.

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Developing a Device Driver