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How will I know if current applications will work?
If an application conflicts with DEP, you may see the following error message:
Data Execution Prevention – Microsoft Windows
To help protect your computer, Windows has closed this program.
Name: program name
Publisher: program publisher
To avoid this behavior, contact your program vendor to see if an update is available that enables
the program to work correctly with DEP.
What type of support will HP offer for application functionality with this new technology?
HP tests its images and deliverables for XD/NX compatibility, including:
• Shipping HP applications
• Operating system image
• Shipping peripheral drivers
• Popular applications and games
At this time, you can only test hardware-enforced DEP. There is currently no way to reliably test
software-enforced DEP. HP encourages you to perform your own validation if you plan to use
your own image or proprietary software.
What does it mean when XD/NX is disabled, but the DEP is set for Optin?
The processor does not support XD/NX, therefore software-enforced DEP is used to protect
against buffer overflows. Software-enforced DEP provides weaker protection than hardware-
enforced DEP.
What viruses was this technology developed to protect against?
XD/NX protects against viruses that exploit buffer overruns. Recent viruses that utilize this attack
method include:
• Sasser
• Blaster
• Code Red
• Welchia
Is this part of HP ProtectTools?
No.
Does XD/NX require the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) chip?
No. However, the Embedded Security Manager for ProtectTools does provide security features
that can provide additional PC security.
What is the minimum memory requirement for this functionality to work?
XD/NX requires 128 MB of RAM - the minimum memory requirement for Windows XP SP2.
