[tomek@vz]

Fyi....

Microsoft has traditionally maintained strong backward compatibility with older hardware and software. However, the company is now working to phase out as many legacy drivers as possible in an effort to streamline the Windows Update process and reduce its overall complexity.
According to a recent post addressing partners in the Windows Hardware Program, Microsoft is working to remove legacy drivers from the Windows Update system. The company says the goal is to reduce security and compatibility risks, which is why it is now embarking on this "strategic" initiative – though it will make backward compatibility within the Windows ecosystem significantly worse than before.

> Techspot