40. Test Mode Windows 7

Important Question! Can your PC Run Faster?

If the words Test Mode Windows 7 Build 7600  or a similar build number appear in the bottom right hand corner of your desktop  the chances are that the Driver Signing option in Windows 7 has been turned off.

Fig: 40-1 Test mode image, bottom right of desktop

Driver Signing prevents unauthorised drivers being installed on your system without your permission. Under normal circumstances if a driver is about to be installed and it does not have Microsoft certification Windows will put up a message informing you that the driver is not signed and that, should you install it, you do so at your own risk.

Not all drivers are malicious. The problem is Microsoft charge manufacturers a premium price for testing and certifying their drivers and, frankly, not many manufacturers are prepared to pay the cost.

If the Test Mode watermark does appear at the bottom right of your desktop then you can get rid of it by the method outlined below:

1. Click the Start button.
2. In the Start Menu Search box type: cmd
3. The Command Prompt application should now appear at the top of the Search list.
4. Right click on the Command prompt and, from the drop down menu Select Run as Administrator.


Fig: 40-2 Select 'Run As Administrator' option from menu

5. A User Account Control box will appear asking if you want to allow the program to make changes to your computer. Click Yes to continue.
6. The Command Prompt window should now open.
7. In the Command Prompt window type: bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING off and press Enter.


Fig: 40-3 Enter bcdedit -set TESTSIGNING off into Command Prompt Window

8. If the operation has been successful you should see The operation completed successfully.


Fig: 40-4 You should see The operation completed successfully if the command has been executed correctly

9. Re-start your computer for the changes to take effect.
10. After your PC has re-started the Test Mode Windows 7 build watermark will disappear.