"We've determined this problem occurs on AMD-based machines with Windows XP images that were originally captured by an OEM on an Intel-based machine," said Microsoft in an anonymous post to its Micrososft Update team's blog . "The problem is a registry value, present on images created with Intel processors, that causes a driver (intelppm.sys) to load at boot. When intelppm.sys attempts to load on an AMD-based system upon the install of SP3, it causes a blue screen and the continuous reboot."

According to Johansson, there appears to be two separate problems. One affects only AMD-equipped PCs sold by Hewlett-Packard. "The problem is that HP, apparently along with other OEMs, deploys the same image to Intel-based computers that they do to AMD-based computers," said Johansson. "Because the image for both Intel and AMD is the same all have the intelppm.sys driver installed and running. That driver provides power management on Intel-based computers. On an AMD-based computer, amdk8.sys provides the same functionality. "

Microsoft’s New Operating System Paired with AMD Processors Provides a Solid Business Foundation with Better Investment Protection, Low Energy Usage and Unmatched Performance

SUNNYVALE, Calif. SUNNYVALE, Calif.--AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced it has worked closely with Microsoft throughout the Windows Server® 2008 development process, to deliver the ultimate server solution. Through their strong partnership, both companies have optimized their respective hardware and software technologies to work together to address the demands of today’s global digital economy and meet the computing requirements of businesses of all sizes.

AMD Opteronâ„¢ processors were designed with 64-bit computing in mind and in combination with Windows Server 2008 they deliver a powerful platform for running business solutions that can maximize productivity and profitability. Customers using AMD Opteron processors, including Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors, and Windows Server 2008 can experience unparalleled performance, energy efficiency and investment protection, further pushing virtualization, web serving, and business intelligence capabilities into the mainstream.

“We congratulate Microsoft on the release of the next generation Windows Server operating system,” said Randy Allen, corporate vice president, Server and Workstation Division, AMD. “At AMD, we believe the ultimate server solution begins with the ultimate collaboration. Windows Server 2008 with Microsoft’s hypervisor-based server virtualization technology (Hyper-V) will leverage the industry-leading performance of the AMD Opteron processor to deliver the level of support needed to fuel tomorrow’s business innovation. Additionally, Microsoft and AMD’s robust product architectures allow customers to scale with ease, while providing unmatched performance, a reduced overall cost of ownership and a flexible infrastructure that can evolve as their organization grows.”

In 2002, AMD and Microsoft began a collaboration to bring the benefits of 64-bit computing to the x86 computing market. Today, this strong technology partnership continues and is driving innovations that are helping customers run more efficient and cost-effective businesses. Since AMD is a trusted technology partner to Microsoft, AMD technology-based platforms are used as development and test systems throughout Microsoft’s product development cycle. By leveraging the power of an AMD-Microsoft optimized solution such as Windows Server 2008, customers can take advantage of balanced, scalable solutions that are easy to manage and operate in today's demanding business environment.

“Our customers are excited about the vibrant ecosystem that has developed around Windows Server 2008, SQL Server 2008 and Visual Studio 2008,” said Bob Muglia, senior vice president of the Server and Tools Business at Microsoft Corp. “The combined power of Windows Server 2008 and AMD Opteron processors will help customers achieve flexible, reliable and powerful technology solutions.”

AMD and Microsoft customer Nivio is an example of a growing, innovative start-up business that is leveraging the two companies’ technologies to deliver the desktop experience as a service to almost anyone with an Internet-enabled device, anywhere in the world.

I spent most of my time testing Windows Server 2008 Enterprise on an eight-core, two-socket AMD Barcelona reference server. When you align the features of the Barcelona architecture with Windows Server 2008's capabilities, you come away with the impression that AMD designed its CPU with Windows Server 2008 in mind. Having talked with Barcelona's architects, I'll bend nondisclosure just enough to say that to call Barcelona a Windows Server 2008 hardware architecture is not far-fetched.