The Beast: Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack 1.0

[G.F.]

Dear geeks,
I tried to remove Windows Media Player 11 in this way:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-xp/products/windows-media-player/11/readme

When I started the uninstalling of "Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework
Feature Pack 1.0" I read that such operation could compromise some programs.
The list of programs at risk appeared and I realized that ALL the programs
could be damaged.
Is it possible?
What kind of monster is "Microsoft User-Mode Driver Framework Feature Pack
1.0"?

GF

[JJ]

It's similar like runtime libraries such as those MFC and MSVCRT DLL files,
but this one is for drivers. These drivers are commonly used for accessing
portable devices like video/audio players including digital cameras or
camcoders. But not all devices require it (depend on the manufacturer).

Uninstalling it would make those programs no longer be able to access
portable devices. Programs that use their own drivers to access portable
devices are not affected.

[Paul]

Judging by the slide set here:

http://download.microsoft.com/download/5/b/9/5b97017b-e28a-4bae-ba48-174cf47d23cd/DEV095_WH06.ppt

it's used for driver models for later OSes. Having
a KMDF or UMDF package for WinXP, is so a developer
only has to develop a driver for a later OS, and then
it'll run on WinXP. That's what it sounds like. The
side-effects then, of removing UMDF, would really
depend on how many devices use that. You'd probably
have to be buying lots of new hardware, to run into
a problem.

Paul