Raymond Chen, a developer at Microsoft, provided an explanation of how the "death cart" was utilized to test and improve early versions of Windows by causing the Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) with USB devices.
The cart, resembling a mail cart, consisted of over 60 USB devices connected in a daisy-chain configuration. Each device had different types and functions, and when connected to a PC, it would trigger the BSoD.
Chen emphasized the significance of ensuring the reliability of USB technology, especially with its integration into Windows. The testing cart comprised three mice, four keyboards, printers, drives, and various other USB peripherals. To control the tests, a gaming steering wheel with USB connectivity was employed.
The cart was taken to the developer's workspace and linked to the target computer being tested. As a result, the PC would either immediately display a BSoD or encounter an error when the cart was accidentally connected and disconnected. Following these incidents, the developers focused on identifying and resolving the issues causing the computer failures.
Chen humorously remarked that after fixing one USB error, the system would inevitably crash due to a different cause the next time.
Additionally, he mentioned that the inspiration for the creation of the "death cart" came from a USB scanner failure during Bill Gates' presentation at Comdex.
Support us
Winaero greatly relies on your support. You can help the site keep bringing you interesting and useful content and software by using these options: