After updating my modem drivers, windows update prompts me with this:
=========
Archtek Telecom Corporation - Modems - 56Kbps Internal Modem
Date last published: 5/15/2004
Download size: 2.2 MB
Smart Link (www.smlink.com) modem software update released on November 29
2001.
System Requirements
Recommended CPU: Not specified.
Recommended memory: Not specified.
Recommended hard disk space: Not specified.
http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/
==========
but installing this "update" downgrades my drivers. After upgrading them
again I am prompted to install this "update".

I can always hide this update, but I think this is a problem since it
shouldn't be prompting to replace newer drivers with older ones.

How do I alert the right people that this needs to be fixed?

AS wrote:

> After updating my modem drivers, windows update prompts me with this:
> =========
> Archtek Telecom Corporation - Modems - 56Kbps Internal Modem
> Date last published: 5/15/2004
> Download size: 2.2 MB
> Smart Link (www.smlink.com) modem software update released on November 29
> 2001.
> System Requirements
> Recommended CPU: Not specified.
> Recommended memory: Not specified.
> Recommended hard disk space: Not specified.
> http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/
> ==========
> but installing this "update" downgrades my drivers. After upgrading them
> again I am prompted to install this "update".
>
> I can always hide this update, but I think this is a problem since it
> shouldn't be prompting to replace newer drivers with older ones.
>
> How do I alert the right people that this needs to be fixed?

What is there to fix? The "older" version seems to carry
the Windows certification or signature whereas the "newer"
version does not. If the system is working properly, then
ignore the advice from Windows Update. In general, drivers
from the device maker's site are more reliable and current
than similar versions offered through Windws Update.