Alpha of the Windows 7 Software Logo Toolkit is available for download via Microsoft Connect.
About the Program
The Windows 7 logo program aims to help customers make better purchase decisions by identifying products via the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo that have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability on Windows 7. For software publishers looking to build on Windows 7, the program provides partners not only increased visibility through marketing support but also unrivaled tools to help partners deliver products that they, and their end-users, can be confident will “just work” on Windows 7.
The new Windows 7 logo requirements have been designed in collaboration with industry partners and are continuously improved in response to industry developments and consumer demand. The logo toolkit targets specific, commonly identified application issues to help partners deliver a product compatible with Windows 7.
Getting Started
Steps for achieving the Windows 7 Software Logo
- Start early
Review the requirements and identify any code changes necessary to meet them. - Use the alpha self-test tool for verification
Download and install the latest release of the toolkit. Note the 64bit architecture and OS requirements in the readme.txt file. Run your application through the toolkit as explained in the overview to verify the application’s compliance against the requirements. - Make any code changes (if necessary) and retest
If any changes to the application are needed to comply with the requirements, make the necessary changes and retest with the toolkit to verify compliance. - Opt-in to receive email notifications
Microsoft will begin accepting Logo submissions with the release of the beta toolkit due out the end of May. We strongly encourage you to opt-in to receive email notifications when the toolkit is released and when the program opens for submissions.The following steps can be taken only after the beta toolkit is released: - Download the beta toolkit, test, and submit for the Logo
Once the beta toolkit is available, download, install, and test your application. Submit the passing results to Microsoft. - Sign the Software Logo License Agreement
Once passing results have been submitted, sign the license agreement at: http://winqual.microsoft.com. You can then download and begin to use the Logo artwork and will be eligible to receive all the available Logo benefits.
Business FAQ
| How much does the logo cost? | Microsoft does not charge for submitting for the software logo. However, as a pre-requisite for submitting for logo, a partner must have a Winqual account which requires a valid VeriSign certificate. |
| Why does Microsoft have this program? | The Windows® 7 logo program aims to help customers make better purchase decisions by identifying products via the “Compatible with Windows 7” logo that have passed Microsoft-designed tests for compatibility and reliability on Windows 7. |
| How does this program relate to other logo programs (like “Certified for Windows Vista”, “OEM Ready” and “Works With Windows Vista”, etc.)? | In Windows Vista, the software logo program was comprised of 2 tiers: the Certified for Windows Vista Logo (CFWV) and the Works With Windows Vista (WWWV) programs. In Windows 7, we are collapsing the program into a single logo that represents compatibility and reliability with Windows 7: the “Compatible With Windows 7” logo. The OEM Ready program is a non-logo program that applies specifically to applications pre-installed on Windows Vista-based PCs. |
| When can partners expect to receive the logo artwork so they can implement it in their packaging design? | The logo artwork will be made available to partners after they sign the Logo License Agreement after successfully submitting for the Windows 7 Software Logo beginning with the beta release of the toolkit. |
Technical FAQ
| Question | Answer |
| Will the Alpha install on a 32bit system? | No. The alpha release of the toolkit requires a 64bit processor and 64bit Windows 7 operating system |
| I get an error: “This installation package is not supported by this processor type. Contact your product vendor.” | The alpha toolkit requires a 64bit OS and processor architecture. You have tried to install on a 32bit system. |
| When can I begin submitting for the software logo? | Partners will be able to start submitting for the Windows 7 Software Logo beginning with the beta release of the software logo toolkit. |
| When will the beta toolkit be made available? | The beta release is currently targeted for late-May/early-June 2009. |
| When will the final release of the toolkit be made available? | The final release of the toolkit will be on or after the GA release of Windows 7. |
| How do I get help if I have problems running the software logo toolkit? | The alpha release of the logo toolkit is supported through the connect site. Use the feedback section for any bugs or questions. |
| What if I fail one or more tests? | Passing results and warning results allow you to receive the Windows 7 Logo. Anything marked as “FAILED” needs to be fixed, or have a valid waiver. |
| I am getting false positives on the Restart Manager test, why? | Restart manager tests can report false positives when run-once and auto-updater modules kick off on first run. Best to disable any run-once components while running the Alpha toolkit tests. |
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