Application Compatibility: Quick Compatibility Check
Quick Compatibility Check
This topic provides guidance on how to test and evaluate the compatibility of an application on Windows Vista® or Windows Server® 2008. There are two primary scenarios to test for compatibility on Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, as follows.
Working with a Clean Installation of Windows Vista
Install Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 on a test machine.
Install the application on the test machine. If a prompt appears, requesting permission to install the application, click Permit and continue. If installation succeeds, go to step 6.
If the application installation failed and no installation permission prompt was displayed, then right-click the installer's executable file and choose Run this program as administrator and re-install the application. If the installation succeeds, go to step 6.
Note
This step is not necessary if an MSI is used to install.
If you receive any errors, such as OS version, CLSID registration, or file copy, right-click the installer's executable file, select the Compatibility tab, and select the Windows XP® SP2 compatibility mode.
Go back to step 2. If you cannot install the application, go to step 9.
The application should now be installed.
Launch the application. If the application did not launch properly or if errors are displayed, apply the Windows XP SP2 compatibility mode to the application's executable file and try again.
If the application launches successfully, run through the full suite of tests that you typically use to test the application on Windows XP. Verify the application's functionality and confirm that the application performs properly. If all major functionality tests pass, go to step 10.
If the application does not install, does not launch successfully, crashes, encounters an error, or fails major functionality tests, it might be one of the small set of applications that are affected by Windows Vista changes. Use the other topics in this document to check your application.
You have completed the scenario.
Working with an Upgrade from Windows XP Service Pack 2
Install Windows XP SP2 on a test machine and then install the application. Verify all the functionality of the application before proceeding.
Upgrade the test machine to Windows Vista. Follow the Windows Vista setup and upgrade instructions. Once the upgrade is complete, log on as you would on Windows XP.
Launch the application. If the application did not launch properly or if errors are displayed, apply the Windows XP SP2 compatibility mode to the application's executable file and try again.
If the application launches successfully, run through the full suite of tests that you typically use to test the application on Windows XP. Verify your application's functionality and confirm that the application performs properly. If all major functionality tests pass, go to step 6.
If the application does not install, does not launch successfully, crashes, encounters an error, or fails major functionality tests, it might be one of the small set of applications that are impacted by Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008changes. Use the topics in this document to check your application.
You have completed the scenario.
If both scenarios have been completed and the application has performed properly, then the application functions properly under Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. For information about obtaining certification for your application, see the Windows Vista Home Page.
Links to Other Resources
Windows Vista Readiness Virtual Lab
Five Ways to Ensure Your Application Will Be Compatible (PowerPoint)
Application compatibility tools
Windows Server 2008 Readiness Virtual Lab