Microsoft says Windows 7 certified applications must install cleanly, doesn’t take it’s own advice

Tomorrow we should be getting more details regarding Microsoft certified applications for Windows 7. They are releasing the Alpha version of the logo testing kit which helps developers to be compliant with Windows 7.

Just to qualify for the Windows 7 logo to be associated with the application it must adhere to the following standards:

Policies:

• Comply with Anti-Spyware Coalition Guidelines
  
• Do not modify Windows Resource Protections (WRP) protected resources
  
• Ensure ongoing quality
  

Technical Requirements:

• Clean, reversable installation
  
• Install to the correct folders by default
  
• Digitally sign files and drivers
  
• Support x64 version of Windows
  
• Do not block installation or application launch based on OS version check
  
• Follow User Account Control (UAC) Guidelines
  
• Adhere to Restart Manager Messages
  
• Do not load Services and Drivers in Safe Mode
  
• Support Multiuser Sessions
  

Obviously some of these are no brainers but they do tell us a couple of critical details. The first and probably most important for future compatibility is the “Support x64 versions of Windows”. This might be just that it can install in the operating system but hopefully developers will actually build x64 versions of their products.

The other one that really makes me happy is “Do not block installation or application launch based on OS version check”. Thanks to companies like Lightscribe that decide to only allow installs on versions they like, their software does not easily install in Windows 7. While physically possible it is not something the consumer should be forced to do.

One that I am sure is up to interpretation is “Clean, reversable installation”. This is something that Microsoft themselves does not understand and is less than qualified to define what it consists of. Those experienced in cleaning up after Microsofts infamous msi installer will know exactly what I am talking about. Another perfect example of this is their method of uninstalling Internet Explorer which basically just removes the executable and leaves everything else behind. I understand other applications might depend on those components but what about that says “Clean, reversable installation”. And I am sure that they meant “Reversible” as reversable is not actually a word.