Winqual Retirement FAQ
Updated February 7, 2012
This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about the change from Windows Quality Online Services (Winqual) to the Windows Dev Center-Hardware and Desktop Dashboard services.
Why is Winqual being retired?
We are retiring Winqual to integrate our partner engineering services into the Windows Dev Center. The integration of these services into the Dev Center will provide you a single place to find documentation, code samples, kits, tools, community support, and the services previously made available by Winqual. You will be able to access these services from the Windows Dev Center-Hardware Dashboard or the Windows Dev Center-Desktop Dashboard. Integration into the Windows Dev Center means that Winqual will no longer exist as a standalone site.
When does the change take place?
On February 9, 2012, at 18:00 Pacific Time (UTC-8), Winqual will go offline. Service will return on or before February 16, 2012, at 12:00 Pacific Time. During this period, the Winqual site will be unavailable. We ask you to adjust your plans to account for this amended interruption to the Winqual service.
Where do I go after Winqual has been retired?
System, device, and driver developers who previously used Winqual will be able to access all of the same services by visiting the Windows Dev Center-Hardware Dashboard. Software developers who previously used Winqual will be able to visit the Windows Dev Center-Desktop Dashboard.
While Winqual is down, is there another place I can go to complete the work I normally do on Winqual?
There is not a secondary system that processes Winqual submissions. We recommend that you plan ahead to account for the downtime in order to minimize the impact on your business operations.
Can I make a submission (logo-related or bugs) the day before you plan to have Winqual down and expect my data to be preserved?
All data submitted prior to the downtime will be migrated to the new Dashboard service. This includes data submitted the day before the planned maintenance.
What changes with the new site?
The main changes you should expect with the new site are:
- New user experience and site organization for all feature areas
- Integration with the Windows Dev Center
- New “Reports” feature area replacing the Windows Error Reports feature
- Minor updates to feature areas such as Device Metadata, Driver Distribution, and Logo
Will my existing Winqual user account credentials work when the new site goes live, or do I need a new account?
Yes, your existing user account will continue to work. All of your settings will be saved, and you will be able to search for your submissions.
Will my existing VeriSign code-signing certificates work for making logo and metadata submissions?
Yes, the VeriSign code-signing certificate you have on file with Winqual will remain the same.
Will my Winqual data be preserved when services are restored?
Yes, all data will be preserved, including logo and device metadata submissions, driver distribution settings, membership roles and permissions, and legal agreements.
Will administrator or user management roles be changing on the new site?
No. Administrator and user roles will be preserved on the new Dashboard site. In addition, the way you manage user accounts will not change on the Dashboard.
How do I get started certifying my system and devices for Windows 8?
The new Hardware and Desktop Dashboards will not begin accepting Windows 8 certification submissions until the Release Candidate version of the Hardware and Apps Certification Kits are available. However, you can get started designing and developing for Windows 8 right away by using the Windows 8 Hardware Certification Requirements as you engineer your products.
The Windows Hardware Certification Kit (Windows HCK) Consumer Preview version will be released at the same time as Windows 8 Consumer Preview. With this release, you will be able to explore the kit’s new features and capabilities. The Windows HCK will be available from the Downloads area on the Windows Dev Center–Hardware site.
Can I still make logo submissions using the Windows Logo Kit (WLK) v. 1.6?
Yes, logo submissions from WLK 1.6 will continue to be supported for Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 R2, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2003. Submissions from the new Windows HCK will be supported, starting with the RC release. Until then, please continue to test and submit using the WLK 1.6.
Can I still make Windows 7 logo submission using the Windows Software Logo Kit (WSLK)?
Yes, Windows 7 Logo submissions from the WSLK will continue to be supported. Submissions from the new Windows Apps Certification Kit (ACK) will not be available until the RC release. Please continue to test and submit using the WSLK. At the RC release, only the submissions from the Windows ACK will be accepted both for Windows 7 logo submissions and Windows 8 desktop app certification.
Where should I go to submit an app for Windows certification or inclusion in the Windows Store?
You will be able to submit Windows desktop apps for certification by using the new Windows Dev Center-Desktop Dashboard. To learn more about desktop app certification, see the Certification requirements for Windows 8 desktop apps. The Windows Store is currently closed to general app submissions. When the Store is open for general submissions, you will be able to submit your certified desktop apps for listing by using the Windows Dev Center–Windows Store apps Dashboard. You also will be able to use the Windows Store apps Dashboard to submit your Windows Store apps to the store. Visit Windows Dev Center-Windows Store apps to learn more about preparing your app for the Windows Store.
Where can I find my Windows Error Reports?
In the new Hardware Dashboard, Windows Error Reports have been redesigned and will be located in the Reports section of the Hardware Dashboard. There you will be able to find many of the same reports you’re used to along with new reports to better track the health of your product in the market. You also will be able to download crash cabs, request additional crash data, and create kernel- and user-mode responses.
Are there any new legal agreements or Terms of Use (TOU) that my company’s legal department needs to be aware of before using the new site?
The legal agreements will remain the same as currently used on the Winqual site. Any changes to legal agreements for directed feature areas will be communicated as appropriate. The new site will have no new legal agreement requirements. The current Winqual TOU will be replaced by the MSDN TOU that is linked to from the site.
Who do I contact for help/support/issues?
The support team for the new site remains the same. However, please send questions to sysdev. Alternatively you will be able to click on Support at the bottom of the Windows Hardware or Desktop Dashboards for contact information.
