Quick Step By Step

Quick Step By Step

Last updated on November 15, 1999

Read the submission rules associated with the type of submission you will make:
- PCs and Servers: System Submission Rules
- Cluster : Cluster Submission Rules
Prepare a test system.
Install the operating system you will test, as well as any desired service packs.
Install all drivers you will be using with the test system.
Install the HCT testmanager. For help with the HCT testmanager, read this Overview.
Run the required tests. For a list of the required tests, click on the name of the operating system you are testing for:

Complete the tests.
Resolving errors
- Possible Test Issues -> See the current HCT testing errata.
- Hardware Problems -> Examine the logs and make neccessary hardware fixes.
- Unresolved issue -> Send email to the appropriate Microsoft alias.
Return the test results to WHQL on the following approved media:
- Floppy Disks
- CD-ROM
- 4mm tape (for SCSI submissions only)
- 100 MB Zip Drives
Collect all required test result disks:
- PC 99: Mini-note, Mobile, Office, Consumer, Workstation and Entertainment submissions:
  - Windows 95 -> required only if you pre-install Windows 95.
  - Windows 98 Gold -> Required only if you pre-install Windows 98 Gold. ACPI and/or APM mode may be required, submit logs for the OS mode your systems ship with.
  - Windows 98 Second Edition -> ACPI Mode only
  - Windows NT 4.0 w/Service Pack 6 -> required only if you pre-install Windows NT 4.0.
  - Windows 2000 (Beta 3 or later) -> ACPI Mode
- Server Submissions:
  - Windows NT 4.0 w/Service Pack 6 -> required only if you pre-install Windows NT 4.0.
  - Windows 2000 (Beta 3 or later) -> ACPI Mode
- SCSI Hard Disk Drives:
  - Windows NT 4.0 (SP6)
  - Win 95
  - Windows 98 Second Edition
- NICs:
  - Windows 2000: RC3
  - Windows NT 4.0 (SP6)
  - Win 95
  - Windows 98 Second Edition
- Clusters:
  - Windows NT 4.0 (SP6)
Prepare submission package with:
- All required test results and any required hardware or drivers.
- Complete and sign the "Designed for Microsoft Windows" Logo License Agreement and WHQL Testing Agreement. If your company already completed these agreements, only "Exhibit A" of the Testing Agreement (Exhibit A.tif) needs to be completed and included with your Test Submission.
- Clusters and Systems only: Systemsub.dat file (Created by running the WHQL submission assistant) should be included on a separate diskette. Make sure it is clearly labeled with the system model name.
- Fees.
Ship submission package to WHQL.
Receive tracking ID from WHQL via e-mail.
Follow the progress via the WHQL web-site.
Submit the master ID at: www.microsoft.com/hwtest/status
WHQL may contact you regarding the submission if there are problems with:
- Missing items
- Corrupt drivers
- Incomplete Hardware
- Incomplete Log Files
- Incorrect or unsigned test agreements
You will be given 2 weeks to resolve submission item issues before WHQL fails the submission. Once WHQL fails your submission it cannot be reactivated. You must make a complete resubmission to get your system back into testing.
WHQL finishes testing or reviewing your test logs.
- Self-test Submissions (You sent logs only) : 7 Day turnaround.
- Non-Self-test Submissions (You sent logs and system) : 30 Day turnaround.
If the submission passes testing, the OEM receives the test report, logo artwork and a signed logo licence agreement. The logo'd device, system or cluster will be listed on the HCL.