Sending and Receiving Compatibility Data
Applies To: Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 8.1, Windows Vista
The Microsoft® Compatibility Exchange is a web service that propagates application compatibility issues between various data sources, for example Microsoft Corporation, independent software vendors (ISVs) and the ACT Community. This process involves checking for updated compatibility information from Microsoft over the Internet. You can send and receive data to keep Application Compatibility Manager (ACM) updated with the latest compatibility information.
The synchronization process includes only the changes made since the last synchronization. During the synchronization process, a dialog box displaying the synchronization status appears. You can continue to work during this process. If no new issues have occurred since your last synchronization, the Microsoft Compatibility Exchange uploads your issue information and notifies you that no updates exist.
The synchronization process uses the Microsoft Compatibility Exchange to:
Download new information from Microsoft and ISVs, except for the applications for which you choose not to send application data to Microsoft.
Upload your compatibility issues to Microsoft.
Upload and download compatibility information from the ACT Community, if you are a member of the ACT Community and agree to share your data. For information about configuring your membership in the ACT Community, see Settings Dialog Box - Preferences Tab.
For information about which data is sent and received through the Microsoft Compatibility exchange, see Data Sent Through the Microsoft Compatibility Exchange.
Reviewing and Synchronizing Your Data
Prior to sending your application data to Microsoft, you can review your application list and view the exact data being sent as a text (.txt) file. After you are done reviewing the information, you can synchronize your data with Microsoft.
To review and synchronize your data
On the Analyze screen, click Send and Receive.
Click Review the data before sending.
The Send and Receive Data dialog box shows all of the application data that is to be sent to Microsoft during the synchronization process. To avoid sending application data for specific applications, see Selecting the Send and Receive Status for an Application.
Optionally, click Review all data, save the resulting .txt file locally, and then review the exact XML data that will be sent to Microsoft.
After you finish reviewing the application list and XML data, click Send.
See Also
Concepts
Data Sent Through the Microsoft Compatibility Exchange
ACT Community Ratings and Process