Preparing your applications for a Windows 7 migration

Desktop applications that worked flawlessly in Windows XP -- and even Windows Vista -- may not be so perfect in Windows 7. If you're planning a Windows 7 migration, there are several things you should do to minimize app-related problems.
Take a desktop application inventory
The first step is to take an inventory of your organization's applications. Depending on the size of your enterprise, you can either perform the inventory manually, or you can use an automated inventory collection program.
The Microsoft Application Compatibility Toolkit is a good and free  option if you're going the automated route. The tool is designed to take an inventory of desktop applications and provide information on each app's compatibility with Windows 7. In addition, the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor can be a useful product in smaller organizations.