Windows Phone Xap Archive Verified -

A (Gold standard) means: The XAP file has been cryptographically hashed (SHA-256), the hash is recorded in a public ledger, the package deploys onto a factory-reset Lumia 930, and the certificate chain traces back to either Microsoft or the original developer.

Malicious actors inject code into old application archives, targeting users looking for nostalgic games.

If you have downloaded a questionable XAP from a forum, do not deploy it immediately. Follow this manual verification process:

If you’re familiar with Android’s APK format, you already understand the concept well. Like APK files, XAP files are simply renamed ZIP archives containing the application’s executable code and assets. However, unlike APK files on Android, XAP files intended for consumer retail devices must be properly signed—the phone will refuse to install unsigned or incorrectly signed packages unless the device is developer-unlocked or jailbroken.

signtool verify /pa /v "C:\Path\To\Application.xap"

Windows Phone apps were cryptographically signed by Microsoft. If an archived file is modified incorrectly or corrupted during the dumping process, its digital signature breaks. Unverified archives are full of "dead" files that throw deployment errors because the phone rejects their broken certificates. Preserving App Completeness

During the platform’s active years, the Windows Phone Marketplace validated every submitted XAP file thoroughly. Microsoft would decompress, scan, and then repackage the app, injecting a product identifier and checking for malicious behavior before publishing.

Start today: dig out your old Lumia, unlock it, extract its apps, and contribute to the world’s knowledge of a truly innovative mobile platform. The community is waiting for your help!

Which is it currently running (WP 7.5, 8.1, or W10M)?

The digital rights management (DRM) signature tied to the original purchaser's Microsoft account has been safely removed. Without this, the app will refuse to launch on your device.

: Includes the official Windows Phone Application Deployment tool.