Microsoft Partner Centre application Help!!!!

This has become Kafkaesque and/or Helleresque.

I received a reply from the Defender Team 7 days ago informing me that:

'We appreciate your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this issue. We have received the information you provided and are currently reviewing it.  If it is determined that the current designation is incorrect or no longer accurate the warning will be removed.

We typically expect to take 24 hours for our investigation.  During this time, you may not see any changes to the status of your website. Please do not re-submit your request or make any changes to your website until we complete the investigation. Please note that while we review your feedback, we may not be able to respond to each submission individually.'

Since then I have received nothing.

So, should I conclude that the clause '...while we review your feedback, we may not be able to respond to each submission individually...' has come into effect?

If so, to whom should I direct my query regarding Windows Defender?

In desperation, I contacted Sectigo, who sold me my Microsoft Authenticode Code Signing Certificate (and suggested I submit my app to the MS store to build its reputation).

They responded with the following:

'We apologize for the  inconvenience and regarding your issue as we informed before main factor for smart screen errors are Low or No Reputation, New or Uncommon File, Potential Security Risks
The key to reducing SmartScreen warnings is to build reputation over time. The more users download, install, and use the software without issues, the higher the reputation becomes.'

Catch 22: how many users will install a programme that cues the Windows Defender screen?

Is there any point in purchasing a Code Signing Certificate if reputation does the business, not the Certificate?

Regards,

Richard

Jill,

I just received the following reply from the support team.

It is the same one I received before (with the same typo), and tells me nothing:

'Hello,

Thank you for your patience. We reviewed the product, and it has failed the last submission certification for the same issue, the product is getting flagged by the security prompt Microsoft Defender SmartScreen. Products must not compromise the security of users, the Store, or a related system, nor cause that security to be called into question.

If you believe the SmartScreen warning is a false positive then please perform the following actions to expedite resolution of the issue.

Download the file using Microsoft Edge browser.
When informed that the download was blocked by SmartScreen select the blocked file and click "Report this file as safe | I am the owner or representative of this website, and I want to report an incorrect warning about it".
Fill out and submit the form. You will receive an email confirming receipt of your report.
24 hours after sending the report confirm that the file no longer displays a SmartScreen warning before resubmitting the product for certification.

If you’ve already one the steps, we have no other means to speed up the process review from the Defender team. For more information about SmartScreen see https://feedback.smartscreen.microsoft.com/smartscreenfaq.aspx

You can also review similar subjects on our forums Defender Smart Screen Blocking Valid EV Code Certificate - Microsoft Q&A

Please let us know if you need any additional assistance.

Thank you,

XXXX

Microsoft Store Certification Team'

Do you know if this is generated by AI?

I have no idea what I am supposed to do now. Since purchasing a certificate three and a half months ago, I have made no progress toward having my app approved, even though I have reported my file as safe numerous times.

How long should I wait for the Defender team to acknowledge my request and tell me what I am doing wrong?

Yours in extremis,

Richard

I've also reached out to an engineer team to see if I can run down who would have information about this. Not positive I can find anyone, but I will try! 

This blog appears to be older, but maybe it will help get you to some resource sites?

Quick note on installing System Center 2012 Service Manager setups silently | Microsoft Community Hub

I don't know ANYTHING about this, so I apologize if this info is useless for you. I just did a basic search on the tech community and Microsoft learn:

Embedded prereqs for Intune win32 exe install | Microsoft Community Hub

How-To: Install your apps, modules and settings the easy way | Microsoft Community Hub

Running a silent installation using cmd - Microsoft Q&A

install Command | Microsoft Learn

ahart3 do you have any experience with this type of thing?