Microsoft’s “Windows Vista Capable” logo is now in a big trouble. Launched in 2006 by software giant due to the delay of its new operating system Vista, this logo is stamped on any PC equipped with features including a 512MB of RAM, Direct 9-class graphics card and “modern” CPU of at least 800MHz.

Unfortunately, it is very misleading to customers. Though it can really run the basic Vista operating system, it doesn’t guarantee full support on all its features. In short, it cannot promise superb customer experience.

That’s why there is an ongoing lawsuit against Microsoft for deceptive business practices and violation of consumer protection laws. Deceptive because it intentionally did not inform the customers that they need to spend more money to run the premium edition of Vista.

Now, there are some internal e-mails showing that even Microsoft finds this logo design very confusing since the inception. Here are some of the contents coming from several employees:

Mike Nash, currently a corporate vice president for Windows product management, wrote in an e-mail, “I PERSONALLY got burnt. … Are we seeing this from a lot of customers? … I now have a $2,100 e-mail machine.”

“Even a piece of junk will qualify” for the “Windows Vista Capable” designation

Jim Allchin, then the co-president of Microsoft’s Platforms and Services Division, wrote in another e-mail, “We really botched this. … You guys have to do a better job with our customers.”

Once again, it highlights the importance of logos in helping buyers find the right choice, the same way Alaska GROWN (see Alaska Logo Design) and Canada’s Health Check logos play important roles in buying high quality food items.