Microsoft employed unconventional testing methods for Windows 95, emphasizing compatibility by acquiring a wide range of applications for testing. A manager purchased one copy of every PC program available at a local store, resulting in a large stack of software for the team to test. Engineers were tasked with testing selected programs, logging issues, and could keep the software after the official release. This approach contrasted with modern testing practices. An unforeseen issue arose when the store's cash register crashed due to the total exceeding ,000, highlighting a limitation in the retail system rather than the operating system. The solution involved breaking the total into smaller transactions to proceed with testing.