diff --git a/t/t0000-basic.sh b/t/t0000-basic.sh
index ddcd5b0efb..f4ca4fc85c 100755
--- a/t/t0000-basic.sh
+++ b/t/t0000-basic.sh
@@ -57,6 +57,21 @@ test_expect_failure 'pretend we have a known breakage' '
 test_expect_failure 'pretend we have fixed a known breakage' '
     :
 '
+test_set_prereq HAVEIT
+haveit=no
+test_expect_success HAVEIT 'test runs if prerequisite is satisfied' '
+    test_have_prereq HAVEIT &&
+    haveit=yes
+'
+donthaveit=yes
+test_expect_success DONTHAVEIT 'unmet prerequisite causes test to be skipped' '
+    donthaveit=no
+'
+if test $haveit$donthaveit != yesyes
+then
+	say "bug in test framework: prerequisite tags do not work reliably"
+	exit 1
+fi
 
 ################################################################
 # Basics of the basics
@@ -100,12 +115,31 @@ test_expect_success \
     'test "$tree" = 4b825dc642cb6eb9a060e54bf8d69288fbee4904'
 
 # Various types of objects
+# Some filesystems do not support symblic links; on such systems
+# some expected values are different
 mkdir path2 path3 path3/subp3
-for p in path0 path2/file2 path3/file3 path3/subp3/file3
+paths='path0 path2/file2 path3/file3 path3/subp3/file3'
+for p in $paths
 do
     echo "hello $p" >$p
-    ln -s "hello $p" ${p}sym
 done
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	for p in $paths
+	do
+		ln -s "hello $p" ${p}sym
+	done
+	expectfilter=cat
+	expectedtree=087704a96baf1c2d1c869a8b084481e121c88b5b
+	expectedptree1=21ae8269cacbe57ae09138dcc3a2887f904d02b3
+	expectedptree2=3c5e5399f3a333eddecce7a9b9465b63f65f51e2
+else
+	expectfilter='grep -v sym'
+	expectedtree=8e18edf7d7edcf4371a3ac6ae5f07c2641db7c46
+	expectedptree1=cfb8591b2f65de8b8cc1020cd7d9e67e7793b325
+	expectedptree2=ce580448f0148b985a513b693fdf7d802cacb44f
+fi
+
 test_expect_success \
     'adding various types of objects with git update-index --add.' \
     'find path* ! -type d -print | xargs git update-index --add'
@@ -115,7 +149,7 @@ test_expect_success \
     'showing stage with git ls-files --stage' \
     'git ls-files --stage >current'
 
-cat >expected <<\EOF
+$expectfilter >expected <<\EOF
 100644 f87290f8eb2cbbea7857214459a0739927eab154 0	path0
 120000 15a98433ae33114b085f3eb3bb03b832b3180a01 0	path0sym
 100644 3feff949ed00a62d9f7af97c15cd8a30595e7ac7 0	path2/file2
@@ -134,7 +168,7 @@ test_expect_success \
     'tree=$(git write-tree)'
 test_expect_success \
     'validate object ID for a known tree.' \
-    'test "$tree" = 087704a96baf1c2d1c869a8b084481e121c88b5b'
+    'test "$tree" = "$expectedtree"'
 
 test_expect_success \
     'showing tree with git ls-tree' \
@@ -145,7 +179,7 @@ cat >expected <<\EOF
 040000 tree 58a09c23e2ca152193f2786e06986b7b6712bdbe	path2
 040000 tree 21ae8269cacbe57ae09138dcc3a2887f904d02b3	path3
 EOF
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'git ls-tree output for a known tree.' \
     'test_cmp expected current'
 
@@ -154,7 +188,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 test_expect_success \
     'showing tree with git ls-tree -r' \
     'git ls-tree -r $tree >current'
-cat >expected <<\EOF
+$expectfilter >expected <<\EOF
 100644 blob f87290f8eb2cbbea7857214459a0739927eab154	path0
 120000 blob 15a98433ae33114b085f3eb3bb03b832b3180a01	path0sym
 100644 blob 3feff949ed00a62d9f7af97c15cd8a30595e7ac7	path2/file2
@@ -185,7 +219,7 @@ cat >expected <<\EOF
 100644 blob 00fb5908cb97c2564a9783c0c64087333b3b464f	path3/subp3/file3
 120000 blob 6649a1ebe9e9f1c553b66f5a6e74136a07ccc57c	path3/subp3/file3sym
 EOF
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'git ls-tree -r output for a known tree.' \
     'test_cmp expected current'
 
@@ -194,14 +228,14 @@ test_expect_success \
     'ptree=$(git write-tree --prefix=path3)'
 test_expect_success \
     'validate object ID for a known tree.' \
-    'test "$ptree" = 21ae8269cacbe57ae09138dcc3a2887f904d02b3'
+    'test "$ptree" = "$expectedptree1"'
 
 test_expect_success \
     'writing partial tree out with git write-tree --prefix.' \
     'ptree=$(git write-tree --prefix=path3/subp3)'
 test_expect_success \
     'validate object ID for a known tree.' \
-    'test "$ptree" = 3c5e5399f3a333eddecce7a9b9465b63f65f51e2'
+    'test "$ptree" = "$expectedptree2"'
 
 cat >badobjects <<EOF
 100644 blob 1000000000000000000000000000000000000000	dir/file1
@@ -234,7 +268,7 @@ test_expect_success \
      newtree=$(git write-tree) &&
      test "$newtree" = "$tree"'
 
-cat >expected <<\EOF
+$expectfilter >expected <<\EOF
 :100644 100644 f87290f8eb2cbbea7857214459a0739927eab154 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000 M	path0
 :120000 120000 15a98433ae33114b085f3eb3bb03b832b3180a01 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000 M	path0sym
 :100644 100644 3feff949ed00a62d9f7af97c15cd8a30595e7ac7 0000000000000000000000000000000000000000 M	path2/file2
@@ -257,7 +291,7 @@ test_expect_success \
     'git diff-files >current && cmp -s current /dev/null'
 
 ################################################################
-P=087704a96baf1c2d1c869a8b084481e121c88b5b
+P=$expectedtree
 test_expect_success \
     'git commit-tree records the correct tree in a commit.' \
     'commit0=$(echo NO | git commit-tree $P) &&
@@ -293,7 +327,7 @@ test_expect_success 'update-index D/F conflict' '
 	test $numpath0 = 1
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'absolute path works as expected' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'absolute path works as expected' '
 	mkdir first &&
 	ln -s ../.git first/.git &&
 	mkdir second &&
diff --git a/t/t0004-unwritable.sh b/t/t0004-unwritable.sh
index 63e1217e71..2342ac5788 100755
--- a/t/t0004-unwritable.sh
+++ b/t/t0004-unwritable.sh
@@ -15,7 +15,7 @@ test_expect_success setup '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'write-tree should notice unwritable repository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'write-tree should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 	(
 		chmod a-w .git/objects .git/objects/?? &&
@@ -27,7 +27,7 @@ test_expect_success 'write-tree should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'commit should notice unwritable repository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'commit should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 	(
 		chmod a-w .git/objects .git/objects/?? &&
@@ -39,7 +39,7 @@ test_expect_success 'commit should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'update-index should notice unwritable repository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'update-index should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 	(
 		echo 6O >file &&
@@ -52,7 +52,7 @@ test_expect_success 'update-index should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'add should notice unwritable repository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'add should notice unwritable repository' '
 
 	(
 		echo b >file &&
diff --git a/t/t0024-crlf-archive.sh b/t/t0024-crlf-archive.sh
index ae90d34f6c..c7d0324374 100755
--- a/t/t0024-crlf-archive.sh
+++ b/t/t0024-crlf-archive.sh
@@ -29,11 +29,11 @@ test_expect_success 'tar archive' '
 "$UNZIP" -v >/dev/null 2>&1
 if [ $? -eq 127 ]; then
 	say "Skipping ZIP test, because unzip was not found"
-	test_done
-	exit
+else
+	test_set_prereq UNZIP
 fi
 
-test_expect_success 'zip archive' '
+test_expect_success UNZIP 'zip archive' '
 
 	git archive --format=zip HEAD >test.zip &&
 
diff --git a/t/t0050-filesystem.sh b/t/t0050-filesystem.sh
index a449580c8a..89282ccf7a 100755
--- a/t/t0050-filesystem.sh
+++ b/t/t0050-filesystem.sh
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ aumlcdiar=`printf '\x61\xcc\x88'`
 
 case_insensitive=
 unibad=
-test_expect_success 'see if we expect ' '
+no_symlinks=
+test_expect_success 'see what we expect' '
 
 	test_case=test_expect_success
 	test_unicode=test_expect_success
@@ -31,13 +32,21 @@ test_expect_success 'see if we expect ' '
 		;;
 	*)	;;
 	esac &&
-	rm -fr junk
+	rm -fr junk &&
+	{
+		ln -s x y 2> /dev/null &&
+		test -h y 2> /dev/null ||
+		no_symlinks=1
+		rm -f y
+	}
 '
 
 test "$case_insensitive" &&
 	say "will test on a case insensitive filesystem"
 test "$unibad" &&
 	say "will test on a unicode corrupting filesystem"
+test "$no_symlinks" &&
+	say "will test on a filesystem lacking symbolic links"
 
 if test "$case_insensitive"
 then
@@ -53,6 +62,21 @@ test_expect_success "detection of case insensitive filesystem during repo init"
 '
 fi
 
+if test "$no_symlinks"
+then
+test_expect_success "detection of filesystem w/o symlink support during repo init" '
+
+	v=$(git config --bool core.symlinks) &&
+	test "$v" = false
+'
+else
+test_expect_success "detection of filesystem w/o symlink support during repo init" '
+
+	test_must_fail git config --bool core.symlinks ||
+	test "$(git config --bool core.symlinks)" = true
+'
+fi
+
 test_expect_success "setup case tests" '
 
 	git config core.ignorecase true &&
diff --git a/t/t0055-beyond-symlinks.sh b/t/t0055-beyond-symlinks.sh
index b29c37a5a4..0c6ff567a1 100755
--- a/t/t0055-beyond-symlinks.sh
+++ b/t/t0055-beyond-symlinks.sh
@@ -4,7 +4,7 @@ test_description='update-index and add refuse to add beyond symlinks'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
-test_expect_success setup '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS setup '
 	>a &&
 	mkdir b &&
 	ln -s b c &&
@@ -12,12 +12,12 @@ test_expect_success setup '
 	git update-index --add a b/d
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'update-index --add beyond symlinks' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'update-index --add beyond symlinks' '
 	test_must_fail git update-index --add c/d &&
 	! ( git ls-files | grep c/d )
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'add beyond symlinks' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'add beyond symlinks' '
 	test_must_fail git add c/d &&
 	! ( git ls-files | grep c/d )
 '
diff --git a/t/t0060-path-utils.sh b/t/t0060-path-utils.sh
index 8336114f98..53cf1f8dc4 100755
--- a/t/t0060-path-utils.sh
+++ b/t/t0060-path-utils.sh
@@ -7,41 +7,91 @@ test_description='Test various path utilities'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
-norm_abs() {
-	test_expect_success "normalize absolute: $1 => $2" \
+norm_path() {
+	test_expect_success $3 "normalize path: $1 => $2" \
 	"test \"\$(test-path-utils normalize_path_copy '$1')\" = '$2'"
 }
 
+# On Windows, we are using MSYS's bash, which mangles the paths.
+# Absolute paths are anchored at the MSYS installation directory,
+# which means that the path / accounts for this many characters:
+rootoff=$(test-path-utils normalize_path_copy / | wc -c)
+# Account for the trailing LF:
+if test $rootoff = 2; then
+	rootoff=	# we are on Unix
+else
+	rootoff=$(($rootoff-1))
+fi
+
 ancestor() {
-	test_expect_success "longest ancestor: $1 $2 => $3" \
-	"test \"\$(test-path-utils longest_ancestor_length '$1' '$2')\" = '$3'"
+	# We do some math with the expected ancestor length.
+	expected=$3
+	if test -n "$rootoff" && test "x$expected" != x-1; then
+		expected=$(($expected+$rootoff))
+	fi
+	test_expect_success "longest ancestor: $1 $2 => $expected" \
+	"actual=\$(test-path-utils longest_ancestor_length '$1' '$2') &&
+	 test \"\$actual\" = '$expected'"
 }
 
-norm_abs "" ""
-norm_abs / /
-norm_abs // /
-norm_abs /// /
-norm_abs /. /
-norm_abs /./ /
-norm_abs /./.. ++failed++
-norm_abs /../. ++failed++
-norm_abs /./../.// ++failed++
-norm_abs /dir/.. /
-norm_abs /dir/sub/../.. /
-norm_abs /dir/sub/../../.. ++failed++
-norm_abs /dir /dir
-norm_abs /dir// /dir/
-norm_abs /./dir /dir
-norm_abs /dir/. /dir/
-norm_abs /dir///./ /dir/
-norm_abs /dir//sub/.. /dir/
-norm_abs /dir/sub/../ /dir/
-norm_abs //dir/sub/../. /dir/
-norm_abs /dir/s1/../s2/ /dir/s2/
-norm_abs /d1/s1///s2/..//../s3/ /d1/s3/
-norm_abs /d1/s1//../s2/../../d2 /d2
-norm_abs /d1/.../d2 /d1/.../d2
-norm_abs /d1/..././../d2 /d1/d2
+# Absolute path tests must be skipped on Windows because due to path mangling
+# the test program never sees a POSIX-style absolute path
+case $(uname -s) in
+*MINGW*)
+	;;
+*)
+	test_set_prereq POSIX
+	;;
+esac
+
+norm_path "" ""
+norm_path . ""
+norm_path ./ ""
+norm_path ./. ""
+norm_path ./.. ++failed++
+norm_path ../. ++failed++
+norm_path ./../.// ++failed++
+norm_path dir/.. ""
+norm_path dir/sub/../.. ""
+norm_path dir/sub/../../.. ++failed++
+norm_path dir dir
+norm_path dir// dir/
+norm_path ./dir dir
+norm_path dir/. dir/
+norm_path dir///./ dir/
+norm_path dir//sub/.. dir/
+norm_path dir/sub/../ dir/
+norm_path dir/sub/../. dir/
+norm_path dir/s1/../s2/ dir/s2/
+norm_path d1/s1///s2/..//../s3/ d1/s3/
+norm_path d1/s1//../s2/../../d2 d2
+norm_path d1/.../d2 d1/.../d2
+norm_path d1/..././../d2 d1/d2
+
+norm_path / / POSIX
+norm_path // / POSIX
+norm_path /// / POSIX
+norm_path /. / POSIX
+norm_path /./ / POSIX
+norm_path /./.. ++failed++ POSIX
+norm_path /../. ++failed++ POSIX
+norm_path /./../.// ++failed++ POSIX
+norm_path /dir/.. / POSIX
+norm_path /dir/sub/../.. / POSIX
+norm_path /dir/sub/../../.. ++failed++ POSIX
+norm_path /dir /dir POSIX
+norm_path /dir// /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path /./dir /dir POSIX
+norm_path /dir/. /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path /dir///./ /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path /dir//sub/.. /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path /dir/sub/../ /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path //dir/sub/../. /dir/ POSIX
+norm_path /dir/s1/../s2/ /dir/s2/ POSIX
+norm_path /d1/s1///s2/..//../s3/ /d1/s3/ POSIX
+norm_path /d1/s1//../s2/../../d2 /d2 POSIX
+norm_path /d1/.../d2 /d1/.../d2 POSIX
+norm_path /d1/..././../d2 /d1/d2 POSIX
 
 ancestor / "" -1
 ancestor / / -1
@@ -80,10 +130,10 @@ ancestor /foo/bar /:/foo:/bar/ 4
 ancestor /foo/bar /foo:/:/bar/ 4
 ancestor /foo/bar /:/bar/:/fo 0
 ancestor /foo/bar /:/bar/ 0
-ancestor /foo/bar :://foo/. 4
-ancestor /foo/bar :://foo/.:: 4
-ancestor /foo/bar //foo/./::/bar 4
-ancestor /foo/bar ::/bar -1
+ancestor /foo/bar .:/foo/. 4
+ancestor /foo/bar .:/foo/.:.: 4
+ancestor /foo/bar /foo/./:.:/bar 4
+ancestor /foo/bar .:/bar -1
 
 test_expect_success 'strip_path_suffix' '
 	test c:/msysgit = $(test-path-utils strip_path_suffix \
diff --git a/t/t1004-read-tree-m-u-wf.sh b/t/t1004-read-tree-m-u-wf.sh
index 570d3729bd..f19b4a2a4a 100755
--- a/t/t1004-read-tree-m-u-wf.sh
+++ b/t/t1004-read-tree-m-u-wf.sh
@@ -157,7 +157,7 @@ test_expect_success '3-way not overwriting local changes (their side)' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'funny symlink in work tree' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'funny symlink in work tree' '
 
 	git reset --hard &&
 	git checkout -b sym-b side-b &&
@@ -177,7 +177,7 @@ test_expect_success 'funny symlink in work tree' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'funny symlink in work tree, un-unlink-able' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'funny symlink in work tree, un-unlink-able' '
 
 	rm -fr a b &&
 	git reset --hard &&
@@ -189,7 +189,7 @@ test_expect_success 'funny symlink in work tree, un-unlink-able' '
 '
 
 # clean-up from the above test
-chmod a+w a
+chmod a+w a 2>/dev/null
 rm -fr a b
 
 test_expect_success 'D/F setup' '
diff --git a/t/t1020-subdirectory.sh b/t/t1020-subdirectory.sh
index fc386ba033..210e594f6f 100755
--- a/t/t1020-subdirectory.sh
+++ b/t/t1020-subdirectory.sh
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ test_expect_success 'no file/rev ambiguity check inside a bare repo' '
 	cd foo.git && git show -s HEAD
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'detection should not be fooled by a symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'detection should not be fooled by a symlink' '
 	cd "$HERE" &&
 	rm -fr foo.git &&
 	git clone -s .git another &&
diff --git a/t/t1300-repo-config.sh b/t/t1300-repo-config.sh
index 9c81e041b9..43ea283242 100755
--- a/t/t1300-repo-config.sh
+++ b/t/t1300-repo-config.sh
@@ -733,7 +733,7 @@ echo >>result
 
 test_expect_success '--null --get-regexp' 'cmp result expect'
 
-test_expect_success 'symlinked configuration' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'symlinked configuration' '
 
 	ln -s notyet myconfig &&
 	GIT_CONFIG=myconfig git config test.frotz nitfol &&
diff --git a/t/t1301-shared-repo.sh b/t/t1301-shared-repo.sh
index 653362ba22..dc4485409d 100755
--- a/t/t1301-shared-repo.sh
+++ b/t/t1301-shared-repo.sh
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@ modebits () {
 
 for u in 002 022
 do
-	test_expect_success "shared=1 does not clear bits preset by umask $u" '
+	test_expect_success POSIXPERM "shared=1 does not clear bits preset by umask $u" '
 		mkdir sub && (
 			cd sub &&
 			umask $u &&
@@ -54,7 +54,7 @@ test_expect_success 'shared=all' '
 	test 2 = $(git config core.sharedrepository)
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'update-server-info honors core.sharedRepository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'update-server-info honors core.sharedRepository' '
 	: > a1 &&
 	git add a1 &&
 	test_tick &&
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ do
 	git config core.sharedrepository "$u" &&
 	umask 0277 &&
 
-	test_expect_success "shared = $u ($y) ro" '
+	test_expect_success POSIXPERM "shared = $u ($y) ro" '
 
 		rm -f .git/info/refs &&
 		git update-server-info &&
@@ -97,7 +97,7 @@ do
 	'
 
 	umask 077 &&
-	test_expect_success "shared = $u ($x) rw" '
+	test_expect_success POSIXPERM "shared = $u ($x) rw" '
 
 		rm -f .git/info/refs &&
 		git update-server-info &&
@@ -111,7 +111,7 @@ do
 
 done
 
-test_expect_success 'git reflog expire honors core.sharedRepository' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'git reflog expire honors core.sharedRepository' '
 	git config core.sharedRepository group &&
 	git reflog expire --all &&
 	actual="$(ls -l .git/logs/refs/heads/master)" &&
diff --git a/t/t1504-ceiling-dirs.sh b/t/t1504-ceiling-dirs.sh
index e377d48902..df5ad8c686 100755
--- a/t/t1504-ceiling-dirs.sh
+++ b/t/t1504-ceiling-dirs.sh
@@ -13,7 +13,7 @@ test_fail() {
 	"git rev-parse --show-prefix"
 }
 
-TRASH_ROOT="$(pwd)"
+TRASH_ROOT="$PWD"
 ROOT_PARENT=$(dirname "$TRASH_ROOT")
 
 
diff --git a/t/t2001-checkout-cache-clash.sh b/t/t2001-checkout-cache-clash.sh
index ef007532b1..98aa73e823 100755
--- a/t/t2001-checkout-cache-clash.sh
+++ b/t/t2001-checkout-cache-clash.sh
@@ -59,10 +59,10 @@ test_expect_success \
     'git read-tree -m $tree1 && git checkout-index -f -a'
 test_debug 'show_files $tree1'
 
-ln -s path0 path1
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'git update-index --add a symlink.' \
-    'git update-index --add path1'
+    'ln -s path0 path1 &&
+     git update-index --add path1'
 test_expect_success \
     'writing tree out with git write-tree' \
     'tree3=$(git write-tree)'
diff --git a/t/t2003-checkout-cache-mkdir.sh b/t/t2003-checkout-cache-mkdir.sh
index 71894b3743..02a4fc5d36 100755
--- a/t/t2003-checkout-cache-mkdir.sh
+++ b/t/t2003-checkout-cache-mkdir.sh
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@ test_expect_success \
     echo rezrov >path1/file1 &&
     git update-index --add path0 path1/file1'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'have symlink in place where dir is expected.' \
     'rm -fr path0 path1 &&
      mkdir path2 &&
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ test_expect_success \
      test ! -f path1/file1'
 
 # Linus fix #1
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'use --prefix=tmp/orary/ where tmp is a symlink' \
     'rm -fr path0 path1 path2 tmp* &&
      mkdir tmp1 tmp1/orary &&
@@ -71,7 +71,7 @@ test_expect_success \
      test -h tmp'
 
 # Linus fix #2
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'use --prefix=tmp/orary- where tmp is a symlink' \
     'rm -fr path0 path1 path2 tmp* &&
      mkdir tmp1 &&
@@ -82,7 +82,7 @@ test_expect_success \
      test -h tmp'
 
 # Linus fix #3
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'use --prefix=tmp- where tmp-path1 is a symlink' \
     'rm -fr path0 path1 path2 tmp* &&
      mkdir tmp1 &&
diff --git a/t/t2004-checkout-cache-temp.sh b/t/t2004-checkout-cache-temp.sh
index 39133b8c7a..36cca14d95 100755
--- a/t/t2004-checkout-cache-temp.sh
+++ b/t/t2004-checkout-cache-temp.sh
@@ -194,7 +194,7 @@ test_expect_success \
  test $(cat ../$s1) = tree1asubdir/path5)
 )'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
 'checkout --temp symlink' '
 rm -f path* .merge_* out .git/index &&
 ln -s b a &&
diff --git a/t/t2007-checkout-symlink.sh b/t/t2007-checkout-symlink.sh
index 0526fce163..20f33436d0 100755
--- a/t/t2007-checkout-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t2007-checkout-symlink.sh
@@ -6,6 +6,12 @@ test_description='git checkout to switch between branches with symlink<->dir'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say "symbolic links not supported - skipping tests"
+	test_done
+fi
+
 test_expect_success setup '
 
 	mkdir frotz &&
diff --git a/t/t2100-update-cache-badpath.sh b/t/t2100-update-cache-badpath.sh
index 6ef2dcfd8a..2df3fdde8b 100755
--- a/t/t2100-update-cache-badpath.sh
+++ b/t/t2100-update-cache-badpath.sh
@@ -26,7 +26,12 @@ All of the attempts should fail.
 
 mkdir path2 path3
 date >path0
-ln -s xyzzy path1
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	ln -s xyzzy path1
+else
+	date > path1
+fi
 date >path2/file2
 date >path3/file3
 
@@ -38,7 +43,12 @@ rm -fr path?
 
 mkdir path0 path1
 date >path2
-ln -s frotz path3
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	ln -s frotz path3
+else
+	date > path3
+fi
 date >path0/file0
 date >path1/file1
 
diff --git a/t/t2200-add-update.sh b/t/t2200-add-update.sh
index 5a8d52f2ff..912075063b 100755
--- a/t/t2200-add-update.sh
+++ b/t/t2200-add-update.sh
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ test_expect_success 'change gets noticed' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'replace a file with a symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'replace a file with a symlink' '
 
 	rm foo &&
 	ln -s top foo &&
diff --git a/t/t2201-add-update-typechange.sh b/t/t2201-add-update-typechange.sh
index d24c7d9e5f..2e8f702452 100755
--- a/t/t2201-add-update-typechange.sh
+++ b/t/t2201-add-update-typechange.sh
@@ -11,7 +11,13 @@ test_expect_success setup '
 	_empty=$(git hash-object --stdin <xyzzy) &&
 	>yomin &&
 	>caskly &&
-	ln -s frotz nitfol &&
+	if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS; then
+		ln -s frotz nitfol &&
+		T_letter=T
+	else
+		printf %s frotz > nitfol &&
+		T_letter=M
+	fi &&
 	mkdir rezrov &&
 	>rezrov/bozbar &&
 	git add caskly xyzzy yomin nitfol rezrov/bozbar &&
@@ -29,7 +35,11 @@ test_expect_success modify '
 	>nitfol &&
 	# rezrov/bozbar disappears
 	rm -fr rezrov &&
-	ln -s xyzzy rezrov &&
+	if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS; then
+		ln -s xyzzy rezrov
+	else
+		printf %s xyzzy > rezrov
+	fi &&
 	# xyzzy disappears (not a submodule)
 	mkdir xyzzy &&
 	echo gnusto >xyzzy/bozbar &&
@@ -71,7 +81,7 @@ test_expect_success modify '
 				s/blob/000000/
 			}
 			/	nitfol/{
-				s/	nitfol/ $_z40 T&/
+				s/	nitfol/ $_z40 $T_letter&/
 				s/blob/100644/
 			}
 			/	rezrov.bozbar/{
diff --git a/t/t2300-cd-to-toplevel.sh b/t/t2300-cd-to-toplevel.sh
index 293dc353b1..3b01ad2e4d 100755
--- a/t/t2300-cd-to-toplevel.sh
+++ b/t/t2300-cd-to-toplevel.sh
@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ test_description='cd_to_toplevel'
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
 test_cd_to_toplevel () {
-	test_expect_success "$2" '
+	test_expect_success $3 "$2" '
 		(
 			cd '"'$1'"' &&
 			. git-sh-setup &&
@@ -24,14 +24,14 @@ test_cd_to_toplevel repo 'at physical root'
 
 test_cd_to_toplevel repo/sub/dir 'at physical subdir'
 
-ln -s repo symrepo
-test_cd_to_toplevel symrepo 'at symbolic root'
+ln -s repo symrepo 2>/dev/null
+test_cd_to_toplevel symrepo 'at symbolic root' SYMLINKS
 
-ln -s repo/sub/dir subdir-link
-test_cd_to_toplevel subdir-link 'at symbolic subdir'
+ln -s repo/sub/dir subdir-link 2>/dev/null
+test_cd_to_toplevel subdir-link 'at symbolic subdir' SYMLINKS
 
 cd repo
-ln -s sub/dir internal-link
-test_cd_to_toplevel internal-link 'at internal symbolic subdir'
+ln -s sub/dir internal-link 2>/dev/null
+test_cd_to_toplevel internal-link 'at internal symbolic subdir' SYMLINKS
 
 test_done
diff --git a/t/t3000-ls-files-others.sh b/t/t3000-ls-files-others.sh
index 379d963cea..86291e8399 100755
--- a/t/t3000-ls-files-others.sh
+++ b/t/t3000-ls-files-others.sh
@@ -18,7 +18,12 @@ filesystem.
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
 date >path0
-ln -s xyzzy path1
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	ln -s xyzzy path1
+else
+	date > path1
+fi
 mkdir path2 path3 path4
 date >path2/file2
 date >path2-junk
diff --git a/t/t3010-ls-files-killed-modified.sh b/t/t3010-ls-files-killed-modified.sh
index e4f02a0968..95671c2053 100755
--- a/t/t3010-ls-files-killed-modified.sh
+++ b/t/t3010-ls-files-killed-modified.sh
@@ -38,7 +38,12 @@ modified without reporting path9 and path10.
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
 date >path0
-ln -s xyzzy path1
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	ln -s xyzzy path1
+else
+	date > path1
+fi
 mkdir path2 path3
 date >path2/file2
 date >path3/file3
@@ -52,8 +57,14 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 rm -fr path? ;# leave path10 alone
 date >path2
-ln -s frotz path3
-ln -s nitfol path5
+if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	ln -s frotz path3
+	ln -s nitfol path5
+else
+	date > path3
+	date > path5
+fi
 mkdir path0 path1 path6
 date >path0/file0
 date >path1/file1
diff --git a/t/t3100-ls-tree-restrict.sh b/t/t3100-ls-tree-restrict.sh
index 6e6a2542a2..ee60d03fe8 100755
--- a/t/t3100-ls-tree-restrict.sh
+++ b/t/t3100-ls-tree-restrict.sh
@@ -22,9 +22,21 @@ test_expect_success \
     'setup' \
     'mkdir path2 path2/baz &&
      echo Hi >path0 &&
-     ln -s path0 path1 &&
+     if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+     then
+	ln -s path0 path1 &&
+	ln -s ../path1 path2/bazbo
+	make_expected () {
+		cat >expected
+	}
+     else
+	printf path0 > path1 &&
+	printf ../path1 > path2/bazbo
+	make_expected () {
+		sed -e "s/120000 /100644 /" >expected
+	}
+     fi &&
      echo Lo >path2/foo &&
-     ln -s ../path1 path2/bazbo &&
      echo Mi >path2/baz/b &&
      find path? \( -type f -o -type l \) -print |
      xargs git update-index --add &&
@@ -41,7 +53,7 @@ test_output () {
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree plain' \
     'git ls-tree $tree >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 100644 blob X	path0
 120000 blob X	path1
 040000 tree X	path2
@@ -51,7 +63,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree recursive' \
     'git ls-tree -r $tree >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 100644 blob X	path0
 120000 blob X	path1
 100644 blob X	path2/baz/b
@@ -63,7 +75,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree recursive with -t' \
     'git ls-tree -r -t $tree >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 100644 blob X	path0
 120000 blob X	path1
 040000 tree X	path2
@@ -77,7 +89,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree recursive with -d' \
     'git ls-tree -r -d $tree >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 040000 tree X	path2
 040000 tree X	path2/baz
 EOF
@@ -86,7 +98,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 EOF
      test_output'
 
@@ -96,7 +108,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path1 path0' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path1 path0 >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 100644 blob X	path0
 120000 blob X	path1
 EOF
@@ -105,7 +117,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path0/' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path0/ >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 EOF
      test_output'
 
@@ -114,7 +126,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path2' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path2 >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 040000 tree X	path2
 EOF
      test_output'
@@ -123,7 +135,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path2/' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path2/ >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 040000 tree X	path2/baz
 120000 blob X	path2/bazbo
 100644 blob X	path2/foo
@@ -135,7 +147,7 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path2/baz' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path2/baz >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 040000 tree X	path2/baz
 EOF
      test_output'
@@ -143,14 +155,14 @@ EOF
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree filtered with path2/bak' \
     'git ls-tree $tree path2/bak >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 EOF
      test_output'
 
 test_expect_success \
     'ls-tree -t filtered with path2/bak' \
     'git ls-tree -t $tree path2/bak >current &&
-     cat >expected <<\EOF &&
+     make_expected <<\EOF &&
 040000 tree X	path2
 EOF
      test_output'
diff --git a/t/t3200-branch.sh b/t/t3200-branch.sh
index 61a2010f5b..f82bcdbd46 100755
--- a/t/t3200-branch.sh
+++ b/t/t3200-branch.sh
@@ -121,7 +121,7 @@ test_expect_success 'renaming a symref is not allowed' \
 	! test -f .git/refs/heads/master3
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'git branch -m u v should fail when the reflog for u is a symlink' '
      git branch -l u &&
      mv .git/logs/refs/heads/u real-u &&
diff --git a/t/t3600-rm.sh b/t/t3600-rm.sh
index 2aefbcf471..76b1bb4545 100755
--- a/t/t3600-rm.sh
+++ b/t/t3600-rm.sh
@@ -12,31 +12,37 @@ test_expect_success \
     'Initialize test directory' \
     "touch -- foo bar baz 'space embedded' -q &&
      git add -- foo bar baz 'space embedded' -q &&
-     git commit -m 'add normal files' &&
-     test_tabs=y &&
-     if touch -- 'tab	embedded' 'newline
-embedded'
-     then
+     git commit -m 'add normal files'"
+
+if touch -- 'tab	embedded' 'newline
+embedded' 2>/dev/null
+then
+	test_set_prereq FUNNYNAMES
+else
+	say 'Your filesystem does not allow tabs in filenames.'
+fi
+
+test_expect_success FUNNYNAMES 'add files with funny names' "
      git add -- 'tab	embedded' 'newline
 embedded' &&
      git commit -m 'add files with tabs and newlines'
-     else
-         test_tabs=n
-     fi"
-
-test "$test_tabs" = n && say 'Your filesystem does not allow tabs in filenames.'
+"
 
+# Determine rm behavior
 # Later we will try removing an unremovable path to make sure
 # git rm barfs, but if the test is run as root that cannot be
 # arranged.
-test_expect_success \
-    'Determine rm behavior' \
-    ': >test-file
-     chmod a-w .
-     rm -f test-file
-     test -f test-file && test_failed_remove=y
-     chmod 775 .
-     rm -f test-file'
+: >test-file
+chmod a-w .
+rm -f test-file 2>/dev/null
+if test -f test-file
+then
+	test_set_prereq RO_DIR
+else
+	say 'skipping removal failure test (perhaps running as root?)'
+fi
+chmod 775 .
+rm -f test-file
 
 test_expect_success \
     'Pre-check that foo exists and is in index before git rm foo' \
@@ -101,20 +107,16 @@ test_expect_success \
     'Test that "git rm -- -q" succeeds (remove a file that looks like an option)' \
     'git rm -- -q'
 
-test "$test_tabs" = y && test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success FUNNYNAMES \
     "Test that \"git rm -f\" succeeds with embedded space, tab, or newline characters." \
     "git rm -f 'space embedded' 'tab	embedded' 'newline
 embedded'"
 
-if test "$test_failed_remove" = y; then
-chmod a-w .
-test_expect_success \
-    'Test that "git rm -f" fails if its rm fails' \
-    'test_must_fail git rm -f baz'
-chmod 775 .
-else
-    say 'skipping removal failure test (perhaps running as root?)'
-fi
+test_expect_success RO_DIR 'Test that "git rm -f" fails if its rm fails' '
+	chmod a-w . &&
+	test_must_fail git rm -f baz &&
+	chmod 775 .
+'
 
 test_expect_success \
     'When the rm in "git rm -f" fails, it should not remove the file from the index' \
diff --git a/t/t3700-add.sh b/t/t3700-add.sh
index 9f6454d2ff..050de42ef4 100755
--- a/t/t3700-add.sh
+++ b/t/t3700-add.sh
@@ -30,7 +30,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 	 *) echo fail; git ls-files --stage xfoo1; (exit 1);;
 	 esac'
 
-test_expect_success 'git add: filemode=0 should not get confused by symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'git add: filemode=0 should not get confused by symlink' '
 	rm -f xfoo1 &&
 	ln -s foo xfoo1 &&
 	git add xfoo1 &&
@@ -51,7 +51,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 	 *) echo fail; git ls-files --stage xfoo2; (exit 1);;
 	 esac'
 
-test_expect_success 'git add: filemode=0 should not get confused by symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'git add: filemode=0 should not get confused by symlink' '
 	rm -f xfoo2 &&
 	ln -s foo xfoo2 &&
 	git update-index --add xfoo2 &&
@@ -61,7 +61,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add: filemode=0 should not get confused by symlink' '
 	esac
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
 	'git update-index --add: Test that executable bit is not used...' \
 	'git config core.filemode 0 &&
 	 ln -s xfoo2 xfoo3 &&
@@ -179,7 +179,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add --refresh' '
 	test -z "`git diff-index HEAD -- foo`"
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'git add should fail atomically upon an unreadable file' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'git add should fail atomically upon an unreadable file' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	date >foo1 &&
 	date >foo2 &&
@@ -190,7 +190,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add should fail atomically upon an unreadable file' '
 
 rm -f foo2
 
-test_expect_success 'git add --ignore-errors' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'git add --ignore-errors' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	date >foo1 &&
 	date >foo2 &&
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add --ignore-errors' '
 
 rm -f foo2
 
-test_expect_success 'git add (add.ignore-errors)' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'git add (add.ignore-errors)' '
 	git config add.ignore-errors 1 &&
 	git reset --hard &&
 	date >foo1 &&
@@ -212,7 +212,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add (add.ignore-errors)' '
 '
 rm -f foo2
 
-test_expect_success 'git add (add.ignore-errors = false)' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'git add (add.ignore-errors = false)' '
 	git config add.ignore-errors 0 &&
 	git reset --hard &&
 	date >foo1 &&
@@ -222,7 +222,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git add (add.ignore-errors = false)' '
 	! ( git ls-files foo1 | grep foo1 )
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'git add '\''fo\[ou\]bar'\'' ignores foobar' '
+test_expect_success BSLASHPSPEC "git add 'fo\\[ou\\]bar' ignores foobar" '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	touch fo\[ou\]bar foobar &&
 	git add '\''fo\[ou\]bar'\'' &&
diff --git a/t/t3701-add-interactive.sh b/t/t3701-add-interactive.sh
index e95663d8e6..fe017839c4 100755
--- a/t/t3701-add-interactive.sh
+++ b/t/t3701-add-interactive.sh
@@ -135,10 +135,12 @@ test_expect_success 'real edit works' '
 
 if test "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" = false
 then
-    say 'skipping filemode tests (filesystem does not properly support modes)'
+	say 'skipping filemode tests (filesystem does not properly support modes)'
 else
+	test_set_prereq FILEMODE
+fi
 
-test_expect_success 'patch does not affect mode' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'patch does not affect mode' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	echo content >>file &&
 	chmod +x file &&
@@ -147,7 +149,7 @@ test_expect_success 'patch does not affect mode' '
 	git diff file | grep "new mode"
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'stage mode but not hunk' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'stage mode but not hunk' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	echo content >>file &&
 	chmod +x file &&
@@ -156,7 +158,6 @@ test_expect_success 'stage mode but not hunk' '
 	git diff          file | grep "+content"
 '
 
-fi
 # end of tests disabled when filemode is not usable
 
 test_done
diff --git a/t/t4004-diff-rename-symlink.sh b/t/t4004-diff-rename-symlink.sh
index b35af9b42d..3db74443f8 100755
--- a/t/t4004-diff-rename-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t4004-diff-rename-symlink.sh
@@ -12,6 +12,13 @@ by an edit for them.
 . ./test-lib.sh
 . "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/diff-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 test_expect_success \
     'prepare reference tree' \
     'echo xyzzy | tr -d '\\\\'012 >yomin &&
diff --git a/t/t4008-diff-break-rewrite.sh b/t/t4008-diff-break-rewrite.sh
index 7e343a9cd1..e19ca65885 100755
--- a/t/t4008-diff-break-rewrite.sh
+++ b/t/t4008-diff-break-rewrite.sh
@@ -99,7 +99,7 @@ test_expect_success \
     'validate result of -B -M (#4)' \
     'compare_diff_raw expected current'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'make file0 into something completely different' \
     'rm -f file0 &&
      ln -s frotz file0 &&
@@ -114,7 +114,7 @@ cat >expected <<\EOF
 :100644 100644 6ff87c4664981e4397625791c8ea3bbb5f2279a3 f5deac7be59e7eeab8657fd9ae706fd6a57daed2 M100	file1
 EOF
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'validate result of -B (#5)' \
     'compare_diff_raw expected current'
 
@@ -129,7 +129,7 @@ cat >expected <<\EOF
 :100644 100644 6ff87c4664981e4397625791c8ea3bbb5f2279a3 f5deac7be59e7eeab8657fd9ae706fd6a57daed2 R	file0	file1
 EOF
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'validate result of -B -M (#6)' \
     'compare_diff_raw expected current'
 
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ cat >expected <<\EOF
 :100644 100644 6ff87c4664981e4397625791c8ea3bbb5f2279a3 f5deac7be59e7eeab8657fd9ae706fd6a57daed2 M	file1
 EOF
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
     'validate result of -M (#7)' \
     'compare_diff_raw expected current'
 
diff --git a/t/t4011-diff-symlink.sh b/t/t4011-diff-symlink.sh
index 9055c8b318..3a81309967 100755
--- a/t/t4011-diff-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t4011-diff-symlink.sh
@@ -9,6 +9,13 @@ test_description='Test diff of symlinks.
 . ./test-lib.sh
 . "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/diff-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 cat > expected << EOF
 diff --git a/frotz b/frotz
 new file mode 120000
diff --git a/t/t4023-diff-rename-typechange.sh b/t/t4023-diff-rename-typechange.sh
index 297ddb5a25..5099862eba 100755
--- a/t/t4023-diff-rename-typechange.sh
+++ b/t/t4023-diff-rename-typechange.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,13 @@ test_description='typechange rename detection'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 test_expect_success setup '
 
 	rm -f foo bar &&
diff --git a/t/t4102-apply-rename.sh b/t/t4102-apply-rename.sh
index d42abff1ad..1597965241 100755
--- a/t/t4102-apply-rename.sh
+++ b/t/t4102-apply-rename.sh
@@ -31,14 +31,16 @@ test_expect_success setup \
 test_expect_success apply \
     'git apply --index --stat --summary --apply test-patch'
 
-if [ "$(git config --get core.filemode)" = false ]
+if test "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" = false
 then
 	say 'filemode disabled on the filesystem'
 else
-	test_expect_success validate \
-	    'test -f bar && ls -l bar | grep "^-..x......"'
+	test_set_prereq FILEMODE
 fi
 
+test_expect_success FILEMODE validate \
+	    'test -f bar && ls -l bar | grep "^-..x......"'
+
 test_expect_success 'apply reverse' \
     'git apply -R --index --stat --summary --apply test-patch &&
      test "$(cat foo)" = "This is foo"'
diff --git a/t/t4114-apply-typechange.sh b/t/t4114-apply-typechange.sh
index 0f185caa44..7dc35dea38 100755
--- a/t/t4114-apply-typechange.sh
+++ b/t/t4114-apply-typechange.sh
@@ -9,6 +9,13 @@ test_description='git apply should not get confused with type changes.
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 test_expect_success 'setup repository and commits' '
 	echo "hello world" > foo &&
 	echo "hi planet" > bar &&
diff --git a/t/t4115-apply-symlink.sh b/t/t4115-apply-symlink.sh
index 9ace578f17..1a3aea34ce 100755
--- a/t/t4115-apply-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t4115-apply-symlink.sh
@@ -9,6 +9,13 @@ test_description='git apply symlinks and partial files
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 test_expect_success setup '
 
 	ln -s path1/path2/path3/path4/path5 link1 &&
diff --git a/t/t4122-apply-symlink-inside.sh b/t/t4122-apply-symlink-inside.sh
index 841773f75f..8aad20bfcc 100755
--- a/t/t4122-apply-symlink-inside.sh
+++ b/t/t4122-apply-symlink-inside.sh
@@ -3,6 +3,13 @@
 test_description='apply to deeper directory without getting fooled with symlink'
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 lecho () {
 	for l_
 	do
diff --git a/t/t4129-apply-samemode.sh b/t/t4129-apply-samemode.sh
index adfcbb5a3b..fc7af04931 100755
--- a/t/t4129-apply-samemode.sh
+++ b/t/t4129-apply-samemode.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,13 @@ test_description='applying patch with mode bits'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if test "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" = false
+then
+	say 'filemode disabled on the filesystem'
+else
+	test_set_prereq FILEMODE
+fi
+
 test_expect_success setup '
 	echo original >file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -16,14 +23,14 @@ test_expect_success setup '
 	git diff --stat -p >patch-1.txt
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'same mode (no index)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'same mode (no index)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	chmod +x file &&
 	git apply patch-0.txt &&
 	test -x file
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'same mode (with index)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'same mode (with index)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	chmod +x file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -32,7 +39,7 @@ test_expect_success 'same mode (with index)' '
 	git diff --exit-code
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'same mode (index only)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'same mode (index only)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	chmod +x file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -40,20 +47,20 @@ test_expect_success 'same mode (index only)' '
 	git ls-files -s file | grep "^100755"
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'mode update (no index)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'mode update (no index)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	git apply patch-1.txt &&
 	test -x file
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'mode update (with index)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'mode update (with index)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	git apply --index patch-1.txt &&
 	test -x file &&
 	git diff --exit-code
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'mode update (index only)' '
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'mode update (index only)' '
 	git reset --hard &&
 	git apply --cached patch-1.txt &&
 	git ls-files -s file | grep "^100755"
diff --git a/t/t5000-tar-tree.sh b/t/t5000-tar-tree.sh
index 7a84ab61d0..7641e0dd46 100755
--- a/t/t5000-tar-tree.sh
+++ b/t/t5000-tar-tree.sh
@@ -37,7 +37,11 @@ test_expect_success \
      cp /bin/sh a/bin &&
      printf "A\$Format:%s\$O" "$SUBSTFORMAT" >a/substfile1 &&
      printf "A not substituted O" >a/substfile2 &&
-     ln -s a a/l1 &&
+     if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS; then
+	ln -s a a/l1
+     else
+	printf %s a > a/l1
+     fi &&
      (p=long_path_to_a_file && cd a &&
       for depth in 1 2 3 4 5; do mkdir $p && cd $p; done &&
       echo text >file_with_long_path) &&
@@ -183,20 +187,20 @@ test_expect_success 'git archive --format=zip with --output' \
 $UNZIP -v >/dev/null 2>&1
 if [ $? -eq 127 ]; then
 	say "Skipping ZIP tests, because unzip was not found"
-	test_done
-	exit
+else
+	test_set_prereq UNZIP
 fi
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'extract ZIP archive' \
     '(mkdir d && cd d && $UNZIP ../d.zip)'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'validate filenames' \
     '(cd d/a && find .) | sort >d.lst &&
      test_cmp a.lst d.lst'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'validate file contents' \
     'diff -r a d/a'
 
@@ -204,16 +208,16 @@ test_expect_success \
     'git archive --format=zip with prefix' \
     'git archive --format=zip --prefix=prefix/ HEAD >e.zip'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'extract ZIP archive with prefix' \
     '(mkdir e && cd e && $UNZIP ../e.zip)'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'validate filenames with prefix' \
     '(cd e/prefix/a && find .) | sort >e.lst &&
      test_cmp a.lst e.lst'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success UNZIP \
     'validate file contents with prefix' \
     'diff -r a e/prefix/a'
 
diff --git a/t/t5302-pack-index.sh b/t/t5302-pack-index.sh
index 77982cdeac..4360e77d31 100755
--- a/t/t5302-pack-index.sh
+++ b/t/t5302-pack-index.sh
@@ -69,32 +69,27 @@ test_expect_success \
     'index v2: force some 64-bit offsets with pack-objects' \
     'pack3=$(git pack-objects --index-version=2,0x40000 test-3 <obj-list)'
 
-have_64bits=
 if msg=$(git verify-pack -v "test-3-${pack3}.pack" 2>&1) ||
 	! (echo "$msg" | grep "pack too large .* off_t")
 then
-	have_64bits=t
+	test_set_prereq OFF64_T
 else
 	say "skipping tests concerning 64-bit offsets"
 fi
 
-test "$have_64bits" &&
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success OFF64_T \
     'index v2: verify a pack with some 64-bit offsets' \
     'git verify-pack -v "test-3-${pack3}.pack"'
 
-test "$have_64bits" &&
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success OFF64_T \
     '64-bit offsets: should be different from previous index v2 results' \
     '! cmp "test-2-${pack2}.idx" "test-3-${pack3}.idx"'
 
-test "$have_64bits" &&
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success OFF64_T \
     'index v2: force some 64-bit offsets with index-pack' \
     'git index-pack --index-version=2,0x40000 -o 3.idx "test-1-${pack1}.pack"'
 
-test "$have_64bits" &&
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success OFF64_T \
     '64-bit offsets: index-pack result should match pack-objects one' \
     'cmp "test-3-${pack3}.idx" "3.idx"'
 
diff --git a/t/t5503-tagfollow.sh b/t/t5503-tagfollow.sh
index 4074e23ffa..e75ccbcaeb 100755
--- a/t/t5503-tagfollow.sh
+++ b/t/t5503-tagfollow.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,13 @@ test_description='test automatic tag following'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+case $(uname -s) in
+*MINGW*)
+	say "GIT_DEBUG_SEND_PACK not supported - skipping tests"
+	test_done
+	exit
+esac
+
 # End state of the repository:
 #
 #         T - tag1          S - tag2
diff --git a/t/t5522-pull-symlink.sh b/t/t5522-pull-symlink.sh
index 5672b51e2e..d887eb6c1a 100755
--- a/t/t5522-pull-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t5522-pull-symlink.sh
@@ -4,6 +4,13 @@ test_description='pulling from symlinked subdir'
 
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test_have_prereq SYMLINKS
+then
+	say 'Symbolic links not supported, skipping tests.'
+	test_done
+	exit
+fi
+
 # The scenario we are building:
 #
 #   trash\ directory/
diff --git a/t/t6031-merge-recursive.sh b/t/t6031-merge-recursive.sh
index 41c6860be2..8a3304fb0b 100755
--- a/t/t6031-merge-recursive.sh
+++ b/t/t6031-merge-recursive.sh
@@ -3,6 +3,11 @@
 test_description='merge-recursive: handle file mode'
 . ./test-lib.sh
 
+if ! test "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" = false
+then
+	test_set_prereq FILEMODE
+fi
+
 test_expect_success 'mode change in one branch: keep changed version' '
 	: >file1 &&
 	git add file1 &&
@@ -16,6 +21,10 @@ test_expect_success 'mode change in one branch: keep changed version' '
 	git commit -m b1 &&
 	git checkout a1 &&
 	git merge-recursive master -- a1 b1 &&
+	git ls-files -s file1 | grep ^100755
+'
+
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'verify executable bit on file' '
 	test -x file1
 '
 
@@ -41,6 +50,10 @@ test_expect_success 'mode change in both branches: expect conflict' '
 		echo "100644 $H 3	file2"
 	) >expect &&
 	test_cmp actual expect &&
+	git ls-files -s file2 | grep ^100755
+'
+
+test_expect_success FILEMODE 'verify executable bit on file' '
 	test -x file2
 '
 
diff --git a/t/t6200-fmt-merge-msg.sh b/t/t6200-fmt-merge-msg.sh
index 8f5a06f7dd..2049ab6cf8 100755
--- a/t/t6200-fmt-merge-msg.sh
+++ b/t/t6200-fmt-merge-msg.sh
@@ -83,13 +83,13 @@ test_expect_success 'merge-msg test #1' '
 '
 
 cat >expected <<EOF
-Merge branch 'left' of $TEST_DIRECTORY/$test
+Merge branch 'left' of $(pwd)
 EOF
 
 test_expect_success 'merge-msg test #2' '
 
 	git checkout master &&
-	git fetch "$TEST_DIRECTORY/$test" left &&
+	git fetch "$(pwd)" left &&
 
 	git fmt-merge-msg <.git/FETCH_HEAD >actual &&
 	test_cmp expected actual
diff --git a/t/t7001-mv.sh b/t/t7001-mv.sh
index 8fb3a56838..10b8f8c44b 100755
--- a/t/t7001-mv.sh
+++ b/t/t7001-mv.sh
@@ -206,7 +206,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git mv should not change sha1 of moved cache entry' '
 
 rm -f dirty dirty2
 
-test_expect_success 'git mv should overwrite symlink to a file' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'git mv should overwrite symlink to a file' '
 
 	rm -fr .git &&
 	git init &&
@@ -225,7 +225,7 @@ test_expect_success 'git mv should overwrite symlink to a file' '
 
 rm -f moved symlink
 
-test_expect_success 'git mv should overwrite file with a symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'git mv should overwrite file with a symlink' '
 
 	rm -fr .git &&
 	git init &&
diff --git a/t/t7004-tag.sh b/t/t7004-tag.sh
index 1c27ffb45e..73dbc4360b 100755
--- a/t/t7004-tag.sh
+++ b/t/t7004-tag.sh
@@ -581,28 +581,38 @@ test_expect_success \
 '
 
 # subsequent tests require gpg; check if it is available
-gpg --version >/dev/null
+gpg --version >/dev/null 2>/dev/null
 if [ $? -eq 127 ]; then
 	say "gpg not found - skipping tag signing and verification tests"
-	test_done
-	exit
+else
+	# As said here: http://www.gnupg.org/documentation/faqs.html#q6.19
+	# the gpg version 1.0.6 didn't parse trust packets correctly, so for
+	# that version, creation of signed tags using the generated key fails.
+	case "$(gpg --version)" in
+	'gpg (GnuPG) 1.0.6'*)
+		say "Skipping signed tag tests, because a bug in 1.0.6 version"
+		;;
+	*)
+		test_set_prereq GPG
+		;;
+	esac
 fi
 
 # trying to verify annotated non-signed tags:
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'trying to verify an annotated non-signed tag should fail' '
 	tag_exists annotated-tag &&
 	test_must_fail git tag -v annotated-tag
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'trying to verify a file-annotated non-signed tag should fail' '
 	tag_exists file-annotated-tag &&
 	test_must_fail git tag -v file-annotated-tag
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'trying to verify two annotated non-signed tags should fail' '
 	tag_exists annotated-tag file-annotated-tag &&
 	test_must_fail git tag -v annotated-tag file-annotated-tag
@@ -610,17 +620,6 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 # creating and verifying signed tags:
 
-# As said here: http://www.gnupg.org/documentation/faqs.html#q6.19
-# the gpg version 1.0.6 didn't parse trust packets correctly, so for
-# that version, creation of signed tags using the generated key fails.
-case "$(gpg --version)" in
-'gpg (GnuPG) 1.0.6'*)
-	say "Skipping signed tag tests, because a bug in 1.0.6 version"
-	test_done
-	exit
-	;;
-esac
-
 # key generation info: gpg --homedir t/t7004 --gen-key
 # Type DSA and Elgamal, size 2048 bits, no expiration date.
 # Name and email: C O Mitter <committer@example.com>
@@ -634,7 +633,7 @@ export GNUPGHOME
 get_tag_header signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo 'A signed tag message' >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success 'creating a signed tag with -m message should succeed' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'creating a signed tag with -m message should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "A signed tag message" signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg signed-tag >actual &&
 	test_cmp expect actual
@@ -643,7 +642,7 @@ test_expect_success 'creating a signed tag with -m message should succeed' '
 get_tag_header u-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo 'Another message' >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success 'sign with a given key id' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'sign with a given key id' '
 
 	git tag -u committer@example.com -m "Another message" u-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg u-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -651,14 +650,14 @@ test_expect_success 'sign with a given key id' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'sign with an unknown id (1)' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'sign with an unknown id (1)' '
 
 	test_must_fail git tag -u author@example.com \
 		-m "Another message" o-signed-tag
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'sign with an unknown id (2)' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'sign with an unknown id (2)' '
 
 	test_must_fail git tag -u DEADBEEF -m "Another message" o-signed-tag
 
@@ -675,7 +674,7 @@ chmod +x fakeeditor
 get_tag_header implied-sign $commit commit $time >expect
 ./fakeeditor >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success '-u implies signed tag' '
+test_expect_success GPG '-u implies signed tag' '
 	GIT_EDITOR=./fakeeditor git tag -u CDDE430D implied-sign &&
 	get_tag_msg implied-sign >actual &&
 	test_cmp expect actual
@@ -688,7 +687,7 @@ EOF
 get_tag_header file-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 cat sigmsgfile >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with -F messagefile should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigmsgfile file-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg file-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -702,7 +701,7 @@ EOF
 get_tag_header stdin-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 cat siginputmsg >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success 'creating a signed tag with -F - should succeed' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'creating a signed tag with -F - should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F - stdin-signed-tag <siginputmsg &&
 	get_tag_msg stdin-signed-tag >actual &&
 	test_cmp expect actual
@@ -711,13 +710,13 @@ test_expect_success 'creating a signed tag with -F - should succeed' '
 get_tag_header implied-annotate $commit commit $time >expect
 ./fakeeditor >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success '-s implies annotated tag' '
+test_expect_success GPG '-s implies annotated tag' '
 	GIT_EDITOR=./fakeeditor git tag -s implied-annotate &&
 	get_tag_msg implied-annotate >actual &&
 	test_cmp expect actual
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'trying to create a signed tag with non-existing -F file should fail' '
 	! test -f nonexistingfile &&
 	! tag_exists nosigtag &&
@@ -725,13 +724,13 @@ test_expect_success \
 	! tag_exists nosigtag
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'verifying a signed tag should succeed' \
+test_expect_success GPG 'verifying a signed tag should succeed' \
 	'git tag -v signed-tag'
 
-test_expect_success 'verifying two signed tags in one command should succeed' \
+test_expect_success GPG 'verifying two signed tags in one command should succeed' \
 	'git tag -v signed-tag file-signed-tag'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'verifying many signed and non-signed tags should fail' '
 	test_must_fail git tag -v signed-tag annotated-tag &&
 	test_must_fail git tag -v file-annotated-tag file-signed-tag &&
@@ -740,7 +739,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 	test_must_fail git tag -v signed-tag annotated-tag file-signed-tag
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'verifying a forged tag should fail' '
+test_expect_success GPG 'verifying a forged tag should fail' '
 	forged=$(git cat-file tag signed-tag |
 		sed -e "s/signed-tag/forged-tag/" |
 		git mktag) &&
@@ -752,7 +751,7 @@ test_expect_success 'verifying a forged tag should fail' '
 
 get_tag_header empty-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with an empty -m message should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "" empty-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg empty-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -763,7 +762,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 >sigemptyfile
 get_tag_header emptyfile-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with an empty -F messagefile should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigemptyfile emptyfile-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg emptyfile-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -786,7 +785,7 @@ Trailing spaces
 Trailing blank lines
 EOF
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'extra blanks in the message for a signed tag should be removed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigblanksfile blanks-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg blanks-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -796,7 +795,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 get_tag_header blank-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with a blank -m message should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "     " blank-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg blank-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -809,7 +808,7 @@ echo ''      >>sigblankfile
 echo '  '    >>sigblankfile
 get_tag_header blankfile-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with blank -F file with spaces should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigblankfile blankfile-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg blankfile-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -820,7 +819,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 printf '      ' >sigblanknonlfile
 get_tag_header blanknonlfile-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with spaces and no newline should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigblanknonlfile blanknonlfile-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg blanknonlfile-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -857,7 +856,7 @@ Another line.
 Last line.
 EOF
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with a -F file with #comments should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigcommentsfile comments-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg comments-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -867,7 +866,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 get_tag_header comment-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with #commented -m message should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "#comment" comment-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg comment-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -880,7 +879,7 @@ echo ''         >>sigcommentfile
 echo '####'     >>sigcommentfile
 get_tag_header commentfile-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with #commented -F messagefile should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigcommentfile commentfile-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg commentfile-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -891,7 +890,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 printf '#comment' >sigcommentnonlfile
 get_tag_header commentnonlfile-signed-tag $commit commit $time >expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag with a #comment and no newline should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigcommentnonlfile commentnonlfile-signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg commentnonlfile-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -901,7 +900,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 # listing messages for signed tags:
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'listing the one-line message of a signed tag should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "A message line signed" stag-one-line &&
 
@@ -926,7 +925,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 	test_cmp expect actual
 '
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'listing the zero-lines message of a signed tag should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "" stag-zero-lines &&
 
@@ -954,7 +953,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 echo 'stag line one' >sigtagmsg
 echo 'stag line two' >>sigtagmsg
 echo 'stag line three' >>sigtagmsg
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'listing many message lines of a signed tag should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -F sigtagmsg stag-lines &&
 
@@ -999,12 +998,12 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 tree=$(git rev-parse HEAD^{tree})
 blob=$(git rev-parse HEAD:foo)
-tag=$(git rev-parse signed-tag)
+tag=$(git rev-parse signed-tag 2>/dev/null)
 
 get_tag_header tree-signed-tag $tree tree $time >expect
 echo "A message for a tree" >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag pointing to a tree should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "A message for a tree" tree-signed-tag HEAD^{tree} &&
 	get_tag_msg tree-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -1014,7 +1013,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 get_tag_header blob-signed-tag $blob blob $time >expect
 echo "A message for a blob" >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag pointing to a blob should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "A message for a blob" blob-signed-tag HEAD:foo &&
 	get_tag_msg blob-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -1024,7 +1023,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 get_tag_header tag-signed-tag $tag tag $time >expect
 echo "A message for another tag" >>expect
 echo '-----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE-----' >>expect
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'creating a signed tag pointing to another tag should succeed' '
 	git tag -s -m "A message for another tag" tag-signed-tag signed-tag &&
 	get_tag_msg tag-signed-tag >actual &&
@@ -1033,7 +1032,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 
 # try to sign with bad user.signingkey
 git config user.signingkey BobTheMouse
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'git tag -s fails if gpg is misconfigured' \
 	'test_must_fail git tag -s -m tail tag-gpg-failure'
 git config --unset user.signingkey
@@ -1041,7 +1040,7 @@ git config --unset user.signingkey
 # try to verify without gpg:
 
 rm -rf gpghome
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success GPG \
 	'verify signed tag fails when public key is not present' \
 	'test_must_fail git tag -v signed-tag'
 
diff --git a/t/t7503-pre-commit-hook.sh b/t/t7503-pre-commit-hook.sh
index b069095995..8528f64c8d 100755
--- a/t/t7503-pre-commit-hook.sh
+++ b/t/t7503-pre-commit-hook.sh
@@ -69,7 +69,7 @@ test_expect_success '--no-verify with failing hook' '
 '
 
 chmod -x "$HOOK"
-test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'with non-executable hook' '
 
 	echo "content" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -77,7 +77,7 @@ test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success '--no-verify with non-executable hook' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM '--no-verify with non-executable hook' '
 
 	echo "more content" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
diff --git a/t/t7504-commit-msg-hook.sh b/t/t7504-commit-msg-hook.sh
index 47680e6df4..1f53ea8090 100755
--- a/t/t7504-commit-msg-hook.sh
+++ b/t/t7504-commit-msg-hook.sh
@@ -136,7 +136,7 @@ test_expect_success '--no-verify with failing hook (editor)' '
 '
 
 chmod -x "$HOOK"
-test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'with non-executable hook' '
 
 	echo "content" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -144,7 +144,7 @@ test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook (editor)' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM 'with non-executable hook (editor)' '
 
 	echo "content again" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -153,7 +153,7 @@ test_expect_success 'with non-executable hook (editor)' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success '--no-verify with non-executable hook' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM '--no-verify with non-executable hook' '
 
 	echo "more content" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@ test_expect_success '--no-verify with non-executable hook' '
 
 '
 
-test_expect_success '--no-verify with non-executable hook (editor)' '
+test_expect_success POSIXPERM '--no-verify with non-executable hook (editor)' '
 
 	echo "even more content" >> file &&
 	git add file &&
diff --git a/t/t9100-git-svn-basic.sh b/t/t9100-git-svn-basic.sh
index bb921af56a..4eee2e9fa6 100755
--- a/t/t9100-git-svn-basic.sh
+++ b/t/t9100-git-svn-basic.sh
@@ -6,19 +6,19 @@
 test_description='git svn basic tests'
 GIT_SVN_LC_ALL=${LC_ALL:-$LANG}
 
-case "$GIT_SVN_LC_ALL" in
-*.UTF-8)
-	have_utf8=t
-	;;
-*)
-	have_utf8=
-	;;
-esac
-
 . ./lib-git-svn.sh
 
 say 'define NO_SVN_TESTS to skip git svn tests'
 
+case "$GIT_SVN_LC_ALL" in
+*.UTF-8)
+	test_set_prereq UTF8
+	;;
+*)
+	say "UTF-8 locale not set, some tests skipped ($GIT_SVN_LC_ALL)"
+	;;
+esac
+
 test_expect_success \
     'initialize git svn' '
 	mkdir import &&
@@ -171,20 +171,15 @@ test_expect_success "$name" '
 	test ! -L "$SVN_TREE"/exec-2.sh &&
 	test_cmp help "$SVN_TREE"/exec-2.sh'
 
-if test "$have_utf8" = t
-then
-	name="commit with UTF-8 message: locale: $GIT_SVN_LC_ALL"
-	LC_ALL="$GIT_SVN_LC_ALL"
-	export LC_ALL
-	test_expect_success "$name" "
-		echo '# hello' >> exec-2.sh &&
-		git update-index exec-2.sh &&
-		git commit -m 'éï∏' &&
-		git svn set-tree HEAD"
-	unset LC_ALL
-else
-	say "UTF-8 locale not set, test skipped ($GIT_SVN_LC_ALL)"
-fi
+name="commit with UTF-8 message: locale: $GIT_SVN_LC_ALL"
+LC_ALL="$GIT_SVN_LC_ALL"
+export LC_ALL
+test_expect_success UTF8 "$name" "
+	echo '# hello' >> exec-2.sh &&
+	git update-index exec-2.sh &&
+	git commit -m 'éï∏' &&
+	git svn set-tree HEAD"
+unset LC_ALL
 
 name='test fetch functionality (svn => git) with alternate GIT_SVN_ID'
 GIT_SVN_ID=alt
@@ -197,7 +192,7 @@ test_expect_success "$name" \
 
 name='check imported tree checksums expected tree checksums'
 rm -f expected
-if test "$have_utf8" = t
+if test_have_prereq UTF8
 then
 	echo tree bf522353586b1b883488f2bc73dab0d9f774b9a9 > expected
 fi
diff --git a/t/t9129-git-svn-i18n-commitencoding.sh b/t/t9129-git-svn-i18n-commitencoding.sh
index 9c7b1ad18b..3200ab38ef 100755
--- a/t/t9129-git-svn-i18n-commitencoding.sh
+++ b/t/t9129-git-svn-i18n-commitencoding.sh
@@ -70,24 +70,26 @@ do
 done
 
 if locale -a |grep -q en_US.utf8; then
-	test_expect_success 'ISO-8859-1 should match UTF-8 in svn' '
-	(
-		cd ISO-8859-1 &&
-		compare_svn_head_with "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/t3900/1-UTF-8.txt
-	)
-	'
-
-	for H in EUCJP ISO-2022-JP
-	do
-		test_expect_success '$H should match UTF-8 in svn' '
-		(
-			cd $H &&
-			compare_svn_head_with "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/t3900/2-UTF-8.txt
-		)
-		'
-	done
+	test_set_prereq UTF8
 else
 	say "UTF-8 locale not available, test skipped"
 fi
 
+test_expect_success UTF8 'ISO-8859-1 should match UTF-8 in svn' '
+	(
+		cd ISO-8859-1 &&
+		compare_svn_head_with "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/t3900/1-UTF-8.txt
+	)
+'
+
+for H in EUCJP ISO-2022-JP
+do
+	test_expect_success UTF8 "$H should match UTF-8 in svn" '
+		(
+			cd $H &&
+			compare_svn_head_with "$TEST_DIRECTORY"/t3900/2-UTF-8.txt
+		)
+	'
+done
+
 test_done
diff --git a/t/t9131-git-svn-empty-symlink.sh b/t/t9131-git-svn-empty-symlink.sh
index 8f35e294aa..9a24a65b64 100755
--- a/t/t9131-git-svn-empty-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t9131-git-svn-empty-symlink.sh
@@ -88,7 +88,7 @@ test_expect_success 'enable broken symlink workaround' \
 test_expect_success '"bar" is an empty file' 'test -f x/bar && ! test -s x/bar'
 test_expect_success 'get "bar" => symlink fix from svn' \
 		'(cd x && git svn rebase)'
-test_expect_success '"bar" becomes a symlink' 'test -L x/bar'
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS '"bar" becomes a symlink' 'test -L x/bar'
 
 
 test_expect_success 'clone using git svn' 'git svn clone -r1 "$svnrepo" y'
diff --git a/t/t9132-git-svn-broken-symlink.sh b/t/t9132-git-svn-broken-symlink.sh
index b8de59e493..6c4c90b036 100755
--- a/t/t9132-git-svn-broken-symlink.sh
+++ b/t/t9132-git-svn-broken-symlink.sh
@@ -85,7 +85,7 @@ EOF
 
 test_expect_success 'clone using git svn' 'git svn clone -r1 "$svnrepo" x'
 
-test_expect_success '"bar" is a symlink that points to "asdf"' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS '"bar" is a symlink that points to "asdf"' '
 	test -L x/bar &&
 	(cd x && test xasdf = x"`git cat-file blob HEAD:bar`")
 '
@@ -94,7 +94,7 @@ test_expect_success 'get "bar" => symlink fix from svn' '
 	(cd x && git svn rebase)
 '
 
-test_expect_success '"bar" remains a proper symlink' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS '"bar" remains a proper symlink' '
 	test -L x/bar &&
 	(cd x && test xdoink = x"`git cat-file blob HEAD:bar`")
 '
diff --git a/t/t9200-git-cvsexportcommit.sh b/t/t9200-git-cvsexportcommit.sh
index d28b71b8cf..995f60771a 100755
--- a/t/t9200-git-cvsexportcommit.sh
+++ b/t/t9200-git-cvsexportcommit.sh
@@ -225,11 +225,12 @@ test_expect_success \
       test_must_fail git cvsexportcommit -c $id
       )'
 
-case "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" in
-false)
-	;;
-*)
-test_expect_success \
+if ! test "$(git config --bool core.filemode)" = false
+then
+	test_set_prereq FILEMODE
+fi
+
+test_expect_success FILEMODE \
      'Retain execute bit' \
      'mkdir G &&
       echo executeon >G/on &&
@@ -243,8 +244,6 @@ test_expect_success \
       test -x G/on &&
       ! test -x G/off
       )'
-	;;
-esac
 
 test_expect_success '-w option should work with relative GIT_DIR' '
       mkdir W &&
diff --git a/t/t9500-gitweb-standalone-no-errors.sh b/t/t9500-gitweb-standalone-no-errors.sh
index dce06bcc97..9ec5030a91 100755
--- a/t/t9500-gitweb-standalone-no-errors.sh
+++ b/t/t9500-gitweb-standalone-no-errors.sh
@@ -246,7 +246,7 @@ test_expect_success \
 	 gitweb_run "p=.git;a=commitdiff"'
 test_debug 'cat gitweb.log'
 
-test_expect_success \
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS \
 	'commitdiff(0): file to symlink' \
 	'rm renamed_file &&
 	 ln -s file renamed_file &&
@@ -308,7 +308,7 @@ test_debug 'cat gitweb.log'
 # ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 # commitdiff testing (taken from t4114-apply-typechange.sh)
 
-test_expect_success 'setup typechange commits' '
+test_expect_success SYMLINKS 'setup typechange commits' '
 	echo "hello world" > foo &&
 	echo "hi planet" > bar &&
 	git update-index --add foo bar &&
@@ -418,7 +418,12 @@ test_expect_success \
 	 git mv 04-rename-from 04-rename-to &&
 	 echo "Changed" >> 04-rename-to &&
 	 test_chmod +x 05-mode-change &&
-	 rm -f 06-file-or-symlink && ln -s 01-change 06-file-or-symlink &&
+	 rm -f 06-file-or-symlink &&
+	 if test_have_prereq SYMLINKS; then
+		ln -s 01-change 06-file-or-symlink
+	 else
+		printf %s 01-change > 06-file-or-symlink
+	 fi &&
 	 echo "Changed and have mode changed" > 07-change-mode-change	&&
 	 test_chmod +x 07-change-mode-change &&
 	 git commit -a -m "Large commit" &&
diff --git a/t/test-lib.sh b/t/test-lib.sh
index 7ff75644c0..8de5ee1b58 100644
--- a/t/test-lib.sh
+++ b/t/test-lib.sh
@@ -247,6 +247,31 @@ test_chmod () {
 	git update-index --add "--chmod=$@"
 }
 
+# Use test_set_prereq to tell that a particular prerequisite is available.
+# The prerequisite can later be checked for in two ways:
+#
+# - Explicitly using test_have_prereq.
+#
+# - Implicitly by specifying the prerequisite tag in the calls to
+#   test_expect_{success,failure,code}.
+#
+# The single parameter is the prerequisite tag (a simple word, in all
+# capital letters by convention).
+
+test_set_prereq () {
+	satisfied="$satisfied$1 "
+}
+satisfied=" "
+
+test_have_prereq () {
+	case $satisfied in
+	*" $1 "*)
+		: yes, have it ;;
+	*)
+		! : nope ;;
+	esac
+}
+
 # You are not expected to call test_ok_ and test_failure_ directly, use
 # the text_expect_* functions instead.
 
@@ -293,6 +318,11 @@ test_skip () {
 			to_skip=t
 		esac
 	done
+	if test -z "$to_skip" && test -n "$prereq" &&
+	   ! test_have_prereq "$prereq"
+	then
+		to_skip=t
+	fi
 	case "$to_skip" in
 	t)
 		say_color skip >&3 "skipping test: $@"
@@ -306,8 +336,9 @@ test_skip () {
 }
 
 test_expect_failure () {
+	test "$#" = 3 && { prereq=$1; shift; } || prereq=
 	test "$#" = 2 ||
-	error "bug in the test script: not 2 parameters to test-expect-failure"
+	error "bug in the test script: not 2 or 3 parameters to test-expect-failure"
 	if ! test_skip "$@"
 	then
 		say >&3 "checking known breakage: $2"
@@ -323,8 +354,9 @@ test_expect_failure () {
 }
 
 test_expect_success () {
+	test "$#" = 3 && { prereq=$1; shift; } || prereq=
 	test "$#" = 2 ||
-	error "bug in the test script: not 2 parameters to test-expect-success"
+	error "bug in the test script: not 2 or 3 parameters to test-expect-success"
 	if ! test_skip "$@"
 	then
 		say >&3 "expecting success: $2"
@@ -340,8 +372,9 @@ test_expect_success () {
 }
 
 test_expect_code () {
+	test "$#" = 4 && { prereq=$1; shift; } || prereq=
 	test "$#" = 3 ||
-	error "bug in the test script: not 3 parameters to test-expect-code"
+	error "bug in the test script: not 3 or 4 parameters to test-expect-code"
 	if ! test_skip "$@"
 	then
 		say >&3 "expecting exit code $1: $3"
@@ -365,8 +398,9 @@ test_expect_code () {
 # Usage: test_external description command arguments...
 # Example: test_external 'Perl API' perl ../path/to/test.pl
 test_external () {
-	test "$#" -eq 3 ||
-	error >&5 "bug in the test script: not 3 parameters to test_external"
+	test "$#" = 4 && { prereq=$1; shift; } || prereq=
+	test "$#" = 3 ||
+	error >&5 "bug in the test script: not 3 or 4 parameters to test_external"
 	descr="$1"
 	shift
 	if ! test_skip "$descr" "$@"
@@ -643,3 +677,33 @@ do
 		test_done
 	esac
 done
+
+# Fix some commands on Windows
+case $(uname -s) in
+*MINGW*)
+	# Windows has its own (incompatible) sort and find
+	sort () {
+		/usr/bin/sort "$@"
+	}
+	find () {
+		/usr/bin/find "$@"
+	}
+	sum () {
+		md5sum "$@"
+	}
+	# git sees Windows-style pwd
+	pwd () {
+		builtin pwd -W
+	}
+	# no POSIX permissions
+	# backslashes in pathspec are converted to '/'
+	;;
+*)
+	test_set_prereq POSIXPERM
+	test_set_prereq BSLASHPSPEC
+	;;
+esac
+
+# test whether the filesystem supports symbolic links
+ln -s x y 2>/dev/null && test -h y 2>/dev/null && test_set_prereq SYMLINKS
+rm -f y