Microsoft: Removing Media Player 'challenging'

Found on CNet News on Thursday, 01 July 2004
Browse Software

Microsoft's top legal counsel said Thursday that the software giant needs further details from the European Union before it will be able to comply with an order to remove its Media Player from Windows.

Shortly before that deadline expired, Microsoft appealed to the Court of First Instance in Luxembourg to suspend the commission's order until the case is completed. This could take years.

RealNetworks, which makes a rival media player, demonstrated at a closed hearing in the case a method for removing the Windows Media Player files. It said the method would not damage the Windows operating system.

The commission also ordered the removal of Media Player and the disclosure of information that would help level the playing field for rival makers of work group server software for printing documents in offices.

Trying to get more time, eh? It's quite easy: it is MS' operating system and closed code. So they should know which files to remove. By asking others about details, they try to delay the ruling.