PC makers were threatened by Microsoft over IE 4

Compaq Computer Corp., Gateway 2000, and Micron Electronics are among thePC makers that complained to the Department of Justice about Microsoft.According to the companies, Microsoft refused to let them removed InternetExplorer or the IE desktop icon from Windows 95. Details about the threePC makers as well as numerous other documents were included with thepetition the DOJ made to the U.S. District Court this week.

A Compaq executive told DOJ investigators under sworn testimony thatMicrosoft threatened to terminate Compaq's Windows 95 license when Compaqremoved the IE icon from the desktop of Presario PCs. In an email to Compaq, the Microsoft group manager of the OEM sales division told thecompany that their Windows 95 license would be terminated unless Compaqput the icon back.

Gateway executives say that Microsoft has refused to renew that company'sWindows 95 license so that Microsoft would have better leverage in bargaining for other software bundles. Gateway wanted to give its customersa choice during the first boot between Internet Explorer and NetscapeNavigator, but Microsoft told Gateway they could not alter the Windows 95setup in any way. Microsoft insisted that Gateway machines boot into "apristine Windows environment." Microsoft also demanded that Gateway notdelete the IE icon or modify the stock IE 4.0 Channels in any way.

Micron had similar experiences when it tried to get permission for removingthe IE icon. Interestingly, the CEO of Micron doesn't believe that the DOJhas a case against Microsoft.

"No. Not on this specifically," he said