A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed on Thursday that Windows AntiSpyware beta prevented users from setting Startpagina as their home page. The spokesperson said this problem has now been fixed in the latest update of the program.
"Microsoft has posted a notice on the web sites of Microsoft Netherlands and Microsoft Belgium that includes an appeal to download the new version of Windows AntiSpyware and provides an apology for the difficulty this issue may have caused Startpagina.nl and its users," said the spokesperson.
He added that Microsoft would not disclose the details of the settlement.
Bert Wiggers, the director of Startpagina, said on Thursday that he was unable to state the exact amount of money involved but it was not a significant sum. "There was a small amount of money involved," Wiggers said. "The most important thing for me is that they offered an apology."
Wiggers claimed that Microsoft had been slow to react to the problem.
"In the end Microsoft reacted to my letters and phone calls, although they didn't react in the first few weeks," said Wiggers. "I was angry because the Microsoft software called my site malicious, but they have now repaired the damage they caused."
Startpagina is one of MSN's main competitors in the Netherlands. In January 2005 Startpagina.nl received 7.7 million unique visitors, while Google.nl and MSN.nl attracted 7.1 million and 6.4 million respectively, according to figures from online measurement company Multiscope.
Microsoft's apology to Startpagina.nl can be seen here.
ZDNet UK's Ingrid Marson reported from London. For more coverage from ZDNet UK, click here.
