Microsoft desktop icons: When is a u-turn not a u-turn?

Microsoft has hit back at accusations that it's backtracked on a decision to allow PC-makers to sell machines without prominent desktop icons promoting Microsoft products.

Just two weeks ago, Microsoft said OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) were free to do what they liked with the desktop icons. But the software giant now claims that what it meant was slightly different - that OEMs can choose to have no icons there at all, but if they decide to display other companies' icons, then Microsoft must get space too.

A Microsoft spokeswoman claimed the company's position hasn't changed. The move to force the inclusion of Microsoft icons if the desktop isn't shipped 'clean' was made "some time ago". But the message was not made clear, she explained.

"Microsoft is recommending OEMs ship PCs with clean desktops as it is far less confusing for customers," insisted Microsoft's spokeswoman. However, she went on to say that if desktops aren't shipped clean, then the company would like PC-vendors to include Microsoft's icons.

"Force would be too strong a word to use, but we do want them to do as we ask. If other companies are going to put their logos on the desktop, then in the light of fair practice we want our icons up there as well," she said.

The spokeswoman added that it is necessary in the interests of fair play for Microsoft to do this, as AOL, among others, has embarked on an aggressive drive to win customers through the use of pre-installed desktop icons.

The placement of the IE logo is one of the key issues.

The Microsoft policy document currently states: "OEMs can remove the IE icon if they want to. If they remove the IE icon they can also remove the MSN Explorer icon. But if the MSN Explorer icon is removed it must be replaced by the MSN Internet Access logo. The Windows Media Player icon must not be modified."

This means that PC vendors must at all times display some pointer to IE, Windows Media Player or the MSN services on their desktops.

The news breaks as the software giant enters a plea to the US Supreme Court to overturn a judgement that it abused its monopoly.