As it became known, the software giant Microsoft has reached settlements with 11 companies accused of selling dodgy copies of its products. The 11 computer retailers all faced court action and admitted illegal hard disc loading and selling illegal software.

In the last year and a half, the company has taken legal action against more than 100 high street retailers and has reached agreement with 10 other firms, such as Computer Clinic, Bolton ; Computer Port, Walsall; Eazy PC, Redcar; Goldcast Computers, Stockton-on-Tees; Matrix Computers, Stockton-on-Tees; PC Assist, Oldham; Personal Touch Computers Ltd, Portsmouth; Platinum Computers, Hartlepool; Spacebar Computers, Litherland, Liverpool, and The Little Computer Shop, Griffithstown, Pontypool.

Microsoft said that it is not just small businesses which get tempted by cheap software - more than 1 in 3 corporates it checks have illegal copies of software. The company reminds businesses and consumers that if they buy a computer with software pre-loaded it should come with proper documentation and backup discs.

Microsoft does offer consumers, but not businesses, a replacement service if they find they've unwittingly bought dodgy software.