Some Retailers Back Microsoft

Hoping to blunt any government action that would delay the release of its new Windows software, Microsoft Corp. is encouraging computer retailers to spread the word that a holdup would be bad for business.

Several major computer-store chains on Thursday were telling government officials that sales and advertising plans would be seriously disrupted if Windows 98, Microsoft’s new program for running computers, is not released on June 25 as scheduled.

James F. Halpin, chief executive of CompUSA, the nation’s largest computer chain, said his Dallas-based company and other Texas businesses wrote to state Atty. Gen. Dan Morales this week saying that such a delay would hurt their business.

Nathan Morton, Computer City’s CEO, said his company, after talking with Microsoft, was voicing its concern to government officials in various areas.

Texas is one of more than a dozen states investigating whether Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft used its dominance of operating systems to control other software markets.

The New York Times reported Thursday that the attorneys general want to file an antitrust case before mid-May in a bid to block shipments of Windows 98. PC Week Online had a similar report last week. Spokespersons for the attorneys general declined to comment.