Data Execution Protection?
Excuse me for being suspicious, but it sounds so much like standard microsoft Commercial Sabotage to me.
I seem to recall the scenario running a bit like this...

1) Take some popular programmes which people use instead of paying a fortune for some bloated Microsoft programme which does a considerably poorer job.
2) Find something in Windoze OS which the programme needs to run.
3) Deliberately alter the next update / patch to disable this feature and henceforth cripple the competition, leaving your computer user with no option other than to
4) Buy and install the inferior Microsoft programme.

The US High Courts took action against the one to cripple Netscape a few years back, but plenty of others seem to have slipped through the net.
Qack!
GtD.