The Plot Thickens?

I've just completed pulling a list of files changed near the date of original installation of TurboTax 2001. There are some amazing things there.

The most disgusting thing is that the TurboTax invasion apparently also planted some Microsoft MMC components. These are system administration tools available (in the versions installed) only on Win2000 Server installation disks, which I have never had, so I can be VERY confident that they didn't come from another source.

Components installed allow REMOTE ADMINISTRATION OF ANYTHING ON THE MACHINE by any knowledgeable person with a connection to it, and the required MMC kit programs.

Needless to say, the machine has been disconnected from our LAN, and thereby from the web.

The problem is, that these MMC services link into the whole operating system, so that NO UNINSTALL PROGRAM can remove them (according to Microsoft Resource Books), without trashing the whole system.

It would appear that, if you are using ANY WINDOWS OPERATING SYSTEM, and install ANY TURBOTAX PROGRAM for 2001, they intend to have permanent control of your machine - until you at least reformat. It doesn't seem like it would make any difference what your web program is.

I'm going by appearances at the moment, but I believe I have pretty good data to work with.

I have contacted Microsoft Corporate, and have been informed that my message has been passed to Microsoft Security Group(s).

Info also passed to a couple of Magazine editors in the trade, but no reply as yet.

John