Microsoft's No Media Player Edition a Non-Starter in Market

The Microsoft antitrust case in the European Union resulted in Microsoft having to pull Windows Media Player from Windows.  Europeans now have a choice between the regular version and Windows XP N Edition.  The latter removes the media player, changes the way media files are registered in Windows, removes the sample music files, and removes access to Windows Movie Maker.

In the 5 months since the Media Player-less edition has been available, it seems that no one bought it.  Major software outlets in Europe do not stock it and computer vendors indicate that there has been no demand for the OS as part of the base install.  In any event, if anyone did buy it, Microsoft is offering a download that would restore the missing parts to any installation.

CNET News has a report on this.  Here is one excerpt that explains why this might be:

"The continuing reluctance of PC vendors to sell Windows XP N raises serious questions over the effectiveness of the EU's antitrust ruling, particularly as Microsoft has been allowed to offer Windows XP N for the same price as the standard version of Windows XP."