SNIP
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>It might not be an automatic update. It could be an update of another piece of software, operation system, or who knows. The person doing that upgrade may have no idea that the installation they are performing will adversely affect software written by you on that machine. How would they?
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SNIP

I didn't read beyond here (maybe you mention what I want to say)...

I think that's exactly how MS beat OS2 out of the marketplace - by incorporating replacements (probably not even 'required' for the specific product) to key Win components, breaking IBM's hooks into them.

A (possibly) legitimate strategy for competition that is trying to eat your bread and butter and one likely not forgotten within MS. One that could be resurrected to internal advantage too.

As you can see, I still miss OS2.