The EU's executive commission is notably objecting to plans by Microsoft to market a European version of its Windows operating system without the Media Player tool under the name, "Reduced Media Edition".

A company spokesman said: "Microsoft is in discussions with the commission on alternative names. The company wants to be in total compliance."

Along with a hefty fine, Microsoft was ordered in March last year to offer a European version of Windows without Media Player, which offers access to audio and video content, and offer server product information to rivals.

The enforced changes came after the European Commission ruled that the Seattle-based company enjoyed monopolistic powers in the software market.

But commission spokesman Jonathan Todd noted that under the ruling, Microsoft "must refrain from using any commercial, technological or contractual terms" that would make the new-look Windows "less attractive or performing".

Microsoft promised to enforce the ruling within six weeks after it lost a bid to have the punishment suspended, pending an appeal, at the EU's Court of First Instance on December 22.

"That six weeks is up this week, so we look forward to them doing so. At the moment there are still contacts going on," Todd said.

Negotiations are also continuing on a requirement by the commission for Microsoft to offer up secret software code to enable rival companies' servers to work with Windows personal computers.

An EU source said it was feared that the "Reduced Media Edition" of Windows proposed for sale in Europe would deter consumers.

"The point is that it is not sub-standard as the operating system is a product in its own right. These are two products and the company must market the new version without the implication that it is inferior," the source said.

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