MS forced to re-build Windows XP

[killswitch1968]

Griffin: I am aware of the uninstall COMMAND (obviously much harder than the handy-add-remove programs feature, or even windows explorer menu) but in practice I get many dependency errors, and have trouble enough tracking down what the program's names are. Where is the handy uninstall menu a la Windows XP? RPMdrake doesn't cut it.
Getting rid of the executable does seem silly, but back in the old days this was how it was done. Now however there are folders which contain their respect programs. Getting rid of these folders is also easy, as I have done with many 'locked in' windows programs. Getting rid of every associated .dll file, registry setting, and embedded system file? That's a stretch, and more or less irrelvent. I have no access to WMP9 or MSN messenger on my computer, short of downloading their install files again. Anymore "uninstalledness" would be marginal.

Phily: Linux doesn't use .exe files, but I will concede that the shortcut menu is similar to XP, and tracking down the program isn't that difficult.
However what is vendor lock-in, according to you?

mikefl: Well this thread was originally about anti-trust. As I said before, no reasonable person would suggest Microsoft is commiting extortion, not even the EU in this case. If I have time I'll dig up the law for you.