Windows 95 Feature Draws Close Scrutiny

Microsoft Corp. will put a function in its Windows 95 software that allows users to register their Windows ownership by phone instead of mail. But the feature has come under scrutiny because of its capability to report what other programs are on a customer’s computer.

The function, known as Registration Wizard, is designed to encourage more people to register their purchase of Windows with Microsoft. Like many companies, Microsoft uses data from registrations to figure out its customer base and promote other products.

But a trade magazine erroneously reported last week that the registration process in Windows 95 automatically scanned whole networks of computers to determine software usage, which drew a flood of complaints.