get back your money from Microsoft

The settlement applies to people or entities that indirectly purchased Microsoft Windows operating system, MS-DOS operating system, Word, Excel or Office, for use in California, from February 1995 through December 2001. It does not include software designed for use on the Mac platform. For example, Excel for Mac is not eligible for a claim. However, Microsoft software designed for PC compatible machines but purchased to run on Macs through a virtual PC emulator would be included.

What was the case about?
The Plaintiffs in the lawsuit claimed that Microsoft violated California’s antitrust and unfair competition laws and thereby overcharged consumers for certain of its software. Microsoft denies these claims and contends that it developed and sold high quality and innovative software at fair and reasonable prices. The Court did not decide in favor of the Plaintiffs or Microsoft. Instead, both sides agreed to a settlement.

Each license is worth: $16 for MS-Dos or Windows, $29 for Office, $26 for Excel, and $5 for Word.

Ends 15th March 2004.

for more detail, check this Microsoft Settlement with State of California from Apple's website.