Updated: The new judge overseeing the Microsoft Corp. MSFT.O antitrust case on Friday ordered intensive settlement talks between the company and the government ahead of hearings on possible sanctions against the software giant. U.S. District Court Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly told a status hearing with the parties that the settlement talks should proceed "24 hours a day, seven days a week" until a deadline on Nov. 2. If the two sides have not reached a deal by Oct. 12, Kollar-Kotelly said she will appoint a mediator to try to speed up a conclusion to the three-year court battle. If no settlement emerges by Nov. 2, Kollar-Kotelly said she expects hearings starting March on what sanctions should apply to prevent future violations of antitrust law by Microsoft.
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