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 Early 2006 could bring a long-awaited renaissance for Microsoft -- and not a moment too soon for many investors. 
But anyone looking for a happy surprise when the world's biggest software maker reports results Thursday may have to wait. 
The Redmond, Wash.-based software company has wrestled with a stagnant stock price for years, but a round of new products due in early 2006 may fix that. In the meantime, however, it's unlikely that customers will rush to buy software that they know will soon get a major upgrade. 
 
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