The hands of Microsoft Corp.'s programmers may be outpacing the hands of its legal critics, as the software giant prepares to ship the final version of Windows XP just as its antitrust case heads to a new trial court. Microsoft signaled last week that it would release the "Gold Code" for its forthcoming Windows XP operating system to PC manufacturers on Friday, when it expects to have finished removing bugs from the software. CEO Steve Ballmer confirmed Monday at a technical meeting in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that Microsoft expects to meet the Friday deadline "with a little bit of luck,". Meanwhile, Microsoft's antitrust case is expected to move back to the trial court level as soon as Friday, where it will be reviewed by a new judge.

Some government officials and industry opponents have raised concerns that features in Windows XP repeat antitrust violations the company has been found guilty of already, prompting speculation that the company's critics will ask the trial court for an injunction preventing the operating system from being launched as planned on Oct. 25. However, one legal expert Tuesday said Microsoft's quick moves to get the product through its sales channels and out to customers may help it to skirt any injunction. Microsoft has already told PC makers they can ship computers running Windows XP before the planned Oct. 25 launch date, adding to the time pressure on its legal opponents. One industry analyst agreed that Windows XP will reach consumers without any delay, in part because of its importance to the entire PC sector.