The issue focused on reports that Microsoft Windows software developers were accused of gaining access to computers used by hackers and malware victims.

Some computer systems had passwords hidden in databases, although others used machines which appeared unclassified as servers with machine names such as server01 and server02.

Image copyright Computerworld Image caption IBM PC maker IBM PCs have been targeted by hackers before

More than 100 computers - including laptops, laptop computers and desktop computers - were affected in some cases, Microsoft said.

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