Moscow, Russia - Russian state anti-monopoly operatives have launched an investigation into Microsoft following alleged cuts in supplies of Windows XP, reports Reuters.

Russia says it believes Microsoft has violated anti-monopoly legislation by cutting shipments of the Windows XP operating system to the country, both shrink-wrapped and pre-installed on computers, as well as questioning the company's pricing policies.

The agency said it would issue a preliminary ruling on the case before the end of next month.

A Microsoft spokesperson was not prepared to comment on the situation at press time. More on this story as we get it.