Hate pre-installed versions of completely useless software on your PC? Well, take your PC into a Microsoft Store, pay them $99 and they'll install a clean copy of Windows onto your PC for you. Handy. The new program is a branch from Microsoft's "Signature" PC initiative, which sells bloatware-free versions of PCs from Microsoft's partners in Microsoft Stores.

The Redmond-based company is willing to change any computer into a Signature PC, if the customers wish to do so, and bring their PC into a Microsoft Store and pay the $99 fee. Signature PCs sport Microsoft Windows Live Essentials program, the ad-supported Word and Excel-only Microsoft Office Starter Edition, the Microsoft Security Essentials anti-virus package, and Zune media player software.

Users can opt-out of having these programs installed, and can also specify which other third-party browsers or programs get installed. Included is 90 days of free phone support. The only issue I have with this, is Microsoft created this problem (allowing bloatware to be used and installed by OEMs) and are now cashing in on it. But, at least they're trying to dig out of the hole, and not make it deeper, I suppose.