Both consumers and administrators alike are furious over Sony's CDs installing rootkits on Windows workstations and Sony has listened to their cries. But has Sony learned their lesson? Even though they have halted production of the CDs in question, doubts remain.

According to a Sony BMG press release:

We stand by content protection technology as an important tool to protect our intellectual property rights and those of our artists. Nonetheless, as a precautionary measure, SONY BMG is temporarily suspending the manufacture of CDs containing XCP technology. We also intend to re-examine all aspects of our content protection initiative to be sure that it continues to meet our goals of security and ease of consumer use.

Before you scan the entire press looking for an apology, I'll save you the time -- there isn't one. Their hands are in a sense being forced, however, by their XCP software being recognized as a rootkit by Symantec and other antivirus companies.

If you haven't seen it yet, Symantec has released a removal tool for XCP. Just make sure you get permission from Sony BMG to remove XCP by filling out their uninstall request form first.