Microsoft begins refunds for Equipt customers

Microsoft has begun contacting customers of its ill-fated Equipt service to offer them a refund once the product is discontinued at the end of this month.

Equipt was announced in July 2008 as a subscription service offering consumers access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint and OneNote plus Microsoft's OneCare security suite for an annual fee, which also covered updates.

However, Microsoft decided to scrap OneCare just a few months later, which also spelt the end of the road for Equipt.

Consumers that signed up for the subscription service will be offered a pro-rata refund on their annual subscription and a free copy of Office Home and Student 2007, according to emails Microsoft has begun sending to customers.

"Microsoft Equipt will be discontinued after April 30, 2009. Eligible Microsoft Equipt subscribers who paid for a one-year subscription can request a prorated refund for unused months of their subscription and a free copy of Office Home and Student 2007. Refund requests must be submitted as soon as possible to guarantee processing by April 30, 2009," the message states.

The offer is limited to one copy of Office per household, but like Equipt, this may be installed on up to three home PCs.

An FAQ on the refund is available here.