Asus has shipped recovery DVDs with some of its notebooks that reportedly have software cracking applications and confidential Microsoft documents in directories on the DVDs. The software resides in a folder on the disc conveniently labeled "Crack."

The software cracking application is for WinRAR compression software, and PC Pro reports that one of its readers' anti-virus software was triggered by the key cracker for WinRAR. Other items that showed up on the recovery DVD included a large number of confidential Microsoft documents intended for viewing by PC manufacturers only.

The Microsoft documentation included program files and associated keys, and various bits of internal Asus documents and source code for Asus software were also thoughtfully included. One interesting piece of software on the DVD is a PowerPoint presentation that outlines major problems Microsoft has identified, including problems with application compatibility. The same files have been found on other recovery DVDs included with Asus computers.

PC Pro reports that its reader even found personal files of Asus employees—including resumes. Several other users are also now reporting the same files on Asus DVD recovery disks; Asus apparently has a widespread problem on its hands.

Asus, best known for its Eee netbooks, has responded telling PC Pro, "We will be investigating this at quite a high level. Once the investigation is complete, we will ensure it doesn't happen again."