Much to the delight of Francophiles everywhere, Microsoft's Office 2007 switches Outlook Express spell-checkers to work only in French. Those disposed to communicate in other languages are being advised to use third-party programs.

Microsoft has confirmed the problem here [1], and explains it comes about when the Office 2007 installation process removes older spell-checker files. The notice invites users to solicit advice about third-party spell-checkers on Microsoft's community forum.

The change, which dates back to December or earlier [2], has proved vexing to speakers of other languages. "Doesn't seem to be a fix at this time nor a timetable for one," one Outlook Express user writes [3] on a Microsoft forum. "Go figure." ®

Links

1. http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/kb/932974/en-us?spid=2578
2. http://help.lockergnome.com/office/Word-2007-spell-check-problem-ftopict932165.html
3. http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowPost.aspx?PostID=1230738&SiteID=17

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