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, 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, 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 on a Microsoft forum. "Go figure." ®