When you create a document in a right-to-left language or in a complex script language by using Word 2007, and then open the document in Word 2002 or in Word 2000, any right-to-left language text is reversed

When you create a document in a right-to-left language or in a complex script language by using Microsoft Office Word 2007, and you then open the document in Microsoft Word 2002 or in Microsoft Word 2000, any right-to-left language text is reversed. For example, the text "this is a test - in BiDi" is displayed as "test a is this - BiDi in." This problem may occur when you create a document in a language such as Arabic, Hebrew, Thai, Persian, Hindi, Tamil, or Malayalam.

This behavior is caused by a change that may have been made by the Compatibility Pack to Rich Text Format (RTF). Word 2000 and Word 2002 use RTF when they use the Microsoft Office Compatibility Pack for the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 File Formats to open files.

To resolve this issue, use the Microsoft Office Language Setting to select the right-to-left language or complex script language that you want to use. To do this, follow the steps that are appropriate for your version of Word.

If you are using Word 2000

To select the right-to-left language or complex script language that you want to use in Word 2000, follow these steps:

1. Exit all Microsoft Office programs, including Word.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft Office, point to Microsoft Office Tools, and then click Microsoft Office Language Settings.
3. Select your language, and then click Add. Your language is added to the Enabled languages list.
4. Click OK to apply the change. Your language is now supported.

If you are using Word 2002

To select the right-to-left language or complex script language that you want to use in Word 2002, follow these steps:

1. Exit all Microsoft Office programs, including Word.
2. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Microsoft Office, point to Microsoft Office Tools, and then click Microsoft Office XP Language Settings.
3. Select your language, and then click Add. Your language is added to the Enabled languages list.
4. Click OK to apply the change. Your language is now supported.

If these steps resolved the issue, you are finished.

If these steps did not resolve the issue, please see the "Next Steps" section for additional help suggestions.

For more information about how to obtain and use the Compatibility Pack for the Word, Excel, and PowerPoint 2007 file formats, visit the following Microsoft Web site:

If these methods did not help you, you might want to ask someone you know for help, or, you can also use the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site to find other solutions. Some services that the Microsoft Customer Support Services Web site provides include the following:

• Searchable Knowledge Base (http://support.microsoft.com/search/?adv=1) : Search technical support information and self-help tools for Microsoft products.
• Solution Centers (http://support.microsoft.com/select/?target=hub) : View product-specific frequently asked questions and support highlights.
• Microsoft Customer Support Newsgroups (http://www.microsoft.com/communities/newsgroups/default.mspx) : Contact counterparts, peers, and Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs).
• Other Support Options (http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=csshome) : Use the Web to ask a question, contact Microsoft Customer Support Services, or provide feedback.

If you continue to have questions after you use these Microsoft Web sites or if you cannot find a solution on the Microsoft Support Services Web site, click the following link to contact Support: