Microsoft Money withdrawn in Germany due to euro bug

Microsoft has withdrawn the German versions of Money 99, Money 99 Plus Update and Money 99 Plus from the German market due to a problem residing in the inaccurate conversion of the euro and linking it to Online-Banking. The company explained to those already using the program that euro-compatible bankscripts were unable to access the converted Bankserver and market rates.

At the beginning of January it became clear that the Microsoft finance program had set the incorrect euro-rate of 1.41 DM in its calculations. Later the exchange-rate conversion would only match to the offical fixed rate (1.95583 Marks to the euro) to the second decimal. Following the new year, arrangements made with several banks which had accordingly set their programs to the value of the euro, fell through.

Microsoft now promises Money 99 clients it will launch a new improved version in April 99 free of charge. The improvements will also be available on the Money Web site. Allegedly Microsoft's hotline is getting over 500 calls a day due to Money's euro problem.