Microsoft's websites blackout

Microsoft confirmed today that many of its online sites have been inaccessible for a number of hours.

The sites affected include; microsoft.com, msn.com, windowsmedia.com, encarta.com, carpoint.com and expedia.com.

"Customers aren't able to get to some Microsoft Web properties," said company spokesman Mr Adam Sohn. "We're working as quickly as we can to resolve those issues." Mr Sohn said it was unclear how long the sites would remain offline.

Microsoft from last night and into today users have been getting no response from the affected sites.