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There are cheaper software solutions.
The Character Map is still available, though well-hidden.

For occasional use:

Click Start button - the round flag
Hover over All Programs
Click Accessories folder
Click System Tools folder
Right-click Character Map
Pin to Start Menu

If you want to install a Windows French keyboard:

Go to Control Panel
then Clock, Language, Region // Change Keyboards ...
Click French (Canada)
Select Canadian Multilingual Standard

Hover over the keys to see functions:
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/msdn/goglobal/keyboards/kbdcan.html

European French keyboard does not use QWERTY format.

Indeed Syzygy, the European French keyboard is AZERTY...

As I explained to Rusty, it was more for anyone needing to type accents - I myself normally use a French keyboard (except that at present it is useless, being a cordless, I need new battery)

Thank you, Syzygy!
That is excellent info!
I think I misunderstood Pigale and thought she was on the lookout for an AZERTY keyboard.
Not so!
Thanks again!

Actually, the Canadian French keyboard is easier to use:
http://french.about.com/od/writing/ss/typeaccents_5.htm

If you install it (see post #1) Windows will put a symbol or letters by the system tray (bottom right).
Easy to switch back and forth.