The following information is covered in this guide:
Introduction
Three Easy Steps to Get Started
Making Your First Internet Connection to MSN
Online Safety
Using E-mail
MSN Internet Access Phone Numbers
Your Account
Convenient Access to Internet Sites
If You Need Help
Canceling Service and Removing MSN Software
MSN� Internet Access gives you the latest Microsoft� technology to help you have fun and make the most of your time online. This version of MSN Internet Access includes:
� Compatibility with Microsoft� Windows� 2000, Windows� 98, and Windows� 95
� Microsoft� Internet Explorer 5.0
� Outlook� Express
� MSN Messenger Service
� MSN.COM home page and content integration
Your MSN Internet Access CD-ROM is all you need to start the install process to open the world of e-mail, surfing the Internet, and many other features.
MSN serves a wide range of geographical areas nationwide. However, we may not have an access number that serves your local area.
Getting help is easy� click Help, which is located on the center right of the MSN Internet Access home page, or visit http://memberservices.msn.com/. There are detailed procedures for e-mail, surfing the Internet, technical questions, and, if you don�t find the answers you�re looking for, phone numbers to call Customer Support.
We highly recommend taking the Quick Tour, which steps you through the major features of MSN. There you can familiarize yourself with some terms and ways to find things and move around within MSN. To take the Quick Tour, visit the MSN Member Services site at http://memberservices.msn.com.
- Install MSN software on your computer.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up for MSN.
- Get connected.
Before Getting Started
Before you install the MSN software, be prepared to make a few decisions and have the following information handy:
n Decide how you will access MSN (for example, are you an existing member or are you brand new to MSN Internet Access?)
n Personal information (if you are a new member, you will need to provide your name, address, and more)
n Decide which membership plan is best for you (if applicable)
n Provide credit card information (You will need a major credit card to sign up with MSN.)
n Member ID and password. This is what you�ll use each time you connect, or sign in, to MSN. We�ll give you more information on this later.
Before you install MSN software on your computer, you should be sure your computer meets the following minimum system requirements:
n Computer: 486DX/66 MHz, or higher processor
n Operating system: Microsoft Windows� 95 or later
n Memory: 16 megabytes of RAM, or more
n Hard disk space: 110 megabytes during installation; 65 megabytes after installation in order to run MSN, Internet Explorer 5.0, and Outlook Express
n CD-ROM drive: 2X speed, or faster
n Modem: 14.4 KBPS modem or higher
n Monitor: VGA or higher resolution graphics card
n Sound: Sound card recommended
n Mouse: Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device
To install MSN software
- Make sure your modem is plugged into your telephone wall jack.
Your modem should be factory configured to work immediately. If you need more information about your modem, see your computer�s user guide.
- Place the CD in the CD-ROM drive, label side up.
The installation process will automatically begin. You will see a "Welcome to MSN Internet Access" screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions that guide you through the MSN Internet Access signup process.
These steps include choosing a Member ID and password, providing billing information, and selecting a phone number to access (connect to) MSN. You may need to restart (reboot) your computer during this process. Therefore, if you have any other computer programs open, such as virus software, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel, you should save your work and close those programs before restarting your computer.Note If you need to start the installation process over again (for example, maybe there was a power interruption and you were unable to finish installing MSN), simply remove the CD from the CD-ROM drive, and then re-insert the CD to re-start installation.
If your MSN account was set up when you purchased your computer, then you are already an MSN member. If you are a new member, then you should be prepared to decide or provide the following information. (You may want to write it down on a piece of paper and keep it handy.)
n Your name (for example, John Smith)
n Member ID (for example, johnsmith)
n Password
n Dial-in number
n Credit card number and expiration date
Deciding on a Member ID
Your Member ID can be any combination of letters, numbers, hyphens (-), and underscores (_). However, no spaces or other special characters can be used. It can be between three and 39 characters in length. When creating and using your Member ID, you can use either or both upper case and lower case characters.
For example:
Correct:
JohnSmith
Correct:
john_smith2
Incorrect:
John Smith 01
Incorrect:
JohnSmith&%01
Note When deciding on your Member ID, remember that you can have only one MSN e-mail address.
Deciding on a Password
When deciding on a password, keep in mind that your password must be:
n 8 to 16 characters in length
n Different than your Member ID
n A combination of letters, numbers, hyphens, or underscores
Note It is important you do not share your password with others.
To help make your password more secure, here are some suggestions:
n Use a combination of letters and numbers.
n Do not use names, addresses, birth dates, social security numbers, phone numbers or other details that someone could guess.
n Use a combination of upper-case and lower-case characters. (However, you will need to remember your password, so make sure you create one easy enough to remember.)
When you create your password, you are prompted to enter it twice to ensure that it is exactly as you wanted it. When displayed on the screen, your password is shown as a group of asterisks (*) to guarantee that others cannot view your password when you type it.
Again, follow the on-screen instructions. If your account was set up when you purchased your computer, then you are an �existing member,� and you will already have a Member ID and password. Otherwise, if you are signing up as a new member, you will be asked for information. (You may have already written this down.)
n Your name and other personal information
n Member ID
n Password
n Dial-in number (select from the list displayed on-screen, which is based upon your ZIP code or Area Code)
n Credit card number and expiration date
Congratulations! You are now a member of the MSN Internet Access online community.
One of the best ways to understand how to start surfing the Internet is to take our Quick Tour, which is located at http://memberservices.msn.com. During the tour, you will have a chance to learn more about using and moving around the MSN site.
To connect to MSN
- Double-click the MSN icon on your computer�s desktop.
- When prompted, provide your Member ID and password on the screen in the space provided.
When you are connected, Internet Explorer opens to the http://msnmember.msn.com site. Additionally, a small dial-up icon appears in the bottom right corner of your desktop (called the system tray).
To disconnect from MSN
n Click the small hand icon in the lower right part of your screen, and click Disconnect from MSN.
To help assure that you and your family stay safe while online, the most important guideline you can follow is to never give out any personal information about yourself or your children to a person or company you do not know. Examples of personal information include your:
n Real name
n Credit card information
n Password information
n Phone number
Important Never give out your password to anyone else�not even MSN staff. MSN does not ask for this information from you in e-mail or by phone; if MSN needs this information, you will receive instructions to make changes to your account online.
For more information about staying safe online, please visit the Member Guidelines and Online Safety links, which are located in Getting Started at http://memberservices.msn.com.
Electronic mail (e-mail) is a fun and easy way to send messages to friends and family from your computer. With e-mail, you can send messages, and even send (attach) electronic documents, such as Microsoft Word files, electronically scanned photographs, or other types of electronic files.
Getting and reading your e-mail is easy.
n When you sign in to MSN, you will automatically be sent to the MSN Internet Access start page, http://msnmember.msn.com. There you'll see the Message Center on the right side of the start page. To open your e-mail, position your mouse over the number of messages you have, and click one time. When you do, Outlook Express will automatically open for you.
n Alternatively, you can open Outlook Express directly by double-clicking the Outlook Express icon from your computer�s desktop. You will use Outlook Express to send and read e-mail.
About Your Member ID and Password
Your Member ID is the unique name that you used to sign up for MSN. When you created your Member ID, you also created a password. Keep both your Member ID and password in a safe place.
If you have trouble logging on, it may be because you mistyped either your Member ID or your password.
Your Member ID does not include "@msn.com" or "@email.msn.com," which are only used as part of your MSN e-mail address. Also, you may have selected a combination of upper case and lower case characters, so you need to make sure you typed them correctly.
If you have forgotten your Member ID, you need to contact MSN Customer Support for assistance. For a list of phone numbers, see "If You Need Help" below.
If you have forgotten the password you use to sign in to MSN, and you have your credit card information available, click the New button on the MSN Sign-In dialog box to create a new password. If you do not have your credit card information available, you will need to contact MSN Customer Support.
Important Never give out your password to anyone else�not even MSN staff. MSN does not ask for this information from you in e-mail or by phone; if MSN needs this information, you will receive instructions to make changes to your account online.
Your E-mail Address
Your e-mail address is your key to receiving e-mail from others. It�s like a postal address and looks similar to this: MemberID@msn.com, where "Member ID" is the name you use to sign in to MSN. The first part is your Member ID, followed by an @ symbol, followed by msn.com. When someone wants to send you e-mail, they need to know your e-mail address. When you send an e-mail, you need to know the e-mail address of the recipient.
Sending and Receiving E-mail Messages
Creating an e-mail message is easy. Before you create a message, first open Outlook Express by double-clicking the Outlook Express icon on your computer�s desktop.
You can create one or more e-mail messages in Outlook Express before you connect to MSN. However, you must be connected to MSN in order to send or receive e-mail messages. Here are a few pointers:
n When you send an e-mail message after you create it, the message is stored locally on your computer until you are connected to MSN. So even though you click Send, the message is not actually being delivered if you are not connected to MSN. When you are connected, the message is then sent to MSN, which routes the message to the intended recipient.
n When someone sends you an e-mail message, the reverse happens: the message being sent to you is stored at MSN until you connect to MSN. Once you do, new e-mail message(s) are sent from the MSN computers to your computer, and are then stored on your computer. However, you cannot receive e-mail messages until you are connected to MSN through your modem.
To read an e-mail message you have received, it is not necessary to be connected to MSN. Why? When you receive an e-mail message, the message is stored locally on your computer. So once received, you can read messages offline.
To Set Up Outlook Express
Outlook Express should be set up automatically for you during MSN Setup. However, if you are experiencing any issues sending and receiving e-mail, please go through the following steps to confirm your account is set up correctly.
- If it is not already open, double-click the Outlook Express icon on your computer�s desktop.
- On the Tools menu, click Accounts.
- Click the Mail tab.
- Double-click the MSN Mail account.
- In the User Information area, be sure the E-mail Address field contains your e-mail address (for example, someone@email.msn.com"someone@email.msn.com).
- Click the Servers tab.
- In the Incoming Mail (POP3) field, type pop3.email.msn.com.
- In the Outgoing Mail (SMTP) field, type smtp.email.msn.com.
- Make sure that the My Incoming Mail Server Is field is set to POP3.
- Make sure the Log on Using Secure Password Authentication option is selected.
- Click the Connection tab.
- Make sure the Always connect to this account using option is selected.
From the drop-down menu, select the appropriate connection type. This should be MSN.
You�ll find additional help information at MSN Member Services, located online at http://memberservices.msn.com.
To create and send an e-mail
- If Outlook Express is not already open, double-click the Outlook Express icon on your computer�s desktop.
- On the File menu click New Mail Message.
- Type your message, and then click Send.
Remember, your message is not sent unless you are connected to MSN through your modem.
To receive an e-mail
- If Outlook Express is not already open, double-click the Outlook Express icon on your computer�s desktop.
- On the Tools menu click Send and Receive All.
- If you are not already connected to MSN, you will be asked to sign in and provide your Member ID and password. When connected, you will receive any new e-mail messages.
Sending and Receiving Electronic Documents in E-mail Messages
A popular activity when communicating with friends and family online is to send pictures and other documents (files) electronically over the Internet. You can choose to attach one file�or several files�to the same e-mail message before sending it.
When you receive an attachment to an e-mail that someone sends you, you can open the attachment simply by double-clicking the attachment. You can tell if an e-mail message has a file attached to it if an icon appears in the Attach box, just below the Subject box.
Attachments are stored along with your e-mail message on your computer�s internal disk. This means that once you receive the e-mail with an attachment, you can view the e-mail and its attachments without being connected to MSN. (Of course, you can also view them while you are connected. However, you aren�t required to be connected in order to view e-mail and attachments once you receive them.)
To insert an attachment in an e-mail message
- Click anywhere in the message window.
- On the Insert menu click File Attachment, and then find the file you want to attach.
- Select the file, and then click Attach.
- The file is listed in the Attach box in the message header.
To open or view an attachment
n Open the e-mail message and double-click the file attachment icon.
Important: Some attachments are more likely to contain viruses than any others, for example, files that end in ".exe." Be certain you trust the person who has sent you an .exe file before you open an attached .exe file.
Deleting E-mail Messages
After using Outlook Express for a while, you will notice that you are accumulating e-mail messages that you no longer want. Outlook Express will not delete these messages until you select the message to be deleted and then press the Delete key.
To delete a mail message
- In the message list, select the message.
- On the toolbar, click Delete .
Notes
To restore a deleted message, open the Deleted Items folder, and then drag the message back to the Inbox or other folder.
If you don't want messages to be saved in the Deleted Items folder when you quit Outlook Express, click the Tools menu, and then click Options. On the Maintenance tab, select the check box labeled Empty messages from the 'Deleted Items' folder on exit check box.
To manually empty all deleted items, click the Deleted Items folder. On the Edit menu, click Empty 'Deleted Items' Folder .
MSN Messenger Service is Internet messaging software that provides instant contact with other users of MSN Internet Access and MSN Hotmail� and works with your favorite communications tools. With MSN Messenger Service, you can:
n See when your friends are online.
n Enjoy easy-to-follow exchanges by being able to tell when someone in the conversation is typing.
n Easily control who can see when you're online and who can send you instant messages.
n While using Outlook Express you can see when your friends are online and send them instant messages.
n Additional family members can have their own MSN Messenger Service account by getting a free MSN Hotmail account.
To find out more or to install MSN Messenger Service, MSN Internet Access Members can go to http://memberservices.msn.com/messenger.
Other customers can go to http://messenger.msn.com/.
When you sign up for MSN, we require you to select an access phone number that will connect you to MSN Internet Access. Dialing in to that number allows your modem to connect to the MSN and to the Internet. Additionally, you can choose a backup access phone number.
MSN serves a wide range of geographical areas nationwide. However, we may not have an access number that serves your local area. Before using a primary or backup access number, you should double-check with your phone company to ensure the phone number(s) you choose are local phone numbers.
Important Microsoft will not reimburse you for any long-distance charges incurred while using MSN Internet Access. Please double-check with your phone company to be sure you will not incur additional charges for the numbers you have selected.
Occasionally, you may want to change to a different access number. (Perhaps you are moving to a different city or state, or you are using a computer at a different location than usual.)
To change an MSN access phone number
- If you are currently connected to MSN, disconnect from MSN.
- You cannot change an access number while you are still connected to MSN.
- Using the right mouse button, click the MSN Internet Access icon located on your computer�s desktop one time, and then click Connection Settings.
- Click the Phone book button next to the Phone number box and select an access number.
- In the Service type box, select your service type.
- In the Country or Region box, select your country or region.
- In the State or Province box, select your state or province.
- In the Access numbers box, click the number appropriate for your location.
- Click OK.
- Optionally repeat these 2 through 8 to select a backup access number.
- Click OK enough times until you return to your computer's desktop.
These changes will take effect the next time you log on to MSN.
To view or modify your MSN Internet Access account, please go to the available services listed below. To find these screens, go to http://memberservices.msn.com and choose "Your Account" in the blue horizontal bar. Using the scroll bar on the right side of the screen, scroll down and choose one of the following items, and then follow the on-screen instructions.
n Online Statement�Get a summary of your account charges.
n Change Plan�Switch from your current MSN membership-pricing plan, and learn about other plans.
n Change Payment�Update your credit card information.
n Cancel Account�Get information on how to cancel your account.
n Online Charges�Get more details about your online statement.n Change Address�Use this form to let us know if you�re moving.
n Change Password�Guarantee the security of your account by regularly changing your password.
n MSN Member Agreement�Get more information on your membership privileges and responsibilities.
To change your password
- Connect to MSN.
- In Internet Explorer, navigate to http://www.memberservices.msn.com and click the Your Account link.
- Click Change Password in the upper-left corner of the page and follow the on-screen instructions.
To change credit card information
- Connect to MSN.
- In Internet Explorer, navigate to http://www.memberservices.msn.com and click the Your Account link.
- Click Change Payment and follow the on-screen instructions.
Quick View
Quick View is a fast tool to navigate MSN. When you click the hand icon (a white hand pointing over a red circle) in the lower-right part of your screen, you'll see the Quick View menu.
Seven items are displayed. They are: People & Chat, MSN Home Page, MSN Services, Member Services, MSN Update, Find, MSN Options, and Connect to MSN.
This tool allows you to go instantly to any of the listed sites.
For instance, if you want to go to Member Services, click the Quick View icon and point to Member Services. You'll see a number of Member Services options open in a second menu.
Want to know if you have new e-mail? Quick View can tell you that, and also who sent the message. You'll see the Quick View menu animate about every 8-15 minutes to give you e-mail and other MSN updates.
To call Customer Support
Contact Customer Service if you need help with:
n Billing
n Your user account
n Password problems
n Dial-in access numbers
Country
Telephone Number
United States
(1) (800) 386-5550
United States TDD
(1) (800) 840-9890
United Kingdom
(44) (0870) 601-1000
Japan, Tokyo
(81) (03) 5977-0196
Japan, Osaka
(81) (06) 6535-0196
Canada
Help & Support for Canada http://memberservices.msn.com/ca/body_help2.asp
To call Technical Support
You can contact Technical Support 24 hours a day for help with connection problems or error messages.
Country
Telephone Number
United States
(1) (877) 635-7019
United States TDD
(1) (800) 250-3070
United Kingdom
(44) (0870) 601-1000
Japan, Tokyo
(81) (03) 5977-0196
Japan, Osaka
(81) (06) 6535-0196
Canada
Help & Support for Canada http://memberservices.msn.com/ca/body_help2.asp
If you wish to cancel your MSN account, please contact MSN Customer Support. For a list of phone numbers, see If You Need Help above.
To remove MSN software from your computer
- Connect to MSN.
- In Internet Explorer, navigate to http://www.memberservices.msn.com and click the Quick View icon in the lower-right corner of your screen.
- Point to MSN Options, and then click Turn MSN Off.
To reinstall MSN, please reinsert the MSN Internet Access CD or double-click the MSN icon if it is still on your desktop and follow the on-screen instructions.
Important Removing MSN software from your computer does not cancel your MSN account. You will need to contact an MSN Customer Support representative to do this.
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