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Return to Activation
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| Activation |
| — | | What is activation? Activation is the name for the process that ties together information from your Microsoft Passport account and your hardware device(s). Activation uses this information to create a permission code that's stored on your device. This permission code enables you to access premium eBook content that has been packaged to help ensure secure distribution. Read more information about Activation privacy or about Passport privacy. Back to top |
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| — | | Why should I activate? Activation upgrades your copy of Microsoft Reader to let you read premium eBook titles that are copy-protected by publishers at the "Owner Exclusive" level. When you activate Microsoft Reader, you identify yourself as the person who will be using your reading device. Back to top |
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| — | | What is a "device"? The term "device" refers to any desktop or laptop computer, Tablet PC, Pocket PC or other Windows CE-based computer that can run Microsoft Reader, and is capable of reading secure eBooks. Read about which operating systems support Activation. Back to top |
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| — | | Do I need any other special software to activate? You do not need special software to activate most devices. To activate a Pocket PC, however, you must have ActiveSync (version 3.5 or higher) installed on the desktop computer to which your Pocket PC is connected. Back to top |
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| — | | What happens during Activation? In the activation process, software is downloaded to your hardware device to create a "Secured Repository" for your copy-protected eBook titles. The software uses your Microsoft Passport account number and information unique to your device to help protect eBook titles against unauthorized copying or distribution. In addition, an Activation Certificate is also downloaded, to certify that your copy of Microsoft Reader is enabled for viewing protected content. This security provides you with access to many premium eBook titles that have been copy protected. The Activation Certificate is encrypted to help protect your privacy and is only used when you attempt to purchase or download copy-protected titles. Back to top |
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| — | | What happens if I don't activate? If you don't activate, you won't be able to buy and read a lot of great content. To help protect copyrights, most commercial eBooks use innovative technologies to help ensure that they're available only to the purchaser. Back to top |
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| — | | Can more than one person activate the same device? Yes, but only one activation is in effect at a time. You will only be able to access the Library and eBooks associated with the current activation. The exact behavior depends on which device and operating system you are using. You can use multiple activations on the same device to control access to confidential or age-sensitive eBooks. - Pocket PCs and other Windows CE-based devices
If you want to activate a device that has already been activated by someone else, simply re-activate it using your own Passport. When you re-activate, you will not lose any eBooks that are associated with the other person's Passport. The other person can re-activate at any time, using his or her Passport, to access eBooks associated with that person's activation. - Computers running Windows (not Windows CE)
If you log into Windows with your own Windows user name, your activation will be kept separate from other users on that computer. After you log into Windows, simply activate with your own Passport. Your activation will be in effect whenever you are logged on to that computer with your Windows user name.
If you share a Windows user name with other users on the same computer, then you should follow the same procedure as for Pocket PCs. Back to top |
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| — | | How many copies of Microsot Reader can I activate? You are entitled to activate Microsoft Reader on up to 6 different devices using the same Microsoft Passport account. You could, for example, activate a desktop computer, a laptop computer, and a Pocket PC with the same Passport. This limit balances your convenience with copyright owners' need to protect their content. Reactivating the same device does not count towards this limit, so you can reactivate the same machine as many times as you like. However, certain actions such as reformatting your hard drive and resetting a Pocket PC require you to reactivate your device, which will count against this initial quota. If you think this has happened, or if you replace an activated device (for example, if you buy a new computer), you may request that an extra activation be added to your quota to enable you to activate the new device. You can activate more copies of Microsoft Reader if you use a different Passport. However, if you purchase an eBook title on a device where you activated Microsoft Reader with your first Passport, you won't be able to read that title on a device where Microsoft Reader was activated using your second Passport, and so on. Back to top |
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| — | | Do I need special settings in order to activate? If you are using a version of Windows which supports Administrator and Power User accounts (such as Windows XP, Windows 2000 or Windows NT), you must be logged into an Administrator or Power User account before you can activate. This requirement primarily affects users in corporations or other organizations. Home or personal users don't usually have the same log in requirements as corporate users, and most home users already have Administrator log in privileges. If you're not sure whether this applies to you, check your operating system documentation. Back to top |
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| — | | Can I activate my device when Microsoft Reader is open? If you are re-activating a device that is already activated, then you must close Microsoft Reader before you activate. On a Pocket PC, follow these instructions to close Microsoft Reader: - From the Start menu, tap Settings. The Settings window appears.
- Tap the System tab.
- Tap Memory.
- Tap the Running Programs tab.
- In the Running Program List, tap Microsoft Reader, and then tap Stop.
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| — | | What devices will activation work for? Most Windows and Windows CE-based devices are supported. However, the list of supported devices is growing rapidly, and we can't list each one separately. Please refer to the list of supported operating systems. Back to top |
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| — | | Which operating systems work with activation? Activation works with: - Windows CE on Pocket PC 2002/2003 as well as many other Windows CE-based devices
- On computers: Microsoft® Windows® XP; Windows® Millennium Edition; Windows® 98; Windows® 2000; Windows NT® Server, Terminal Edition; Windows NT® Workstation License Pack; Windows NT® Workstation with Service Pack; Windows Vista®
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| — | | How do I activate Microsoft Reader if I am running on Windows Vista® operating System? If you are running Microsoft Reader on Windows Vista® operating system, please follow the instructions below to activate - Select the URL below, right-click and select copy
http://das.microsoft.com/activate/en/default.asp - In the Start Menu, click on All Programs, right-click on Internet Explorer icon and select Run As Administrator
- Click Allow if you get a User Account Control credential prompt (if you are not running as local administrator, you may be prompted to enter administrator credentials)
- Right-click in the address bar and paste the URL. Press enter
- Now click the "Sign In" button to begin the activation process
Note: After Microsoft Reader activation is completed, please close the elevated Internet Explorer window.Back to top |
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| — | | What is "content"? When this site refers to "content" or "digital content", it refers to eBooks that you can download from the Internet and read on your device. This includes premium eBooks, which can be purchased, downloaded, and opened only on activated devices. Back to top |
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| — | | How do I buy secure content? As long as you are using a device activated with your Passport, you can buy eBooks and other digital content from retailers, and it will automatically be personalized to you. This means you'll be able to move your content back and forth among any of your activated devices. Note: An activated device means a computer, Pocket PC, or other Windows CE-based device, not a CD writer. If you write secure eBooks to a CD (or distribute them in some other way), you will not be able to open the eBooks on a device that's not activated to you. Back to top |
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| — | | What should I do if I have a problem with activation? For additional assistance please go the Support web site at http://microsoft.com/support. Click on the 'Contact Microsoft' link and then 'Submit a Request for Online Help'. Back to top |
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| Passport |
| — | | Why is a Microsoft Passport required? Your Microsoft Passport account establishes your persona or identity in the activation process, which enables you to read copy-protected ("Owner Exclusive") eBook titles on the device you are using. The activation process uses information from your Microsoft Passport to create special software that allows you to use secure content. The information from your Passport is combined with data about your device to create an encrypted "Activation Certificate," which is downloaded to your device during the activation process. The activation Certificate is required to purchase eBook titles packaged for secure distribution, and is automatically used by retailers to secure your content for you. This system allows you to purchase digital content once and download it on multiple devices, or move content among the activated devices that you use. All that is required is that you activate these devices using the same Microsoft Passport. For information about Microsoft Passport privacy, see the Passport Privacy Statement. Back to top |
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| — | | Do I need to sign up for a new Passport? You can use an existing Passport if you have one. Hotmail email addresses and MSN member names are also valid Passports, so you can use one of those if you have one. If you don't already have a Passport, you need to sign up for one to activate. Back to top |
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| — | | Do I use my Passport at retailers? It depends on the retailer. Some retailers may require you to use your Passport to purchase, while others may require a separate user name and password for purchasing. Back to top |
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| — | | Can I use more than one Passport? Yes. However, different Passports are treated as different people. You can have as many Passports as you want, but content is not transferable between them. If you buy content for a device activated with one Passport, you cannot use the content on a device activated with a different Passport. Back to top |
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| Pocket PC questions |
| — | | What is ActiveSync, and how do I install it? ActiveSync is communications software that your Pocket PC uses to "talk" to your computer. You probably installed it when you first got your Pocket PC. If you didn't, or if you're not sure, review the documentation you received with your Pocket PC. You can also download ActiveSync here. Back to top |
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| — | | How do I activate my Pocket PC 2002/2003 device? Point Internet Explorer to the Microsoft activation site, log in with your Passport sign-in name (any Hotmail, MSN, or Passport account will do), then, click the Activate Your Pocket PC button. You must activate through a tethered desktop or laptop connection. Back to top |
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| — | | Why do I need to be tethered to activate? Internet Explorer 4.0+ components are required to activate Microsoft Reader on a Pocket PC 2002/2003 device. Specifically, Pocket IE does not support ActiveX controls (downloaded during activation). In addition, the Activation Server would need to be designed to support Pocket IE/Pocket PC (240x320 screen size). Back to top |
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| — | | Can I shop for eBooks with my Pocket PC? Direct shopping is currently not supported on Pocket PC devices. In addition, most online book stores have not optimized their sites for easy viewing and navigation on Pocket PC. To purchase books for your Pocket PC, use your desktop, laptop, or Tablet PC and then transfer the book to your Pocket PC. Back to top |
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| Upgrade questions |
| — | Why can't I activate my new copy of Microsoft Reader? I have a Passport, but when I click YES on the Passport site, I see the same question repeatedly and I am prompted to login again.
You may have to delete your Passport cookie to activate Microsoft Reader. To remove Passport cookies: If you're using Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools, then Internet Options.
2. Under Temporary Internet files, click Settings.
3. Click the View Files button.
4. Right click and delete the following files:
[YourName]@passport.com
[YourName]@passporttest.com
Cookie:[your name]@das.microsoft.com/
Cookie:[your name]@passport.com/
Cookie:[your name]@passport.com/ppsecure
5. Close all your browser windows, and reopen your browser to the Microsoft activation site. If you're using Netscape Navigator
1. Close all Netscape instances.
2. Use Notepad to edit [Netscape Install Drive]:Program FilesNetscapeUsers[your name]cookies.txt.
3. Remove all lines that start with "passport.com" and "das.microsoft.com."
4. Reopen your browser to the Microsoft activation site. Back to top |
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| — | | If I upgrade my Microsoft Reader, will the eBooks I've purchased and downloaded still be available? Can I move them to my Pocket PC 2002/2003 device? To view your eBooks, you simply have to activate the new version of Microsoft Reader using the same Passport account you used previously. Then, you can simply copy your eBooks to the activated Pocket PC to read them there as well. Back to top |
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| — | | If I already have eBooks in the older version of Microsoft Reader, should I activate the new version using the same information? Yes, you must re-activate using the same information to continue reading the eBooks in your previous library. Back to top |
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| Privacy |
| — | | Why do I need my browser set to accept cookies? Activation uses cookies to enable Passport authentication. None of the cookies passed to your browser during the activation process will remain on your computer after you close your browser. Back to top |
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| — | | What information is collected during activation? Microsoft takes seriously the privacy of your personal information and honors your choices for its intended use. We take steps to help protect all personal data from loss, misuse, unauthorized access or disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Microsoft Reader collects unique information about your device and sends it to a Microsoft Activation Server. The following information is transmitted: - A Hardware Identification code computed using serial numbers and other information unique to your device. The code is computed using a technique known as a "one-way hash function" so it is not possible to reconstruct your device's unique information from the code. In this way, Microsoft respects the privacy of information about your device while still providing you with access to premium content from eBook publishers.
- A Product ID number from the copy of Microsoft Reader on your device. This is the same for all copies of the same version of Microsoft Reader and is not unique to you or your device.
Once the encrypted Activation Certificate is downloaded to your device, no information that can uniquely identify your device is retained in our activation server. For more on Microsoft privacy policies go to the Microsoft Privacy, Safety and Security Web Site. Back to top |
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| — | | Activation Privacy Statement The data collected during activation is used only to enable secure distribution of digital content, such as electronic books, to your device. It is not shared with any third party. The personally identifiable information is only used to facilitate the issuing of extra quota, and to enable Microsoft support personnel to contact you (at your option) if you request quota above the preset limits. Except as otherwise stated below, personal information you provide through the activation process will not be shared outside of Microsoft and its controlled subsidiaries and affiliates without your permission. We occasionally hire other companies to provide limited services on our behalf, such as answering customer questions or performing statistical analysis of our services. We will only provide those companies the information they need to deliver the service, and they are prohibited from using that information for any other purpose. Microsoft may disclose personal information if required to do so by law or in the good faith belief that such action is necessary to: (a) conform to the edicts of the law or comply with legal process served on Microsoft; (b) protect and defend the rights or property of Microsoft and its family of sites and services, or (c) act in urgent circumstances to protect the personal safety of users of Microsoft, its Web sites, or the public. Microsoft strictly protects the security of the personal information you provide. Personal information we collect is stored in password-controlled servers with limited access, and we carefully protect this information from loss or misuse, and from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Personally identifiable information submitted through the activation process may be stored and processed in the United States or any other country in which Microsoft or its affiliates, subsidiaries or agents maintain facilities, and by using this activation process, you consent to any such transfer of information outside of your country. For information about Microsoft Passport privacy, please see the Passport Privacy Statement. As noted above, the activation process uses the Microsoft Passport service, which makes your online experience signing in, purchasing items, and giving consent for your children easier and more secure. When you sign in to the activation process using Passport, you will be asked to provide your e-mail address and a password to sign you in.This same Passport sign-in allows you to access many other participating Passport web sites. When you register for a Passport, a Passport profile is created. The Passport service assigns a personal identification number and sends it to your computer in the form of a small text file, called a "cookie". The use of this cookie allows you to visit other participating Passport web sites without having to sign in to each Web site. To learn more about the Passport service and how Passport uses and protects your personal information, please read the Passport Privacy Statement. Please be aware that this Privacy Statement does not apply to personal information you may have provided to Microsoft in the context of other, separately operated, Microsoft products or services. Microsoft welcomes your comments regarding this Privacy Statement. If you believe that Microsoft has not adhered to this Statement, please contact us by sending an email to msactpri@microsoft.com. We will use commercially reasonable efforts to promptly determine and remedy the problem. Back to top |
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