Microsoft Knowledge Base

The information in this article applies to:

• The Microsoft Network versions 1.00, 1.05, 1.20, 1.30

SUMMARY

This article contains the complete text of the "MSN Mail/Exchange Questions & Answers" fax script.

This fax script is available to customers who call the Microsoft Network Member Support Line at (888) 676-8477.

MORE INFORMATION

1. Q. Why does Internet Mail open instead of Exchange when I try to
      open e-mail?

   A. If you're having problems using mail, your system may be set to
      use a mail service that isn't compatible with MSN, such as Internet
      Mail. You can reset your system to use an MSN compatible mail
      service (Windows Messaging/Exchange) as your default mail service.
      To select Windows Messaging/Exchange as your mail service, follow
      these steps:

      1. Open the Internet Explorer browser.
      2. On the View menu, click Options.
      3. Select the Programs tab.
      4. In the Mail dialog box, select Windows Messaging.
      5. Click OK.

2. Q. What is my e-mail server?

   A. Currently, we do not have STMP (POP3 mail) on MSN. You can only
      retrieve mail using Microsoft Exchange.

3. Q. Why doesn't MSN have a PPP client for e-mail?

   A. Our plans are to transition to POP3/SMTP client later this year;
      this is one of our top priorities.

4. Q. How do I receive mail?

   A. To receive a message via MSN, follow these steps:

      1. While connected to MSN, double-click the Inbox icon on the
         desktop.
      2. On the Tools menu, click Deliver Now or Deliver Now Using.
      3. If you clicked Deliver Now Using, click The Microsoft Network.

      Any new mail that you have received appears in the Inbox.  You may
      also go to the Communicate page in MSN and retrieve mail from there.

5. Q. Can I use a mail program other than Microsoft Exchange to receive
      MSN mail?

   A. Currently, you can retrieve mail only by using Microsoft Exchange
      or Microsoft Outlook. We expect to have an e-mail system based on
      SMTP/POP3 protocols (which are very common on the Internet) in 1997.

6. Q. When I click the Inbox I'm asked for post office, mailbox, and
      password. What are these?

   A. To use e-mail, you must have a mail profile. The error message
      you get when you try to open e-mail indicates that you do not have
      a profile yet.

7. Q. What is a profile?

   A. A profile contains configuration information, such as the location
      of incoming messages and the information services that are available
      to you. An information service controls how your messaging programs
      address, send, receive, and store messages and files.  Another type
      of information service is a personal information store, which is
      similar to a database where you can organize and save folders,
      messages, and files.

      A profile for The Microsoft Network must contain your personal
      address book, personal information store, and The Microsoft Network
      online service.

8. Q. How do I set up a profile?

   A. To set up a mail profile for MSN, follow these steps:

      1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
      2. Double-click Mail And Fax.
      3. Click Show Profiles.
      4. Click the Add button to add a mail profile.
      5. Click The Microsoft Network Online Service as your information
         service, and then click Next.
      6. Type a name to use for the profile, and then click Next.
      7. Follow the instructions on the screen, until you click Finish.
      8. Make sure the new profile is shown in the "When Starting
         Microsoft Exchange, use this profile:" box.
      9. Click Close.

9. Q. Can I use Microsoft Exchange to automatically sign on to MSN,
      download mail, and sign off?

   A. You can use Microsoft Exchange to automatically sign on to MSN,
      download mail, and sign off. To do so, use the following steps:

      1. Double-click the Inbox icon on the desktop to start Microsoft
         Exchange.
      2. On the Tools menu, click Deliver Now or Deliver Now Using.
      3. If you clicked Deliver Now Using, click The Microsoft Network.
      4. When the MSN Sign In screen appears, click Connect.

      After your new e-mail messages are downloaded, you are automatically
      signed off from MSN.

10. Q. What is my e-mail address?

    A. Your MSN e-mail address is your Member ID. When you give your e-
       mail address to people not using MSN, it will be your
       MemberID@msn.com.

       For example, if your name is John Smith and you sign-up for MSN,
       you could pick a Member ID like JSMITH. If you do, here is your
       complete e-mail address: JSMITH@msn.com (it is not case sensitive).