Microsoft Reader FAQs

What is a Microsoft Reader eBook?

What software do I need to read Microsoft Reader eBooks?

On what computers/devices can I read Microsoft Reader eBooks?

Why should I use the Microsoft Reader eBook format instead of another format?

What do I need in order to read Microsoft Reader eBooks?

I was able to download my Microsoft Reader eBooks before, but now I can't download some of them.

I get a message that I don't have ActiveX Controls enabled.

When I download my eBook, Microsoft Reader opens but the eBook is not there.

I've already Updated and Activated Microsoft Reader, so why is it telling me to do it again?

Can you just email the eBook to me?

What is a Passport?

What is Activation?

How do I Activate Microsoft Reader?

When do I need to Activate Microsoft Reader?

If I already have eBooks in the older version of Microsoft Reader, should I activate the new version using the same information?

What is "Microsoft Passport Mismatch"?

How do I re-activate Microsoft Reader with a different Passport?

I downloaded a Microsoft Reader eBook, but I didn't get the option of where to save it. Where did it go?

My eBook downloads to a temporary folder but when the download finishes nothing has actually downloaded.

How do I change the font size?

Extra Troubleshooting Information

Pocket PC FAQ

How do I transfer eBooks from my computer to my Pocket PC?

I've already Updated and Activated Microsoft Reader, but it keeps telling me to do it again, so I still can't download my eBook.

I get an error that says: "Microsoft Reader is no longer able to access this book."

How do I Activate Microsoft Reader on my Pocket PC?

Windows Mobile 5.0: Microsoft Reader won't Activate because it says your device is too old.

I get an error that says: "The digital security software that protects this eBook has been updated. You must re-activate in order to open this title. Please go to www.microsoft.com/re... for additional information."

Q: What is a Microsoft Reader eBook?
A: An eBook made to be read with the Microsoft Reader software.

Q: What software do I need to read Microsoft Reader eBooks?
A: Microsoft Reader. It's free and can be downloaded here.

Q: On what computers/devices can I read Microsoft Reader eBooks?
A: Windows desktop and laptop PCs, Pocket PCs, and Tablet PCs.

Q: Why should I use the Microsoft Reader eBook format instead of another format?
A: Microsoft Reader is one of the most book-like eBook formats. It offers "Clear-Type" technology, which makes the text looks more like printed words on paper. Microsoft Reader eBooks offer a versatile eBook solution, because they can be read on both your Windows computer and Pocket PC.

Q: What do I need in order to read Microsoft Reader eBooks?
A:

Required:

Microsoft Reader 2.1.1

Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher; or Internet Explorer 4.0 with Service Pack 1 or higher

Operating System: Microsoft Windows® 98, Microsoft Windows NT4 SP6, Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Me

Q: I was able to download my Microsoft Reader eBooks before, but now I can't download some of them.
A: Different eBooks have different levels of security. Your older eBooks probably had a low security level. "Owner-Exclusive" eBooks have the highest level. They require that you have the latest version of Microsoft Reader installed on your computer, and that you Activate it. Read below for more details.

Q: I get a message that I don't have ActiveX Controls enabled.
A: To enable ActiveX controls, open Internet Explorer and go to Tools > Internet Options > Security and click on "Custom Level." Scroll down to "ActiveX controls and plug-ins" and select "Enable".
 

Q: When I download my eBook, Microsoft Reader opens but the eBook is not there.
A: Microsoft Reader uses your temporary internet files folder to transfer eBooks to the My Library folder after downloading. If this folder is full, your download will appear to work, but not actually complete. To fix this, simply clear your Temporary Internet Files.

In Internet Explorer, go to Tools > Internet Options. In the middle section called "Temporary Internet Files" click the "Delete Files" button.
 

Q: I've already Updated and Activated Microsoft Reader, so why is it telling me to do it again?
A: Microsoft frequently releases updates to Microsoft Reader, which require you to update or re-activate Microsoft Reader. You can visit Microsoft's Update page to confirm that you have most recent updates.

If you need to re-Activate Microsoft Reader, please be sure to re-activate all devices to the same Passport account as before. The re-activations will not count against your activation quota.

Q: Can you just email the eBook to me?
A: If you've purchased an Owner-Exclusive eBook that is asking that you Update and Activate Microsoft Reader, then no, we can't email the eBook to you.

Owner-Exclusive eBooks have the highest level of security (chosen by the eBook's publisher). This security insures that only the person who bought the eBook has access to download it. And, even if we could email the eBook to you, it wouldn't work once it was saved on your computer, which is really the whole purpose of the security.

But, Updating and Activating Microsoft Reader is an easy process if you follow the instructions that are provided. And once you have done that, you'll be all set for any eBooks you buy in the future.

Q: What is a Passport?
A: The Microsoft Passport is an account you can get for free that allows you access to all of their ".NET" services, including Activating your Microsoft Reader software. Sign up here.

Q: What is Activation?
A: 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. (From Microsoft's Activation FAQs.)

Q: How do I Activate Microsoft Reader?
A:
1. Sign into your Passport Account, or sign up for one (it's free)
2. Go to the Activation page and click on the "Activate Now" link to start the process. Follow the Activation Tutorial or read the Activation FAQs at Microsoft's website.

Q: When do I need to Activate Microsoft Reader?
A: Activation is required for Owner-Exclusive Microsoft Reader eBooks. These eBooks can only be read by the customer who purchased them.
 

Q: If I already have eBooks in the older version of Microsoft Reader, should I activate the new version using the same information?
A: Yes, you must re-activate using the SAME information to continue reading the eBooks in your previous library.

Q: What is "Microsoft Passport Mismatch"?
A: This error occurs when the Passport registered on your current computer does not match the Passport that was used to purchase the eBook. This can occur, for example, if you bought the eBook at work and then tried to download it at home. To avoid this error, make sure to Activate Microsoft Reader with the SAME Passport for each computer or device you plan on using. You can use the same Passport for Activation up to 8 times.

Q: How do I re-activate Microsoft Reader with a different Passport?
A: Just sign in with the Passport you want to use and then go through the Activation process again.

Q: I downloaded a Microsoft Reader eBook, but I didn't get the option of where to save it. Where did it go?
A: Your eBook has been saved in your My Library folder, under My Documents. This "My Library" folder is automatically set up for you when you install Microsoft Reader. If you don't get the option to save your eBook and you have NOT installed Microsoft Reader, then install Microsoft Reader and try your download again.

Q: My eBook downloads to a temporary folder but when the download finishes nothing has actually downloaded.
A: Clear your Temporary Internet Files.
Go to Tools > Internet Options. In the middle section called "Temporary Internet Files" click the "Delete Files" button. Then, re-login to the View Orders page to try the download again.

Q: How do I change the font size?
A: Go to the Settings area and you will see a bar that you can use to change the font settings.
 

Extra Troubleshooting Information:

Update: Microsoft often releases updates to Microsoft Reader that are required for downloading Owner-Exclusive eBooks. Check your version of Microsoft Reader to see if update is required. Click "Yes" and then follow the instructions on the next page.

HINT: You can also install the full version of Microsoft Reader to be sure that you're getting all of the latest updates.

Activation: The most common problem people have is that they need to Activate Microsoft Reader. To do that, go to http://www.microsoft.com/reader/info/activation.aspx

Browser: You are required to use Internet Explorer to download Microsoft Reader eBooks.

Pop-ups: Many people have software on their computer that disables pop-up windows. If this is the case, turn off that software or use it's ability to allow pop-up windows. (Usually all you have to do is hold down the Ctrl button while clicking on the link you want.)

Cookies: Some downloads won't work if you have your browser cookies blocked. To unblock them, go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > and move the slider down to "Accept All Cookies." Then, go to Tools > Internet Options > Privacy > Advanced > and Uncheck the "Override" box.

Security: It is also possible that your Security settings might be blocking the download. To fix that, go to the Tools > Internet Options > Security and lower your level of security with the slider. (You can always put this setting back after trying your eBook download again.)

Pocket PC Help

Q: How do I transfer eBooks from my computer to my Pocket PC?

(This is the general process. If your eBook is Owner-Exclusive, requiring activation, get additional instructions below.)

1. In the ActiveSync Software, click on the Explore button within the tool bar.
2. Double-click on "My Pocket PC."
3. Drag-and-drop your eBook to the Windows folder. ActiveSync will automatically begin copying and converting the eBook to your Pocket PC.
4. The eBook has been added to your Microsoft Reader Library on your Pocket PC.

Q: I've already Updated and Activated Microsoft Reader, but it keeps telling me to do it again, so I still can't download my eBook.
A: Even if you're only planning on reading your eBook on your Pocket PC, you still have to install and Activate Microsoft Reader on your computer. Microsoft's security system looks for information on your computer to make sure you're the person who bought the eBook. This download system is completely unrelated to your Pocket PC.

Important: Be sure to Activate your computer and your Pocket PC with the same Passport account.

Q: I get an error that says: "Microsoft Reader is no longer able to access this book."
A:

Open Microsoft Reader on your Pocket PC. Open the Settings section. Scroll down to Page 3 in the help section. On that page is a "About Microsoft Reader" section, which tells you which version of Microsoft Reader you have. It should be version 2.3. If you can't find the version number there, then you have an older version.

Q: How do I Activate Microsoft Reader on my Pocket PC?
A: Go to the Pocket PC Activation Tutorial. Make sure to Activate your Pocket PC with the same Passport that you used to Activate your computer.

Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/downloads/ppc.aspx

Updating Microsoft Reader on your Pocket PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/en/update/manual.asp

Activation your Pocket PC:
http://www.microsoft.com/reader/info/activation.mspx

To Read Owner-Exclusive eBooks on your Pocket PC:

1. Install Microsoft Reader Update on your computer and re-activate
2. Download your eBook to your computer
3. Determine what version of Pocket PC you have
4. Install the Pocket PC 2003 update software on your Pocket PC, if necessary
5. Re-activate both computer and Pocket PC
6. If doesn't work, restart computer and Activate again
7. If still doesn't work, take a deep breath and repeat whole process.

IMPORTANT: Anyone with any version of Microsoft Reader software prior to July 1, 2003 will need to install the "Update Software" and re-activate to read "Owner-Exclusive" eBooks. You will also need to install the appropriate Update Software on any devices that they plan to read any new "Owner-Exclusive" eBooks. Download the update.

Note: Even if you have Pocket PC 2003 it is still necessary to install the Update and re-activate the device. Download the update.

Q: Windows Mobile 5.0: Microsoft Reader won't Activate because it says your device is too old.
A:

Download and save this file.
(Download by right-clicking on the file and selecting "Save Link As" or "Save Target As".)

Install it by following these instructions:

1. Cradle your device
2. Open ActiveSync on your PC
3. Let the device sync up to the PC
4. Click on the "Explore" button in ActiveSync
5. Go to Tools > Folder Options
6. Go the "View" tab
7. Go to the "Hidden Files and Folders" section
8. Check "Show hidden files and folders"
9. Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types"
10. Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files"
11. Close the "Folder Options" dialog
12. Click on the "My Windows Mobile Device" folder
13. Click on the "Windows" folder
14. Drop the file attached into this folder
15. Soft reset your device
16. Once the device has been soft reset you may once again attempt Activation.

Q: I get an error that says: "The digital security software that protects this eBook has been updated. You must re-activate in order to open this title. Please go to www.microsoft.com/re... for additional information."
A: This error usually occurs when you've loaded the eBook onto a memory card. Please try moving the eBook to the main memory of your device.