Microsoft Security Online and Phone Support

You can find Microsoft support options ranging from Web sites to newsgroups and more on this page.

•	Call 1-866-PCSafety or 1-866-727-2338 This phone number is for virus and other security-related support. It is available 24 hours a day for the U.S. and Canada. For phone numbers outside of the U.S. and Canada, select your region.

•	E-mail or individual chat support Get instant access to unlimited no charge e-mail or unlimited individual chat support. To help ensure that you get the appropriate support you can first choose your region.

Not sure what kind of help you need? Start with these general support sites:

•	Need assistance with Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2)? Try the Windows XP SP2 Support Web site.

Have a question or concern about how to better protect your computer, yourself, or your family while online?

•	Post a question to our newsgroup and get answers from experts and other members in the friendly Security at Home Community.
•	Communities are easy to use, and most are moderated by the Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs) to keep topics active and on track.
•	To learn more about communities, see our Community User Guide and Rules of Conduct.

Get help with a specific Microsoft product or technology:

You can help improve your computer's security by keeping your software up-to-date. Here are some tools you can use:

•	Help prevent the installation of spyware and other unwanted software with Windows Defender, which comes with Windows Vista and can be downloaded for no charge for Windows XP SP2.
•	Update your Windows operating system with Microsoft Update, a Web site that helps you keep both Windows and Office current.
•	Use Office Update. (For Office 2003 or Office XP, use Microsoft Update.)
•	Get a free PC safety scan.
•	Search for other non-critical Microsoft security updates in the Download Center.
•	Using a Macintosh? Check for security downloads on the Apple Web site.