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Just getting started? To learn how to use a product feature, try starting with the product documentation, which is often available both on your computer and online. For non-Microsoft products, your hardware or software manufacturer's Web site may also have documentation that applies to your product.
If you have a technical question and you're still eligible for no-fee technical support, start with the support options offered by Microsoft and other hardware and software vendors. (Individual support options vary by product.) If you're not eligible for no-fee support, you might want to check out the newsgroups and other community resources before using the for-fee options from Microsoft and other providers.
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| Product help features
It's possible that the help you need is right at your fingertips, in the Help area within your Microsoft software. Some products, such as Office and Windows Vista, feature help documentation that's integrated with regularly updated online information, which will automatically appear if you're connected to the Internet when you use the Help feature.
| • | Windows Vista and Windows XP
To get help with Windows Vista or Windows XP, click Help and Support from the Start menu.
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| • | Office
For help with Office, click Help from within your Office application.
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Community-based support| • | At Home community
Another great place to find help is on the At Home Community page, which connects you to groups of users who discuss particular products, such as Windows Vista, Windows XP, and tasks, such as digital photography. Communities are open around the clock, and many are frequented by experts who can either answer your question or help guide you toward a better place to look.
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Telephone and e-mail support| • | Microsoft Product Support Services
Most Microsoft products include an initial period of no-charge technical support. Here's where you can find links, telephone numbers, and contacts available to you as a registered user.
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| • | Worldwide support options
Find out what support options are available if you are located outside the United States or Canada.
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No-charge online support and assistance articles| • | Solution Centers
Select a Solution Center to see product support information—including common issues, frequently asked questions, helpful links, tips and how-to articles, and the latest downloads. There are Solution Centers for the latest and past versions of products.
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| • | Knowledge Base
The Knowledge Base includes articles prepared by Microsoft Product Support Services that address common questions people have about Microsoft products. You can search the Knowledge Base any time.
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| • | Windows products and technologies support options
This page provides fast access to the support areas for each of the major Windows products and technologies. There are links on this page to support pages for specific Windows operating systems.
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| • | Office Assistance articles
Find how-to information for the latest versions of Office. The home pages of the Office applications include assistance articles for the earlier versions of Office applications as well.
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| • | Windows Mobile-based devices help
Find help and how-to information for different Windows Mobile-based devices. You may also need to check with your device manufacturer, as your issue might be unique to that company.
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Leading computer manufacturers
Here are the home pages for popular computer manufacturers. If the Microsoft product you have a question about came installed on your computer, it's a good idea to check the manufacturer's support site for information, as there may be an aspect of your question that is unique to that particular manufacturer's product.
| | | | Microsoft Customer Service| • | Customer Service
Customer service provides assistance on non-technical issues such as product purchases and subscriptions.
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Contract support partners| • | Ingenio
Talk anytime with an Ingenio support advisor for as little as $0.99/minute.
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