14 DAY TRIAL // In mid-December 2008, when it initially introduced the Windows Live Solution Center, Microsoft promised that it would diversify the support offerings available via the website in the future. Over two years later, the Redmond company is no longer limiting the support destination to Windows Live Hotmail problems exclusively. In fact, Windows Live Solution Center has evolved and is now designed to cover issues related to a variety of products and services including: Windows Live ID, Family Safety, Hotmail, Email Client, Calendar, Messenger and Web Messenger, Spaces, Profile, Groups, SkyDrive, Photos, Movie Maker, Photo Gallery, FrameIt, and Video Messages. (via LiveSide)
“Windows Live Solutions Center (WLSC) is the evolution of consumer support for Windows Live products. WLSC is the first step in showing the benefit an engaged and trusting community can bring to supporting people; not products. Research shows us that our customers want a faster and easier way to find timely & accurate support solutions for Windows Live products. This is why we built Windows Live Solutions Center; a solutions portal with direct access to support resources and our agents helping users find answers; fast,” Microsoft explains.
It is important to underline that the software giant aims for Windows Live Solution Center to be an island separated from the rest of Windows Live clients and services. In this regard, customers will be required to create a separate WLSC profile in addition to their Windows Live ID account. Microsoft explains that users will have their Windows Live ID hidden via a WLSC profile, and that WLSC is set up to work even in the eventuality of an all-out Windows Live failure, which would prevent users from signing in with Windows Live IDs.
“Customers now have access to all the latest support content and the Windows Live communities, which includes moderators, at all times. Prior to WLSC, a customer had to wait for an agent to respond to their question before getting an answer via email. Now that same customer using Windows Live Solutions Center can get answers faster than ever before; whether it’s an error message that links right to a WLSC solution, or a solution to top issues, or a community providing expert answers to other similar questions, WLSC is a whole new way of bringing experts and answers together,” the company adds.
In this regard, Windows Live Solution Center will no longer be offering Windows Live users free support via email. All customers will need to start leveraging the resources available on the Windows Live Solution Center website, which, in addition to the clients and services enumerated in the first paragraph at the top, also cover Windows Live Writer, Alerts, Essentials Installer, Toolbar, Sync, Admin Center and Events.
“Microsoft understands that users don’t want to email a support agent unless they absolutely have to. Users want the ability to solve their own problem – and solve it quickly. Windows Live Solutions Center brings together the expertise of skilled moderators, Windows Live employees, and knowledgeable customers. Customers will be closer to the latest information than ever before. WLSC deepens customer relationship by offering timely and relevant solutions along with educational resources; reinforcing the Microsoft brand values and fostering loyalty and earning customer trust,” Microsoft explained.
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here. Windows Live Mail 2009 14.0.8089.0726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Family Safety is available for download here.
Windows Live Writer 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Photo Gallery 2009 14.0.8081.709 is available for download here.