[bguillaume]

Dear XXXXXXXXX,



On February 5, 2004, we will be requiring all MSN Beta Program participants to upgrade to the latest release of MSN software (Beta 7). Please note that this is a mandatory update; after February 5, you will not be able to sign in to MSN until you are running Beta 7.



How to update if you are running beta versions 1-5

If you are currently using any MSN software beta between 1 and 5 (see below for instructions on how to check which beta version you have), the first time you sign in to MSN on or after February 5 you will see a dialog box that says "To complete this update, MSN will close, install the new update, and then restart. Please click Install Update Now to complete the update to your MSN." This dialog box will not provide the option to "Update Later". This process will update you directly to Beta 7. Please note that you will not be able to sign in to MSN until you have updated to Beta 7, and you will continue to be prompted to update at each sign in attempt.



If you are a broadband customer, download of the update will take approximately 30 minutes.



If you are a dial-up customer, download of the update may take anywhere from two to nine hours. If you do not wish to wait through this process, you may also install the software from the Gold CD that was sent to you in December. The software on the CD will update you to Beta 6. You will then be automatically updated to Beta 7 the next time you sign in to MSN. While this process may significantly reduce the amount of time required to update to Beta 7, please note that it will take you off of the beta version of the software.



How to update if you are running Beta 6

If you are currently running MSN software Beta 6, you will be automatically updated to Beta 7 via the background download when you are signed in to MSN. The background download will begin the first time you sign in to MSN on or after February 5.



How to check which beta version you are running

You can quickly check which MSN software beta version you are using by going to the Help & Settings menu in the top navigation bar and selecting About MSN. The second line of information will contain your version number. Here are the beta version numbers:



Beta 1 - Version: 9.00.0008.2602
Beta 2 - Version: 9.00.0009.1802
Beta 3 - Version: 9.00.0010.1601
Beta 4 - Version: 9.00.0010.2800
Beta 5 - Version: 9.00.0011.0500
Beta 6 - Version: 9.00.0011.1200
Beta 7 - Version 9.00.0013.2101


What are the changes in Beta 7?

The most significant change in Beta 7 is that Windows XP Service Pack 2 will now be supported.


Thanks again for your support throughout the entire program! Your hard work has helped make this one of our most successful MSN software beta programs ever. While we have launched this version of MSN software, we are looking forward to continuing to work with you to build an even better MSN.