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Given below is a compilation of common queries on the ‘Microsoft Reader Format’. If you have more questions, kindly visit the ‘Help Desk’ and mail us your queries. We will ensure that it is resolved at the earliest.

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Microsoft Reader FAQsGeneral FAQs

What is the average size of a Microsoft Reader eBook file?

Microsoft Reader titles are quite small and range from 200KB for a short to medium length book to 600KB for a longer work. As an example, a 300-page novel is approximately 250KB as a Microsoft Reader file.

Do I need any special reading device to read my eBook?

No. All your eBook needs is a PC or laptop that you already own. There is no need for special reading devices.

What devices can I read my Microsoft Reader eBooks on ?

The Microsoft Reader eBooks at the Taylor & Francis eBookstore are readable on desktops, laptops and select versions of Pocket PCs.

Kindly note : Copy-protected eBooks (Owner Exclusive – activated eBooks] can be read on Pocket PC 2002, which comes pre-installed with Microsoft Reader 2.0 from a variety of manufacturers. Earlier Pocket PC versions feature Microsoft Reader 1.0 which does not read books secured with activation. These devices cannot be upgraded to Microsoft Reader 2.0, with the exception of the Compaq iPAQ, which can be upgraded.

Can I read my eBook on a Mac?

As of now, no Mac or Linux compatible versions of the Reader are available, so your eBook is currently readable only on PCs / laptops / notebooks and select versions of Pocket PC.

What are the system specifications for Microsoft Reader ?

The system requirements for Microsoft Reader are:

Internet Explorer 4.01 with Service Pack 1 or later (please note: Microsoft Reader is compatible with Netscape 4.05 or later and AOL 4 Internet Explorer Integrated Browser or later) *
Operating System-Microsoft Windows� 98 platforms, Microsoft Windows NT4 SP6, Microsoft Windows 2000 platforms, Microsoft Windows XP, and Microsoft Windows Me.
Pentium 75 or higher microprocessor
16 MB RAM
Approximately 19 MB free hard drive space (Microsoft Reader is 3.6 MB, but additional hard disk space is required for installation)
VGA or higher resolution monitor and video card capable of displaying 16 bit color.
Microsoft Mouse or compatible pointing device

*Microsoft Reader requires that Internet Explorer 4.01 or later be installed on your PC or laptop, but you are not required to use Internet Explorer as your browser. (Netscape 4.05 or later, for example, can be used as the browser, and Microsoft Reader will still work just fine.)

Why do I need Internet Explorer to use Microsoft Reader ?

Microsoft Reader takes advantage of some of the underlying components within IE during activation. So Microsoft Reader requires that IE 4.01 or later be installed on your PC or laptop, though it may be noted that you are not compelled to use IE as your browser. Netscape can easily be used as a browser and the Reader will continue to function normally.

How do I download my eBook?

Before you download your eBook, you will need to download the Microsoft Reader on to your desktop. Then install and activate the Reader before you begin to read your eBook on your PC or laptop or Pocket PC.

Once the Reader download, installation, and activation processes are complete, you may begin download of your eBook by clicking the 'Start Wizard' button and following the on-screen instructions.

What is activation ?

Activation is a secure authentication process, that uses your Microsoft Passport and hardware information to assign a unique access permission code. This enables you to access premium eBook titles packaged for secure distribution.

Activation enables you to download and access your eBooks on any eight computers where the Reader is activated with the same Passport ID.

Why do I need to activate Microsoft Reader to read my eBooks ?

Activation is a one-time security mechanism, enabled to prevent copyright infringements on authentic content, thereby ensuring integrity of distributed content.

With activation, you can enjoy premium eBook titles copy-protected at the Owner Exclusive Level, where you identify yourself as the person who will access the book. All Microsoft Reader eBooks at the Taylor & Francis eBookstore are copy-protected for security at the activation security level.

Why is a Microsoft Passport required for the activation process ?

The activation process uses your Microsoft Passport account number and information unique to your computer to protect eBook titles against unauthorised copying or distribution ( no information that can uniquely identify you or your computer is retained ). During the activation process an encrypted ‘Activation Certificate” is also downloaded to your computer, certifying that your Reader is enabled for viewing protected content.

What happens during activation ?

The activation process is a security mechanism implemented by Microsoft Reader to check unauthorised access or distribution of secure digital content. This process downloads a unique software module called the “Secure Repository” to your computer to ensure that your eBooks are safe from illegal copying and distribution.

Information unique to your computer is combined with your Microsoft Passport account to generate an encrypted “Activation Certificate”, which is downloaded to your computer, thus certifying that your copy of the Reader is enabled for viewing copy-protected content.

The “Activation Certificate” is encrypted to ensure privacy and is used only when you purchase or download protected titles.

How many copies of the Microsoft Reader can I activate ?

You can activate up to eight devices using the same Microsoft Passport account. You can re-activate the same device any number of times, but if you format your hard disk or make significant hardware changes, then the activation limit applies, as your machine may appear as a new device.

Please be informed that, if you have purchased an eBook title on a device where the Reader is activated using the first Passport, then you won’t be able to read the same title on a device where the Reader is activated using your second Passport account.

How secure are my eBooks? How can I prevent my books from being illegally accessed or distributed ?

Microsoft Reader eBooks are protected by ‘activation’ which prohibits unauthorised proliferation of content. Activation is a security measure enforced by Microsoft which allows an eBook to be accessed on any eight devices activated with the same Reader Passport ID. This prevents uncontrolled access or distribution of your Reader eBooks.

Can I add my own notes to my Reader eBooks, as I would write in the margins of a printed text?

With Reader eBooks you have the advantage of active reading features like note-taking, annotations and even drawings where you can illustrate text. You can view your annotations, rename, or erase them at any time. Click here to read more about the Microsoft Reader format.

If you update your operating system from Windows 98 to say Windows 2000 or Windows XP, does this affect the reader software or my eBooks?

Microsoft Reader works on all Windows operating systems, so your Reader eBooks will work fine even in case of an upgrade.

The formats currently available at the eBookstore are based on the current specifications by various Reader vendors. We do not vouchsafe for platform compatibility and upgrades in the future given the fluid, dynamic nature of the market.

How can I recover my eBooks in the event of a system crash or a device change ?

Microsoft Reader eBook downloads are governed by the ‘activation’ security architecture which limits download and access of eBooks to a maximum of eight computers where the Reader is activated with the same Passport ID.

Assuming that you have downloaded and activated your Reader with a unique Passport ID, all eBooks purchased by you will be amenable to download subject to the aforementioned security constraint. During activation, Microsoft encrypts your Passport ID which will serve as the basis for authentication of all further eBook downloads.

If your system crashes, or if you purchase a new PC / laptop, you may visit the ‘Download Centre’, redownload the Reader, activate it with the same Passport ID as before and then redownload your titles, but it may be noted, that this is possible only if you have not exhausted your activation limit.

If you have exceeded the activation limit and wish to repeat a download, then this will necessitate changes to your account information. In such an eventuality, kindly contact the ‘Help Desk’ with adequate details.

Can I build my own digital library with MS Reader and conduct a search on my titles ?

All titles purchased by you are automatically shelved in the appropriate format bookshelf created for you in your personal library. When you buy a Reader eBook it is shelved in the ‘Your Microsoft Reader Bookshelf’ section of your Download Centre, from where you can easily access and download your title at anytime. As of now titles on the shelves cannot be searched, either on individual formats or across different formats.