Using an NNTP Newsreader

You can use any newsreader software to access Microsoft newsgroups. We suggest Microsoft Outlook Express, which is installed as part of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Download Internet Explorer now if Outlook Express does not appear in your Start menu under Programs.

Once you have Outlook Express or another NNTP newsreader installed on your computer, you’re just one step away from being able to access our newsgroups. The remaining step comes when you click on a link to a newsgroup. At that point-if you haven’t done so previously-you’ll be asked to provide configuration information. When prompted for News Server, specify msnews.microsoft.com.

That’s it. Whenever you visit to a Microsoft newsgroup again, you won’t have to configure anything. Just click the link to the newsgroup, and Outlook Express will open the newsgroup.

Not familiar with the Outlook Express newsreader? If you have any questions about how to read or respond to a newsgroup posting, refer to the help files in Outlook Express (or the NNTP newsreader you use). In Outlook Express you’ll find Help in the top menu bar.

Want to take newsgroups offline? Many people choose NNTP newsreaders because you can use them to download newsgroup content and work with it while you aren’t connected to the Internet. To find out how to do this using Outlook Express, see Subscriptions in the Help location noted above.