TechNet Plus Subscriptions Frequently Asked Questions
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Getting Started with your Subscription
How do I get started accessing my Subscription?
To access your TechNet Plus Subscription benefits, you need to have a Passport/Windows Live ID (hereafter referred to as Live ID). If you don’t have one, sign up for one at https://login.live.com. The Live ID does not have to match the email that is in your Subscription details.
Go to the TechNet Subscriptions > Manage my Subscriptions page to associate your Windows Live ID with your TechNet subscription. You will be required to log into Windows Live ID if you are not logged in.
On the TechNet Registration Page fill in the text boxes with your Subscription details - First Name, Last Name, Email address, Benefit Access Number (may also be called Subscriber ID or Partner Technical Contact ID or Subscription ID). Accept the license terms and click the OK button.
Make sure you enter the Subscription details EXACTLY as they were provided to you. If you receive an error, verify what you entered. Try reversing the first and last name fields if you are still unsuccessful.
Upon successful registration, you will see a listing of the benefits you are entitled to. Registration is generally a onetime process. In the future you will simply sign in with your Live ID to access your Subscription benefits.
Does the Benefits Portal work on non-PC operating systems?
Only a browser is needed to access the Subscriber Benefits Portal. To download software however a download client is required since the majority of files available are greater than 2GB. The File Transfer Manager (FTM) download client currently implemented is an ActiveX control, so this does not work on Macintosh or other non-PC operating systems.
Can I use my current Windows Live ID to access the TechNet Subscriptions Benefits Portal?
Yes. If you've signed up for a Live ID before, or if you have a Hotmail® or MSN.com e-mail address, you already have a Live ID. When prompted to provide Live ID information, just use the sign-in name and password you already use for those services.
How do I change the Live ID I use to sign in to the TechNet Subscriber Benefits Portal?
- On the Live ID sign-in page, sign in with the new Live ID that you would like to use to access the site.
- On the Subscription Registration page (http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/add) enter the information for the TechNet Subscription you would like to access with this Live ID, accept the license terms, and select Continue.
- The TechNet Subscription Already Added page will appear if the subscription has been previously associated with another Live ID. Select the Continue button.
- You can confirm the change by signing out of Live ID and returning to TechNet Subscriber Benefits Portal. Sign in as a Returning Subscriber using your new Live ID.
How do I add an additional subscription to my Live ID?
You can add additional subscriptions to your Live ID either by using the "Add a subscription" link at http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage/, you can choose the "Add Another" option when completing an ongoing registration, or by selecting "Add Subscription" from the subscription tasks section of the Manage Subscription page.
How many subscriptions can I associate with my Live ID?
The site will display up to 400 subscriptions per Live ID. You can associate additional subscriptions with your Live ID beyond 400, but they will not be displayed unless others are removed to bring the total below 400.
How do I remove a Microsoft Live ID from a TechNet Subscription?
If you would like to remove the Live ID currently associated with a TechNet subscription, you can re-register it to a new Live ID, or sign in at http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage/, select the subscription you want to remove, and click the Remove button.
What is the Default subscription? What is it used for? How do I change it?
If you have more than one TechNet Subscription, one of them will be the default subscription. The default subscription will determine what benefits and downloads are available to you from elsewhere on the site. Change the default to access different downloads and benefits. Change the default subscription on the Manage My Subscription page (http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage) by selecting a new subscription from the drop-down list and click the default button.
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General Product and Licensing Questions
What is TechNet Plus?
TechNet Plus is a subscription program designed to help IT Professionals prepare for critical issues and plan for future deployments by providing them with fast and convenient access to the latest software for evaluation without time or feature limits; beta releases; Professional Support incidents; and other technical information and tools to get their jobs done faster. Read the TechNet Plus Overview for a list of the features included with a TechNet Plus subscription.
How can I purchase a TechNet Plus subscription?
Subscriptions can be purchased through Volume Licensing programs, as a retail purchase of Fully Packaged Product (FPP)* from an authorized reseller or directly from Microsoft. For more information please see theTechNet Plus Overview.
* FPP purchasing option is not available in Latin America.
What is the general nature of the terms of the TechNet Plus Subscription End User License Agreement?
The subscription terms vary based on your subscription level and license type. Each subscription license type entitles only the designated subscriber to use evaluation software, support incidents and access the TechNet Benefits Portal – no other users are entitled to use these resources. A single-server subscription allows a workgroup to share the technical information library content only with others in their organization. For full details on use rights, see the TechNet Plus License Terms.
Can I use evaluation software received in my TechNet Plus subscription at home?
The license grants installation and use rights to one user only, for evaluation purposes, on any of the user’s devices, this may include devices at home. Keep in mind that you may use the evaluation software only to evaluate it. You may not use it in a live operating environment, a staging environment, or with data that has not been sufficiently backed up. You may not use the evaluation software for software development or in an application development environment.
How often will there be TechNet Plus subscription updates?
You will be able to access updates on Subscriber Downloads as often as daily. If your subscription includes DVD shipments, you will also receive update shipments periodically.
How long will it take receive my first DVD shipment?
Subscriptions media within North America should arrive within 2-3 weeks of activating the subscription. Delivery times outside of North America can vary dependent on manufacturing and/or import requirements.
How can I find out how much content is added to each DVD shipment?
The amount of new content varies depending on what products Microsoft is revising and releasing. Refer to the TechNet Plus Index to find new and revised shipment content quickly.
What is your return policy?
Retail TechNet Plus subscriptions have a 30-day money back guarantee policy from the date of purchase. Subscription licenses purchased through a Volume Licensing Programs will follow the return policy of that program.
What is the difference between a TechNet Plus subscription and an MSDN subscription?
TechNet Plus is designed for hands-on IT professionals who evaluate, implement, maintain, deploy and support Microsoft solutions. The Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscription is designed for developers who create and test applications built on Microsoft technologies. While there is some content overlap, each subscription contains information and resources that are specific to its audience.
What if I have other questions not covered in this FAQ?
If you have other questions that are not covered in this FAQ, please contact us.
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Volume Licensing Program
What is the TechNet Plus subscription Volume Licensing model and how does it work?
TechNet Plus is available through Microsoft Volume Licensing programs that are designed to meet the needs of your business. Tailored to the size and purchasing preference of your company, these programs provide simple, flexible, and affordable solutions that enable you to easily manage your licenses. For more information on purchasing, see the Microsoft Licensing site
What are the Volume Licensing subscription terms and prices?
Subscriptions purchased through Volume Licensing end when your software license agreement enrollment ends and are priced according to the remaining term of the agreement enrollment.
Example: If TechNet Plus is ordered in year 1 of your 3 year Enterprise Agreement enrollment, you are billed for 3 years. If you order in year 2 of the enrollment, you pay for 2 years; and if you order in year 3, you pay for 1 year. Open License subscriptions are 2 year subscriptions effective from the date they are recorded through Microsoft® Licensing. Please see an authorized reseller or LAR for pricing details.
When do Volume Licensing subscriptions end?
All subscriptions are linked to the Volume License agreement enrollment end date, and terminate when your Volume License agreement enrollment ends. Open License subscriptions are 2 year subscriptions effective from the date they are recorded through Microsoft Licensing.
What is the difference between the TechNet Plus Volume Licensing subscriptions and retail subscriptions?
The download content and product keys are often (but not always) the same for Volume Licensing and retail subscriptions, however the license terms differ.
What is Software Assurance (SA) for TechNet Plus?
Software Assurance (SA) is the Volume Licensing subscription renewal, if your company has an expiring subscription under a Volume Licensing agreement; they only need to purchase TechNet Plus Software Assurance to renew the licenses for the term of the new Volume Licensing Agreement enrollment. New TechNet Plus subscribers in Volume Licensing purchase the License and Software Assurance (L+SA).
Are TechNet Plus subscriptions through volume licensing available in all regions?
TechNet Plus Volume Licensing subscriptions are available in all regions; however TechNet Plus Direct cannot be purchased on agreements signed in Asia or the South Pacific.
My company has purchased TechNet Plus licenses through Volume Licensing, how do I start my subscription?
All customers purchasing TechNet Plus subscriptions through Volume Licensing agreements need to register their licenses to initiate the subscriptions and begin receiving benefits. Registration is also required for renewal licenses.
What information do I need to register licenses or media?
Your reseller or primary contact for your Volume Licensing agreement can provide you with the information required to register.
- Select & Enterprise Agreement: Enrollment and Master Agreement number
- Open: Authorization number and License number
- Open License Value, Multi-Year Open, and Open Subscription License: Agreement Number, and the last name of the Notices Contact on the agreement.
How do I complete the registration process?
If your license was purchased in North America, Latin America, Europe, Africa, or the Middle East you have two options to leverage in registering your purchased subscriptions:
If your license was purchased in Asia or the South Pacific, please contact your local TechNet Subscriptions center for registration assistance.
How long do I have to register TechNet Plus licenses?
You can register TechNet Plus licenses any time prior to the last 30 days of the license term. To get the most from TechNet Plus subscriptions, licenses should be registered as early as possible.
How do I know if my license was registered?
After successfully completing the registration process in the registration tool, you will receive an e-mail confirming your license has been registered.
I currently have a retail TechNet Plus subscription; can I renew it through Volume Licensing?
No, the first time you purchase a TechNet subscription through Volume License, you must purchase it as a new subscription - License + Software Assurance (L+SA).
I’m trying to renew my subscription and am being prompted for my Subscriber ID; where can I find it?
Your TechNet Plus Subscriber ID can be found on your TechNet Subscriber ID card or on any shipment mailing label. If you cannot locate your Subscriber ID please contact your local TechNet Subscriptions center.
Are TechNet Plus subscribers notified that their subscriptions are expiring? If so, what is the process?
TechNet Plus subscribers are notified before the end of their subscriptions. Microsoft sends each retail subscriber renewal notices. Volume Licensing customers have a renewal notice sent to the listed contact for the licensing agreement.
When my Volume License agreement enrollment expires can a TechNet Plus renewal subscription be purchased directly from the subscription center?
No, the subscription center will not be able to renew your Volume Licensing subscription. The subscription center can sell retail subscriptions only. The organization that purchased the Volume Licensing agreement can “renew” your TechNet Plus subscription through a new or renewing Volume Licensing agreement enrollment and purchasing an “SA” license for TechNet Plus.
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Software Assurance Benefit Program
What TechNet Plus benefits are being offered to Software Assurance customers?
Depending on the products for which Software Assurance has been purchased, your company may be entitled to TechNet SA Subscription Services and/or TechNet Plus Direct. For more information on these benefits, please visit the Software Assurance site.
My company has purchased Software Assurance. How can I get access to TechNet benefits through Software Assurance?
To get access to TechNet benefits, contact the Software Assurance benefits administrator for your company. They can review and assign TechNet Software Assurance benefits for your company.
The benefit administrator for my company has assigned me a TechNet benefit. How to I access the online benefits?
You can register your subscription to a different Live ID by using the "First Time User" link from the http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage/ page. You will be prompted to log in with the Live ID you want to use,. Then you will enter the first name, last name, e-mail address, and subscriber ID for the benefit as it appeared in the notification email you received from your benefit administrator. You will also have to accept the license terms. After successfully completing the registration, you will be able to access your online benefits.
Does the TechNet Plus Direct subscription I receive as a Software Assurance benefit have the same content provided in the retail or volume licensing TechNet Plus subscriptions?
Typically yes, although there can be variations between retail and volume license software and/or product keys.
How can my company obtain additional subscriptions?
Additional TechNet Plus subscriptions can be purchased through your Volume License agreement.
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TechNet Technical Information Library
How do I access the TechNet Technical Information Library if I am a TechNet Plus Direct subscriber?
The library is made available to TechNet Plus Direct customers through the Subscriber Benefits Portal as an ISO image. This ISO image can be downloaded and installed after being burned to media or virtually mounted, as described further in the Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys FAQ.
I am experiencing setup problems installing the TechNet Technical Information Library onto machines. Is there a special setting that I need to be aware of?
The setup application does require administrator privileges to install the Installer on the very first installation instance. Every subsequent setup that you run will not require administrator privileges, and you will have a Quick Install option if you just want to install the new content.
If I have questions about accessing information in the offline library after I have installed it, what resources are available?
There are a number of "How To" Topics under the TechNet Viewer Help section from the Library left hand navigation pane.
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Accessing Your Subscriber Benefits
What is the TechNet Plus Subscriptions Benefits Portal and what is its purpose?
The TechNet Plus Subscriber Benefits Portal (http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions) is the site for TechNet Plus Subscribers to access all subscription benefits including: Secure Downloads, Product Keys, Managed Newsgroups, Online Concierge, Support Incidents, eLearning and more. Note: Benefits available vary based on subscription level.
Are there any eligibility restrictions to use the TechNet Benefits Portal?
The requirements for eligibility are as follows:
- Subscription status must be active. Note: If you have acquired a license to use the TechNet Subscription software via the Microsoft Open License Program and/or the Microsoft Select Licensing Program you will not have access to TechNet Benefits Portal and Subscriber Downloads unless you have registered online.
- Subscribers must validate their identity to Microsoft through the registration process. Upon completion, subscribers will use their chosen Windows Live ID for subsequent site access.
- This Windows Live ID should not be shared and should be treated in such manner consistent with the licensing agreement.
What information is needed to register?
The following information is required to register the subscription on the Benefits Portal:
- TechNet Subscriber ID *
- First Name
- Last Name
- E-mail Address (This is the e-mail address associated with your subscription, which may be different from the e-mail address of the Windows Live ID you are using to access the site)
* The Subscriber ID can also be called the "Benefit Access Number" or "MSPP Technical Contact ID", or "Subscription ID". If you are a TechNet subscriber, this is located on your subscription card. If you are a Microsoft Certified Partner, this is located in your Microsoft Certified Partner documentation. If you are a Software Assurance benefit recipient, this is located in an e-mail from their benefits administrator.
Do I have to turn off pop-up blocking to access my benefits?
You will need to allow pop-ups (at least temporarily) to successfully access some benefits. You can use the following hotkeys to suppress blocking when you click the button or hyperlink:
In Internet Explorer (IE) 6 - Hold down the CTRL key when clicking
In IE 7 - Hold down CTRL and ALT keys when clicking
In IE 6 or 7 – Configure pop-up blocking settings under Tools > Pop-up Blocker
In Firefox - Configure pop-up blocking settings under Tools > Options
What types of technical issues can I use the complimentary support incidents included in my subscription for?
Technical support incidents included with TechNet Plus subscriptions are Microsoft Problem Resolutions Services, and are designed to assist with problems with specific symptoms encountered while using a Microsoft product, where there is a reasonable expectation that the problem is caused by the Microsoft product. These support services can be used online or via phone and are delivered on an incident basis. An incident is defined as a single support issue and the reasonable effort needed to resolve it. A single support issue is a problem that cannot be broken down into subordinate issues. If a problem consists of subordinate issues, each shall be considered a separate incident. If a problem is determined by Microsoft to be the result of a defect in a Microsoft product, the customer will not be charged for that incident.
Technical support incidents included with TechNet do not include Advisory Services. For specific information about the types of Advisory Services available, click here.
Can I purchase additional support incidents?
Yes, additional support incidents can be purchased at a 20% discount* any time during your active subscription period. This offer only applies to pay-per-incident Professional Support and cannot be used for 5-incident packs, Premier Support, or Essential Support.
*Discounts on pay-per-incident support are available only in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Denmark, Spain, Austria, Ireland, Finland, France, South Africa, Greece, Liechtenstein, Faeroe Islands, Gibraltar, Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Korea, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, India, Australia, and New Zealand.
Do I receive the complimentary and discounted support for all Microsoft products?
The support incidents are not valid for MSN, Xbox, or Microsoft Business Solutions products.
What are TechNet Managed Newsgroups?
TechNet Plus subscribers can post a message and receive a response directly from Microsoft or from the community within the next business day. If the response has been answered by the community, a Microsoft Support Professional will review the technical soundness of those responses within the next business day.
What can I ask in the newsgroups?
The supported newsgroups are for IT products and technologies. These newsgroups are available for you to collaborate directly with Microsoft Support Professionals, Microsoft Most Valuable Professionals (MVPs), and your peers to get answers to your break-fix questions.
If you have questions that may require consulting or advisory type assistance, you may post "How to", "Planning/Deployment" and "consultative type of questions" in these newsgroups for support/recommendations ONLY. For this type of assistance you may want to consider Microsoft's Advisory Services.
Is there a limit to the number of managed posts I can place?
There is no limit to the number of managed postings that you can make to the newsgroups. As long as you are a current TechNet Plus subscriber and post using a no-spam posting alias you will get a response within the next business day.
How do I access the managed newsgroups?
To access managed newsgroups, sign in to the Subscriber Benefits Portal at http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage/and follow the link to Managed Newsgroups in the benefit list. All managed newsgroups are available through either the Web-based newsreader or an NNTP newsreader, such as Outlook Express. A Web browser is all you need to access discussion groups. Although anyone can view or post to these groups, in order to ensure you receive a response within the next business day, you must post using a no-spam posting alias.
What is a no-spam posting alias and how do I set one up?
A no-spam posting alias is a fictitious e-mail address that allows you to post to a public forum without subjecting your corporate or personal e-mail address to spam or potential virus attacks. In order for your post to be managed it needs to be posted using this alias. To configure a posting alias, sign in at http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/manage/ and follow the Configure link for the Managed Newsgroups benefit. Enter a unique nickname and select a domain from the drop-down list.
When will I get a response to questions I have posted the Managed Newsgroups?
When you post a question in the Managed Newsgroups, using the no-spam posting alias you registered, you will receive a response from a Microsoft Support Professional by next business day (English only). You may receive a response earlier by a Microsoft Most Valuable Professional (MVP) or one of your peers.
Will I receive a response on weekends?
Questions posted on weekends will receive a response by next business day.
Is anyone ensuring that responses are correct?
Yes, in two ways: First, newsgroup members tend to do a good job of guiding discussions and challenging answers that are suspect. Second, Microsoft Support Professionals review queries posted by registered TechNet Managed Newsgroup users to ensure that the community's responses are correct, and will respond if the community provides an incorrect or incomplete answer.
I posted a question to Managed Newsgroups and someone in the community responded, but I’m not satisfied with the response. Do I have to post the question again to get help from a Microsoft Support Professional?
If an answer from the community does not resolve your issue and you require further assistance, you do not need to repost your question, but you do need to reply to the thread and state that your issue is not resolved to your satisfaction.
Note: Microsoft Support Professionals review all responses to TechNet Subscriber questions posted with a registered with a no-spam posting alias in TechNet Managed Newsgroups. A Microsoft Support Professional will correct erroneous replies to a question, but may not directly respond if the community has correctly answered the question.
The Microsoft Support Professional did not answer my question completely in the Managed Newsgroup. What do I do?
Reply to the Support Professionals post. In your reply, restate your question if necessary, and identify the key issues you perceive with the answers.
What's the difference between Managed Newsgroup support and the support incidents benefit?
With TechNet Managed Newsgroups, TechNet Plus subscribers enjoy unlimited, complimentary support as opposed to the limited number of technical support incidents. Complex break/fix issues that involve extensive research time, issues involving custom-environment or server down situations are not recommended for the newsgroups. Issues of this nature are best handled working with a Microsoft Support Professional using one of your incidents.
What is the TechNet Online Concierge?
The Online Concierge is a one-to-one Web-based chat service for TechNet subscribers. Online Concierge can be used to address non-technical questions regarding search and navigation of the TechNet site, Knowledge Base (KB) article searches, Benefits Portal and Subscriber Downloads.
If you and the Microsoft Online Assistant find that you need more technical assistance during the chat, you may be directed to a more appropriate support service such as the Managed Newsgroups or the support incidents available to TechNet Plus subscribers. Online Assistants do not give direct technical support.
Online Concierge does not provide answers to TechNet Plus subscription queries. For assistance on questions specific to managing subscriptions, or to make changes to your subscription by phone, online, or email, please contact TechNet Plus subscriber support.
When is the TechNet Online Concierge service available?
TechNet Online Concierge is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in English. It is not available on holidays. It is also available in Japanese during Japanese business hours.
What do I do if the information I get from the Microsoft Online Concierge does not completely answer my question?
If the answer you received did not help you, go back to the Online Concierge chat window and restate your question or point out the problem you have with the reply.
If you and the Microsoft Online Assistant find that you need more technical assistance during the chat, you may be directed to a more appropriate support service such as the Managed Newsgroups or the support incidents available to TechNet Plus subscribers. Online Assistants do not give direct technical support.
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Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys
How do I get to Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys?
To access Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys, TechNet Subscribers can navigate directly to http://technet.microsoft.com/subscriptions/downloads. Live ID login and Registration are required to initiate downloads and access any product keys that you are entitled to based on your subscription type and level.
There is a separate Subscriber Downloads and Product Keys Frequently Asked Questions page to further assist with any questions you have.
I cannot find a product in TechNet Subscriber Downloads. Why is that?
A product might be unavailable for several reasons:
- The product is not included in TechNet Subscriptions. Some Microsoft products are not included in TechNet Subscriptions due to special licensing terms, technical restrictions, or IT Professional relevance. If you would like to request a product be added to the subscription, please use the Contact Us Web form to submit your request. Please visit the TechNet Index for a complete list of all discs currently included.
- The product has not yet released. Many pre-release (beta) versions and release candidates are available to TechNet Subscribers. However, not all betas can be included. Some betas require special registration or eligibility.
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Getting Help
The TechNet Subscriber Support Page has additional information and links to resources to assist you with managing your TechNet Subscription - such as updating your contact or mailing information, or if you are a retail customer and need assistance activating your subscription, or if you need assistance accessing benefits you may be entitled to such as:
- Subscriber Downloads
- Product Keys
- Online Concierge
- Managed Newsgroups
- E-Learning courses
- Technical Support Incidents
What if I received my TechNet Subscription through Volume Licensing, Software Assurance, or the Partner Program?
These programs can have different licensing and entitlements, and depending on what specifically you need, you may be referred to those program resources for assistance with your Subscription. Refer to the TechNet Subscriber Support Page for more information.
What if I have other questions not covered in this FAQ?
If you have other questions that are not covered in this FAQ, please contact us.