Microsoft Technical Support -
Microsoft Word Support Options

If you need Microsoft technical support but don't know how to navigate the maze of online support options, you have come to the right place.

This article explains how to find Microsoft Word online support, such as the Solution Center, UseNet groups, and the Knowledge Base.

It also explains how to find your way through the online support center, and how to get one-on-one support directly from Microsoft.

Note: these technical support options apply to any Microsoft software product, such as Excel, PowerPoint, or Windows. So bookmark this page just in case you need it in the future.

Accessing Online Microsoft Word Support

The easiest way to access online support is from inside Word 2007. You will need an active internet connection to access support.

To access online support, do the following:

1. Click the Office Button.
   
2. Click Word Options.
   
3. On the navigation menu, select Resources.
4. Click Contact Us. The Microsoft Office support page opens.
5. Alternately, if you do not own Word 2007, visit
   http://support.microsoft.com/gp/selecthub.

You can select from a number of options on the Microsoft Office support page. I've listed the ones that you will most likely need as as Word 2007 user:

• Support for Microsoft Office Products: This link is for U.S. customers—it takes you to the Microsoft Office Solution Center homepage. Once there, choose Word 2007 from the list to go to the Word 2007 Solution Center. Here you will find links to tutorials, help with error messages and reported issues, and downloads.

The Solution Center is the doorway page to access personalized support. There are many support options offered, so be sure to read my tips for navigating the Solution Center. If you already know that you want one-on-one support, jump to Getting Microsoft Technical Support.

• International support Web site: Select this link if you reside outside of the United States. Select your country to be taken to the Solution Center in your native language.

• Office Discussion Groups: This link takes you to the discussion group directory for all Microsoft Office programs. To find the topics related to your product, type the product name into the search box then click Go.

This is a UseNet group...read the messages online or download them into your favorite news reader.

• Microsoft Knowledge Base: The KB is your friend! I recommend that you explore the Knowledge Base and get familiar with it. It contains answers to technical questions about Microsoft products. This is a very powerful free support option that you can use at any time for any Microsoft software program.

The KB is where Microsoft posts solutions to known issues and customer problems, such as installation issues, error messages, questions about advanced features, and information about service pack and security patch downloads.

To find answers in the KB, type your question into the search box then click Search. To narrow your search, make sure to include Word 2007 in your question.

If you find the Knowledge Base articles to be too technical, search the Solution Center to find articles that are easier to understand.

Navigating the Microsoft Solution Center

You can explore many Microsoft technical support options inside the Word 2007 Solution Center.

This Solution Center contains a wealth of free information. If you are on a tight budget, this is an excellent way to get help.

Answers to the most recent Top Issues are listed in the center of the page.

To find solutions for other topics, select a category from the left-hand menu.

If you do not see a topic that fits your problem, use the Advanced Search feature located on the top navigation menu. You will be taken to a page where you can search the article archives.

Getting Microsoft Technical Support

If you can't find help online for your problem, you will need to contact Microsoft to get one-on-one technical support.

While inside the Solution Center, click the link in the Get Help Now box. (If Word 2007 Solution Center page is not open, see Accessing Online Microsoft Word Support.)

You need the following to get Microsoft Technical Support:

• Internet Explorer browser
• Product identification number (for help locating your Product ID number, see the article, Finding Help About Microsoft Word)
• Acceptance of the support License Agreement
• You may need to sign-in using a Microsoft Live ID

Follow the prompts in the support wizard. For best results, answer the questions accurately. Don't try to fool the system in order to get free support. It doesn't work!

The answers to your questions will determine whether your problem is covered by free support. If not, you will be given the option to select paid technical support.

Costs vary depending on the type of problem and whether you are a home or business user.

 Home-user Paid Support Options: If you are not eligible for free Microsoft technical support, the wizard prompts you to select a paid option.

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