Software update: MSN Explorer 8.5 final

Microsoft has released a new version of MSN Explorer. This release has been given version number 8.5 final and is the replacement for the 8.5 beta released in April. To use the built-in browser, mail and messenger client, you must have an MSN or Hotmail e-mail address. The following changes apply to this version:

Status and Support

• Detailed event logs View event logs containing detailed information about connecting to MSN Services.
• MSN Support Send e-mail and event logs directly to MSN Support, and link directly to the MSN Support site for the latest troubleshooting information

MSN Mail

• Improved junk mail filtering Customize the strength of the junk mail filter for your incoming messages, from light to extra strong.
• Block Internet images Help protect your personal information by blocking Internet-based images used by spammers to invade your privacy.
• Filter email by people I know View only e-mail messages in your Inbox sent by people listed in your Address Book and your Safe List.
• Storage meter Quickly and easily track what percentage of your allocated e-mail storage you’re using.
• Multi-lingual spell check Switch languages ​​in Windows XP to spellcheck your e-mail messages in different languages.
• Message size meter See how large your e-mail messages are and learn how to reduce message sizes for better, faster sending and receiving.
• Save drafts for approval Kids can now save e-mail messages to unapproved contacts directly to the drafts folder while awaiting approval from their parents

Parental Controls

• Add new member accounts Easily set up an account for a child, turn on parental controls, and customize the parental control settings.
• Improved access to parental controls Go to parental controls directly from the Help & Settings menu.
• Approved contacts in Address Book See which contacts parents have approved in the child’s address book.
• Request new contacts in Address Book Kids can quickaly and easily add contacts to the address book and request approval from their parents.

MSN Calendar

• IntelliSynch Support Easily synchronize your events and contacts with Outlook and handheld devices directly from MSN Calendar and Address Book.

MSN Browser

• Set a custom home page Set any Web page you choose to be your new home page.
• Add Favorites to Favorites folder Add new Favorites directly to folders in your Favorites list.
• Recently visited Web sites Quickly go to the most recent Web sites you visited using the Address bar drop down list.

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