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Microsoft Reader eBook Reading Software    «Back to Help

Microsoft Reader software allows you to read secure (encrypted) eBooks on Personal Computers and Pocket PC 2002 handheld devices. The software is free.

NOTE: Please use the information on this page to help you install the MS Reader on your system for reading Secure Microsoft Reader (LIT) eBooks, then download and open the FREE test eBook Origins of Wish You Well: A Short Essay before you make a purchase. Fictionwise cannot guarantee Secure MS Reader eBooks will work for you unless you have successfully opened the test eBook.

In order to read secure Microsoft Reader eBooks on your Pocket PC you MUST download them to your PC first. Click here for detailed instructions on transferring eBooks.

Downloading Microsoft Reader

  1. Microsoft Reader for PC
  2. Saving Microsoft Reader Files on your PC
  3. Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC
  4. Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC
  5. Upgrading the Pocket PC
  6. Moving eBooks to Pocket PC
  7. Activation Issues

  Updated on December 22, 2005
Important Notes -- Please Read:

  1. Upgrade your Microsoft Reader software
    • To check if you have the latest version of Microsoft Reader on your PC, do the following: open MS Reader, click on Help, go to page 1, then click on About Microsoft Reader. You must have version 2.1.1 (PocketPCs version is 2.3). To update your Microsoft Reader on your PC, go to this web page and follow the instructions.
    • To download the full upgraded version of Microsoft Reader, go to the Microsoft download page and follow the instructions carefully.
    • To reactivate your PC's Microsoft Reader, go to this web page.

  2. CRITICAL POCKET PC NOTE
    • The most common error report we receive is the following: On PocketPCs members get an error message that says: "Microsoft Reader can no longer access this eBook" ... Here is the solution to this known Microsoft Reader bug:

      • Open up Microsoft Reader on your Pocket PC. Open up the Settings Section. Scroll down to Page 3 in the help section. On that page is a "About Microsoft Reader" section, which should tell you which version of MS Reader you have. It should be version 2.3 ... if you can't find the version number this way, then you have the older version.
      • If you have an older version, then go to Start, Settings, System, Remove Programs: there remove Microsoft Reader and Microsoft Reader activation. If you only have the "Microsoft Reader Activation" then just delete that. Then go back to the Microsoft Reader page, redownload the correct version for your device, then reactivate, then redownload the ebooks.

    • The MS Reader software cannot be installed on and run from a removeable storage card, such as a Compact Flash card. You must download and install the MS Reader software on your handheld device's hard drive. eBooks themselves can be stored on and viewed from a removeable storage drive.

    • To update your Microsoft Reader on your Pocket PC, first make sure your Microsoft Reader on your PocketPC is turned off. Then follow the instructions to upgrade on this page. We recommend a full install. NOTE: Do not install the MS Reader software on a removeable storage card; the software must be loaded onto your handheld device's hard drive in order to use it to read your eBooks.

      Then reactivate your Pocket PC on this web page. Make sure your Microsoft Reader is closed before activating. Note: if you receive this error message: "The file "\Windows\secrep.dll" is in use or is in ROM. If the file is not in Rom, please close the application using the file. Try again." -- then please do the following to close the secrep.dll. On your Pocket PC go to Settings -> System (tab) -> Memory -> Running Programs (tab). Make sure that Microsoft Reader and the Activation installer are not currently running. If they are, stop them and go back to the Microsoft site and try the activation again.

  3. Problems opening Secure Microsoft Reader eBook on your PC
    Microsoft Reader crashes with the following error:
    Microsoft Reader: MSReader.exe - Application Error The instruction at "0x667194e0" referenced memory at "0x00000000". The memory could not be "written".
    If you have Windows XP (SP2) or Windows 2003 installed, a security component called Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is blocking Microsoft Reader from working on your PC. DEP is turned on by default and you must configure it to ignore Microsoft Reader. Follow these instructions:

    • Click on "Start", "Control Panel", and open "System" to view System Properties.
    • Click on the "Advanced" tab and click on "Settings" under in the Performance section.
    • Click on the Data Execution Prevention tab and add "Microsoft Reader" to the list of exceptions.






Microsoft Reader for Personal Computers (Windows):

Use Microsoft's Activation Extra Quota Request Form if you want to activate more than four devices.

System Requirements:

  • At this time there are no Macintosh- or Linux-compatible versions of the Microsoft Reader
  • Internet Explorer 4.01 with Service Pack 1 or later (Microsoft Reader is compatible with AOL 4 Internet Explorer Integrated Browser or later)
  • Operating system--Microsoft Windows® 98 platforms, Windows NT4 SP6, Windows 2000 platforms, Windows XP, and Windows Me Pentium 75 or faster microprocessor with 16 MB RAM and approximately 19 MB free hard disk 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 256 or more colors
If your system meets these requirements, then you need to download and install the software, then "activate" it.

Download Microsoft Reader for PCs here.

After downloading, double click on the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install the software. Click here for additional help.

Activation:

Now, you need to activate your Microsoft Reader with Microsoft in order to read Secure eBooks. You will be able to read MultiFormat (unencrypted) Fictionwise eBooks without activation. You only need to activate ONCE per device (you can have up to four devices). In order to activate Microsoft Reader, you will need to have a Microsoft Passport account. If you have a Hotmail or MSN account, you already have a Passport account, and you will use the same personal identification information for your activation persona. If you don't already have a Passport account, you will be prompted to create one during the activation process.

Click here to activate. Click here if you want to activate more than four devices.

Click here for common questions/answers and technical support concerning activation.


Saving Microsoft Reader Files on your PC:

NOTE: Microsoft Reader requires that you use Internet Explorer 4.01 (with Service Pack 1) or later to download your Secure Microsoft Reader eBooks. You may use Netscape or Internet Explorer to download your Multiformat eBooks in Microsoft Reader format.

When downloading a Microsoft Reader eBook (.LIT), the default setup automatically launches the PC version of Microsoft Reader once the download completes. Some members prefer to have more control on where there Microsoft Reader eBooks are saved. To do this, you have to modify the file type association. Here's how:

For Windows 2000 and Windows XP:
  • Open My Computer.
  • Click the Tools menu and choose Folder Options.
  • On the Files Type tab, choose Lit (extension) Microsoft Reader (File Types).
  • Click Advanced, and then check the box before "Confirm open after download".
For Windows 98:
  • Open My Computer
  • Under the "View" menu select Folder Options
  • Click on File Types tab, choose Lit (extension) Microsoft Reader (File Types)
  • Click on the Edit button
  • Check the box before "Confirm open after download"

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Microsoft Reader for Tablet PCs (Windows XP Tablet PC Edition):

Use Microsoft's Activation Extra Quota Request Form if you want to activate more than four devices.

System Requirements: Microsoft Reader for Tablet PC is designed specifically for computers running Microsoft Windows XP Tablet PC Edition. It is not designed for any other operating system or device.

Download Microsoft Reader for Tablet PCs here.

After downloading, double click on the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install the software. Click here for additional help.

Activation:

Now, you need to activate your Microsoft Reader with Microsoft in order to read Secure eBooks. You will be able to read MultiFormat (unencrypted) Fictionwise eBooks without activation. You only need to activate ONCE per device (you can have up to four devices). In order to activate Microsoft Reader, you will need to have a Microsoft Passport account. If you have a Hotmail or MSN account, you already have a Passport account, and you will use the same personal identification information for your activation persona. If you don't already have a Passport account, you will be prompted to create one during the activation process.

Click here to activate. Click here if you want to activate more than four devices.

Click here for common questions/answers and technical support concerning activation.



Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC Handheld Devices:

Two Important Notes:

Note One: In order to read Secure Microsoft Reader eBooks purchased at Fictionwise on your Pocket PC handheld device, you must activate Microsoft Reader 2.3 on BOTH your PC and Pocket PC.

Note Two: Some older Pocket PCs do not support Microsoft Reader 2.3 -- while some older Pocket PCs CAN be upgraded. In general, if you have a Pocket PC 2002 device, you can use Microsoft Reader 2.3. In fact, most Pocket PC 2002 devices already have this software installed (although not "activated"). Please see the instructions further below about which older Pocket PCs can be upgraded.

Once you have activated your Microsoft Reader 2.3 on your PC, then you should activate it for your Pocket PC handheld device.

Click here to download Microsoft Reader 2.3. Then follow instructions to install the software on your Pocket PC. Your Pocket PC handheld device will need to be in its Sync Cradle to do this.

Click here to activate Microsoft Reader 2.3 on your Pocket PC. Make sure the device is in its Sync Cradle.

Click here for additional activation and install help. Click here for additional support for Pocket PC.

Which older Pocket PC devices can be upgraded to use Microsoft Reader 2.3: First, to find out which version of Microsoft Reader is running on your Pocket PC: Go to the Start Menu; Click Settings; Click the System Tab; Click About; The second line on the screen says "Version 3.0.xxxxx (Build xxxxx)"

If the version number shown is 3.0.9348 (Build 9616), you are currently running an upgradeable version of Windows for Pocket PC. Only the Compaq device noted in the chart below eligible for upgrade. Contact Compaq to order the upgrade.

If the version number shown is 3.0.11171 (Build 11178) or higher, you already have a Pocket PC 2002 device running the latest Microsoft Reader release.

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Upgrading Your Pocket PC:

If you purchased a Pocket PC prior to October 4, 2001, you may be able to upgrade to Microsoft Reader 2.3, which enables you to read any Microsoft Reader eBook. Please check the chart below to see if you are eligible for an upgrade. The chart references devices on the market before the introduction of Pocket PC 2002. Each comes with Microsoft Reader 1.0 software pre-installed.

Note: Some models running the earlier version of Pocket PC could be sold after October 4, 2001, depending on the retailer you buy from. Check the packaging of the device to see which version you are buying.

This chart references devices on the market before the introduction of Pocket PC 2002. Each comes with Microsoft Reader (1.0) software pre-installed.

Device Name Model Number Upgrade/Installation
Casio Cassiopeia E-115
E-125
EM500
NO upgrade available
Compaq iPAQ H3600
H3100
YES - This is the only Pocket PC that can be upgraded to Pocket PC 2002. Order the upgrade from Compaq.

After upgrading, install Microsoft Reader 2.3 for Pocket PC 2002 from the Pocket PC Download page on this site.
HP Jornada 520
540
NO upgrade available

Upgrading your Compaq iPAQ legacy device to Pocket PC 2002:

Only the Compaq iPAQ shown in the following graph can be upgraded to Pocket PC 2002.

Device Name Model Number Installation
Compaq iPAQ H3600 Series
H3100 Series
These are the only Pocket PC devices that can be upgraded to Pocket PC 2002. Order upgrade from Compaq.


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Moving eBooks from your PC to your Pocket PC

You must first make sure that Microsoft Reader for PC and Microsoft Reader for Pocket PC are activated to the same Microsoft Passport. Save your eBooks to your My Library folder on your PC and keep your Pocket PC open to the "Library" view within Microsoft Reader to see that the book is added. Then follow these instructions:
  1. With your Pocket PC in its cradle, open the "ActiveSync" software from your Desktop or Laptop computer and click on the "Explore" button within the toolbar.
  2. Double-click on the "My Pocket PC" icon. Open the "My Documents" folder. You can store your eBook files in "My Documents" or you can create a new folder called "My Library" inside of it to organize your eBook files better.
  3. On your PC, open your "My Documents"
    folder. In that folder is another folder called "My Library."
  4. Position these two windows side-by-side.
  5. Drag-and-drop your eBook from the Desktop's "My Library" window to your Pocket PC window. ActiveSync will automatically begin copying and converting the eBook to your Pocket PC.
    Note: you may need to double-click on the eBook files stored on your Desktop/Laptop computer to identify which file is which if you have more than one. This will open Microsoft Reader.

The eBook has been added to your Microsoft Reader Library on your Pocket PC. The eBook also remains available to be read on your Desktop/Laptop computer.

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Activation Issues

Question: "Why can't I activate my new copy of Microsoft Reader 2.3? I have a Passport, but when I click YES on the Passport site, I see the same question repeatedly."

Answer: You may have to delete your Passport cookie to activate Microsoft Reader 2.3.

To remove Passport cookies:

If you're using Internet Explorer
1. Click Tools, then Internet Options.
2. Under Temporary Internet files, click Settings.
3. Click the View Files button.
4. Right click and delete the following files:
[YourName]@passport.com
[YourName]@passporttest.com
Cookie:[your name]@das.microsoft.com/
Cookie:[your name]@passport.com/
Cookie:[your name]@passport.com/ppsecure
5. Close all your browser windows, and reopen your browser to the Microsoft activation site.

If you're using Netscape Navigator
1. Close all Netscape instances.
2. Use Notepad to edit [Netscape Install Drive]:\Program Files\Netscape\Users\[your name]\cookies.txt.
3. Remove all lines that start with "passport.com" and "das.microsoft.com."
4. Reopen your browser to the Microsoft activation site.

Activating Microsoft Reader on More than Four Devices
Use Microsoft's Activation Extra Quota Request Form if you want to activate Microsoft Reader on more than four devices.

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