Windows Live support via e-mail ends

Microsoft said on Wednesday that it is halting e-mail-based support for its suite of Windows Live services.

Instead, the company said users will have to go to online forums for help with issues. The move is effective Wednesday, Microsoft said.

In an e-mail, a Microsoft representative characterized the move as a positive.

"This means that consumers and partners will experience quicker resolution times and will be able to leverage our extensive community forums to post or answer questions, view service alerts and find solutions," the representative said. Forum answers, Microsoft said, will come from peers, volunteer Most Valuable Professionals, as well as Microsoft support moderators.

"Support moderators will be available to assist in managing the flow of information within the community, ensuring the overall health of the community, and engaging with users on complex technical problems or safety issues that the community cannot resolve," Microsoft said.

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