From: Windows Client Communications – Community team

Subject:  Internet Explorer 7 Installation and Availability Update

To Microsoft MVPs:

We are excited to share the latest news from the IE7 Product team that will impact consumer and developers, as Microsoft continues to take steps to help make consumers safer online by making the Internet Explorer 7 web browser more accessible to allWindows XPSP2, x64 Server and Windows Server 2003users.

Beginning October 4^th, 2007,we will make available a new IE7 build, the IE7 Installation and Availability update (IAU) for Windows XPSP2, x64 Server and Windows Server 2003.  With this update, IE7 now installs without WGA validation, offering a streamlined First Run Experience and includessome minor enhancements to the browser and tour based on user feedback from folks like you.

The updated IE7 will be available on the Windows Download Center (DLC) and the IE site athttp://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.mspxin 8 initial languages.  Additional languages will be added as they become available.

Microsoft takes its commitment seriously in helping protect the entire Windows ecosystem. Security enhancements to Internet Explorer 7 include a built-in Phishing Filter that prevents an average of 900,000 visits per week to known phishing Web sites.  Additionally, Internet Explorer 7 is the first and only browser to natively support Extended Validation SSL Certificates to help prevent online fraud. 

 Internet Explorer 7 makes it safer and easier to accomplish everyday tasks online. It has a streamlined look and enhanced capabilities that make everyday tasks — such as tabbed browsing that makes browsing multiple sites easier— simple and fast.

The primary modification consumers will notice is the Menu bar is turned on by default. For first time users, the first-run experience includes a new, easily accessible Internet Explorer 7 overview, and the on-line Internet Explorer 7 tour has been updated to include how-to’s on great new features like tabbed browsing. This is an update to the availability of Internet Explorer 7 and not a new version of the browser. 

Also, for IT Pros, we’ve updated the Internet Explorer 7 Administration Kit (IEAK7) to include the ability to create an MSI package for enterprises that simplifies deployment for customers who prefer to distribute via Group Policy or those who are not using a corporate update management solution such as Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003 or Software Update Services (SUS). IT Administrators need only define a Group Policy setting to deploy a branded IE7 package to relevant units within their organization.

Installation and Availability Modifications to Internet Explorer 7 (IE7) include:

      Expanded availability to Windows PC users - removed WGA validation requirement

      The Menu bar will be turned on by default

      For first time users, the first-run experience includes a new, easily accessible overview

      For all users, the online Internet Explorer 7 tour has been updated to include how-to’s on great new features like tabbed browsing. 

      Microsoft has also included a new MSI installer for enterprises that simplifies deployment for customers. IT Administrators can tailor to their organization’s needs by using the Internet Explorer Administration Kit (IEAK) and deploy the package to relevant units within their organization using e.g. Group Policies or Systems Management Server (SMS).

How will customers access IE7?

Similar to the previous IE7 builds, IE7 will be available via multiple channels:

      MS Download Center

      Automatic Update (AU)

     IE7 AU notification will be sent to current AU IE6 users who have not yet received an IE7 AU notification or have not previously declined IE7

      3^rdparty partner sites distributing IE using the updated Internet Explorer 7 Administration Kit (IEAK7)

Action:

      Communicate to your customers and peer community that the IE7 update is available

      Communicate to your Developer andEnterprisecommunities the readiness tools

     EnsureInternet Explorer 7 Blocker Toolkitis installed if applicable and upgrade when appropriate (previously installed blocker remains in effect)

     Access readiness resources atTechNet IE Center

Consumer Support:

      Free Consumer Installation phone support:IE support info@1-866-234-6020

      http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/iefaq.mspx

      Peer to Peer newsgroup support atMicrosoft discussion groups

Resources:

·        TechNet IE Center:http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/ie

·        MSDN:http://blogs.msdn.com/ie

• Internet Explorer Security Features Overview:http://www.microsoft.com/protect/products/computer/ie7.mspx
• Security Status Bar Overview and Colors:http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/ie/ev/security.mspx

·        Extended Validation SSL Certificates Overview: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ev

As MVPs, you are a valuable participant in helping customers have the best experience from our products and services via your online support in newsgroups and forums. If you have questions or would like additional information from the Windows Product teams on the announcement of IE7, please contact: Sheri Sullivan (sheris), Windows Communications Team or your MVP Lead.

Best regards,

Sheri Sullivan

Windows Communications Team