All-in-one PC care service extends security, maintenance, performance benefits to Windows XP and the new Windows Vista operating system.

Starting Jan. 30, consumers in the United States and 16 other countries will be able to purchase a major release of Windows Live™ OneCare™ online or from participating retail stores. Building on versions of Microsoft’s comprehensive PC care service previously available in the United States, the new Windows Live OneCare release will now offer an even simpler consumer experience. The service will feature unified virus and spyware scanning, more flexible file backup options and support for the Windows Vista™ operating system, which will also be available to consumers on Jan. 30. Delivering on the OneCare promise of a simple, evolving service, all active OneCare subscribers will be automatically upgraded to this latest release with new features and enhancements while they’re online.

To thank the consumers worldwide who participated in the Windows Live OneCare beta program for this major release, a special offer will be sent via e-mail to beta users for a significant discount off the annual subscription fee when they sign up at http://onecare.live.com. From Jan. 23 through Feb. 12, Windows Live OneCare beta users who take advantage of this offer will receive a year’s service at approximately 60 percent off the regular price. In addition, many retailers plan to offer rebates and other in-store promotions for Windows Live OneCare in the coming weeks.

“This new release marks our continued commitment to evolving and expanding our all-in-one PC care service around the world — both for Windows XP and now Windows Vista customers,” said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of the Technology Care and Safety Group at Microsoft. “In addition to helping guard against viruses, spyware, phishing scams and other security threats, OneCare also handles a variety of essential PC care practices behind the scenes so our customers can have peace of mind that their PC is being taken care of and will be able to spend their valuable time on other things.”

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