MSDN Docs - Support Frequently Asked Questions

Your central hub for answers to common support queries.

General Support

What is MSDN?

MSDN, now known as Visual Studio Subscriptions, is a program that provides developers with access to Microsoft software, tools, technical resources, and support. It's designed to help developers build, test, and deploy applications efficiently.

How can I get technical support for a Microsoft product?

Technical support options vary by product. For most products, you can find support through the official product documentation, community forums, or by contacting Microsoft Support directly. If you have a Visual Studio Subscription, you may be eligible for enhanced support options.

Visit the Microsoft Support website for more information.

Where can I find documentation for specific Microsoft technologies?

Comprehensive documentation for Microsoft products and technologies can be found on the Microsoft Learn website. This includes guides, tutorials, API references, and code samples.

Visual Studio Subscriptions

How do I activate my Visual Studio Subscription?

To activate your subscription, you typically need to sign in with the Microsoft account associated with your subscription purchase. You will then be guided through the activation process on the Visual Studio Subscriptions portal. If you encounter issues, refer to the Subscription Activation Guide.

What software can I download with my Visual Studio Subscription?

Visual Studio Subscriptions grant access to a wide range of Microsoft software for development and testing purposes, including various editions of Visual Studio, Windows operating systems, SQL Server, Azure credits, and much more. The exact list of available software depends on the specific subscription level.

My subscription benefits are not showing. What should I do?

First, ensure you are logged in with the correct Microsoft account that is associated with your subscription. If the issue persists, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, or try accessing the portal from a different browser. If you still face problems, please contact Visual Studio Subscription Support.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

How do I troubleshoot Visual Studio installation errors?

Common installation errors can often be resolved by ensuring your system meets the minimum requirements, running the installer as an administrator, and checking for Windows updates. The Visual Studio Installer also provides specific error codes that can be searched for on Microsoft Learn for detailed troubleshooting steps. You can also use the Visual Studio Installer Troubleshooter.

What are common Azure deployment errors and how to fix them?

Azure deployment errors can range from authentication issues, resource misconfigurations, to service limits. Always check the detailed error messages provided in the Azure portal or deployment logs. Common solutions include verifying your Azure AD credentials, ensuring correct resource configurations (e.g., VM sizes, network settings), and checking resource quotas. For specific guidance, consult the Azure Troubleshooting Guides.

I'm getting an error with a specific API. Where can I find help?

For API-related issues, the best starting point is the official API documentation on Microsoft Learn. Look for sections on common errors, troubleshooting, and sample code. If you're using a service covered by your Visual Studio Subscription, you may have access to specific API support channels. The relevant documentation page often includes links to community forums where you can ask specific questions.