Microsoft Encarta was a premium digital multimedia encyclopedia for PC that operated without an internet connection. This educational tool served as a popular alternative to Wikipedia, offering rich content with high-quality multimedia resources, although with fewer articles and no constant updates.
Índice
- Ideal for Students with Limited Internet Access
- A Comprehensive Digital Library
- Additional Applications
- Mission
- Vision
- Core Values
- Brief History of Microsoft Encarta
- Versions of Microsoft Encarta
- Download Microsoft Encarta 2009 for Free (Full Version)
- How to Install Microsoft Encarta 2009
- Solution for Adobe Flash Player Issues in Encarta 2009
- Program Details
- Pros
- Cons
- Installation Issues
- My First Encarta Online
- Download Microsoft Encarta for Mobile
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Ideal for Students with Limited Internet Access
Thanks to its offline functionality, Microsoft Encarta allowed students in remote areas or with limited internet access to complete school assignments and acquire knowledge directly from their computer. This feature made it a highly accessible and comprehensive educational library.
A Comprehensive Digital Library
Developed by Microsoft from 1993 to 2009 for the Windows operating system, the full English version, Encarta Premium, contained around 62,000 articles, while the Spanish edition had over 43,000. Encarta also featured a vast collection of photos, illustrations, audio and video clips, interactive elements, timelines, maps, geographic atlases, student work tools, and templates compatible with Microsoft Office.
Additional Applications
The Encarta package included three additional applications: the Encarta Dictionary, Microsoft Mathematics, and Encarta Kids, providing extra educational value.
Mission
Microsoft Encarta aimed to provide an accessible and understandable digital encyclopedia that combined educational information with interactive multimedia elements to facilitate learning and knowledge acquisition.
Vision
Encarta’s vision was to become an essential tool for education and self-learning, allowing users to explore and discover information more effectively than traditional paper encyclopedias.
Core Values
Microsoft Encarta had several notable values that contributed to its mission and vision:
| Accessibility: | Making knowledge available to everyone, regardless of location. |
| Interactivity: | Using multimedia such as videos, images, and interactive elements to enhance learning. |
| Education: | Providing a complete and updated educational tool for students, teachers, and self-learners. |
| Innovation: | Incorporating advanced technology to improve user experience and information access. |
| Quality: | Maintaining high standards of accuracy and thoroughness in articles and educational materials. |
Brief History of Microsoft Encarta
Microsoft Launches the First Version of Encarta
Microsoft introduces the first version of Encarta. This multimedia digital encyclopedia was available on CD-ROM and featured a wide range of articles, images, videos, and other interactive content.
Microsoft introduces Encarta Online
Allowing users to access the encyclopedia’s content via the internet through a subscription service.
Encarta Expands Significantly
With over 42,000 articles in its full version, it remains a widely used and valuable educational tool.
Encarta African Edition is Released
Encarta Africana is launched, incorporating rich documentation on the history and culture of the African continent.
Microsoft Offers Encarta Premium
This version includes over 62,000 articles, alongside an extensive collection of photos, illustrations, audio and video clips, maps, and interactive tools.
Encarta Keeps Updating
Adapting to new technologies and educational demands, featuring more interactive content and support tools for students.
Microsoft Announces the Discontinuation of Encarta
The decision is made in response to the increasing popularity of Wikipedia and other free online sources.
The Encarta Website Shuts Down Permanently
Marking the end of an era where it served as a key digital information hub for students and users worldwide.
Versions of Microsoft Encarta
Here are the different versions of Microsoft Encarta and their key features:
| Version | Release Year | Key Features |
| Encarta Standard | 1993 | First version with articles, images, videos, and interactive resources. |
| Encarta Deluxe | 1996 | Expanded version with more content and multimedia. |
| Encarta Online | 1997 | Access to content via the internet through a subscription, complementing the CD-ROM version. |
| Encarta African | 2001 | Collaboration with Harvard University, focusing on African history and culture. |
| Encarta Premium | 2006 | Over 62,000 articles, photos, illustrations, audio and video clips, maps, and interactive tools. |
| Encarta Student | 2007 | Student-specific support tools, interactive content, and Office-compatible templates. |
Download Microsoft Encarta 2009 for Free (Full Version)
If you’re looking for the most complete version of Microsoft Encarta, you can download the full version of Encarta 2009 and enjoy all its educational benefits.
Other available languages
Did you know that Microsoft Encarta 2009 was available in several official languages? If you are looking for specific information in another language, you can check out our adapted versions. Explore the encyclopedia in:
Microsoft Encarta Download Blogs in Other Languages
To make it easier to download Microsoft Encarta in various languages, here is a list of blogs in different languages where you will also find instructions on how to download the encyclopedia for free. These blogs are dedicated to providing valuable and accessible information on how to obtain Encarta, each tailored to its respective language. If you’re looking for instructions in a specific language, here are some great options:
| Idioma | Original language | Blog URL |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Español | descargarmiprimeraencarta.blogspot.com |
| Portuguese (Brazil) | Português (Brasil) | baixarencarta.blogspot.com |
| Japanese | 日本語 (にほんご, Nihongo) | enkatahyakkajiten.blogspot.com |
| Italian | Italiano | enciclopediaencartapc.blogspot.com |
| English | English | downloadencarta.blogspot.com |
| German | Deutsch | encartaherunterladen.blogspot.com |
| French | Français | encyclopedieencartagratuit.blogspot.com |
| Dutch | Nederlands (Dutch) | gratisencartaencyclopedie.blogspot.com |
Each of these blogs has a unique approach, tailored to its audience, and will guide you step by step through the download process. No matter which language you prefer to receive instructions in, these resources will be extremely helpful.
How to Install Microsoft Encarta 2009
For the initial installation of Microsoft Encarta 2009, you will likely need internet access. Once installed, the encyclopedia will work offline.
Additional Requirements
During the installation, you may be prompted to install .NET Framework 3.5, which includes .NET 2.0 and 3.0. If you see this prompt, click on «Download and install this feature».
Availability of .NET Framework
The .NET Framework 3.5 installer may be included in the Encarta download folder, but you can also obtain the latest version online.
Installation Steps
Once you’ve downloaded Microsoft Encarta for PC for free from your preferred link, follow these steps to install it:
- Unzip the downloaded file.
- Locate the AUTORUN.EXE file.
- Right-click on the file and select «Run as administrator».
- Follow the on-screen instructions, ensuring that you install .NET Framework 3.5 if prompted, to complete the installation process of Microsoft Encarta.
These steps will help you install Microsoft Encarta 2009 for free on your computer and ensure it functions correctly without internet access.
Solution for Adobe Flash Player Issues in Encarta 2009
If you encounter problems with Adobe Flash Player in My First Encarta 2009, follow these steps to resolve the issue. This guide explains how to install a functional version of Adobe Flash Player, which is necessary for Microsoft Encarta Kids to work properly. Keep in mind that this solution may not work on Windows 11 due to the discontinuation of Internet Explorer.
- Download the ZIP File: Go to the provided link and download the ZIP file containing Adobe Flash Player and other required files.
- Unzip the File: Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a folder on your computer.
- Install Adobe Flash Player: Open the unzipped folder and run the two Adobe Flash Player installers. Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup.
- Configure Internet Explorer: Open Internet Explorer and go to settings. Make sure Adobe Flash Player is enabled.
- Compatibility Mode: If you’re using Windows 10, right-click the Encarta icon and select «Properties.» In the «Compatibility» tab, check «Run this program in compatibility mode for» and select Windows XP or Windows 7.
- Verify the Installation: Open Microsoft Encarta to make sure Adobe Flash Player is working correctly.
For a more visual guide, we recommend watching this video, which explains the process in detail.
Adobe Flash Player is essential for Microsoft Encarta Kids to load its add-ons, such as animations, videos, interactive games, puzzles, audio, and more. If this program is missing, you’ll see an exclamation mark next to an «f,» and the add-ons mentioned won’t load.
Minimum Requirements to Install Encarta
- Operating System: Windows installed on the computer.
- RAM: 256 MB or more.
- Hard Drive Space: 3 GB or more (1.6 GB for installation + 1.8 GB if you want to copy it to the hard drive + 430 MB if you want to install Encarta KIDS).
- Processor (CPU): 600-700 MHz (Recommended: 1 GHz or higher).
Program Details
| License: | Free |
| Size: | 1.89 GB (189,000 MB) |
| Compatible Operating Systems: | Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, and Windows 11 (with compatibility mode). |
| Non-Compatible Operating Systems: | Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac OS, or other operating systems. |
| Languages: | Spanish, English (US and UK), German, Italian, French, Japanese, Dutch, and Brazilian Portuguese. |
| Developer: | Microsoft |
| Category: | Encyclopedia |
| Areas of Study: | Art and Music, History, Language and Literature, Social Sciences, Philosophy and Religion, Geography, Living Beings, Science and Technology, and Sports and Leisure. |
| Areas of Microsoft Encarta Kids: | Landscapes and Regions, Living Beings, Science and Technology, Mathematics, Sports, History, Our Society, Language and Literature, The Arts, and Play and Learn. |
| Version: | 2009 |
| Includes: | Microsoft Encarta Premium Library, Editable Templates, My First Encarta (Microsoft Encarta Kids), Encarta Dictionary (DRAE-Spanish and English), and Microsoft Mathematics. |
| Publication Year: | 2008 |
Pros
Here are the benefits of Microsoft Encarta:
- Offline Accessibility: Works without an internet connection, allowing access to information anytime and anywhere.
- Child-Friendly Content: Specifically designed for a younger audience, with age-appropriate articles and activities tailored to their comprehension level.
- Interactivity: Includes educational games, interactive activities, and exercises that make learning more fun and effective.
- Wide Range of Topics: Offers information on a broad spectrum of subjects, from science and math to history and geography.
- Multimedia Resources: Contains photographs, illustrations, audio and video clips that enhance visual and auditory learning.
- Educational Tools: Includes tools for students, such as Microsoft Office-compatible templates, making it easier to complete school tasks and projects.
- Windows Compatibility: Developed for the Windows operating system, ensuring easy installation and use on most computers.
- Support for Education in Remote Areas: Ideal for students in rural areas or with limited internet access, providing a complete educational library without the need for a connection.
- Additional Applications: Includes the Encarta Dictionary and Microsoft Mathematics, adding educational value and extra learning tools.
- Alternative to Wikipedia: Offers a reliable and verified option with curated, high-quality content.
Cons
Here are the drawbacks of Microsoft Encarta:
- Limited Updates: It was last updated in 2009, so its content is outdated.
- No Internet Access: Cannot connect to the internet for updated information.
- Incompatibility with Modern Operating Systems: Not compatible with Android, iPhone, Linux, Mac OS, or other operating systems.
- Initial Installation: You may need internet access for the initial installation; after that, it works offline.
- Compatibility with Windows Versions: On newer versions of Windows, you may need to install .NET Framework 3.5.
- Fixed Database: Cannot be expanded or updated with new content.
- Dependence on Physical Media: Originally available only on CD-ROM or DVD.
- Storage Space: Takes up significant space on your hard drive.
- Outdated Interface: The user interface may appear old-fashioned compared to modern tools.
- Limited Availability: No longer sold or supported by Microsoft.
Installation Issues
- Updates: It is recommended to keep your system updated with the latest Microsoft updates.
- Network Installation: This program can be installed on multiple computers within a network. While Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia and Microsoft Encarta Library did not offer network installation, Microsoft Encarta Library Premium did include this feature.
Learning Essentials
- Languages: Learning Essentials can only be installed in one language per computer. If Microsoft Student is installed in more than one language, Learning Essentials will only be available in the first installed language.
- Unavailable Content: Some Learning Essentials content may not be available. If you use the installation assistant for administrators, you can save the content files to a local location or a server. If you choose the server, complete two additional steps to verify the content location.
- Installing Microsoft Student: To install Microsoft Student, copy the content into the shared folder for Learning Essentials. The default location is: C:\Program Files\Learning Essentials\1.0\es\Student.
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Uninstallation and Configuration: Uninstalling or modifying the configuration of .NET Framework 2.0 may cause errors. If this happens, uninstall and reinstall the program. Ensure that the permission set is set to FullTrust in the All_Code properties dialog box.
Antivirus or Antispyware
Installation Interference: Antivirus or antispyware software may interfere with the installation process. Accept or confirm the installation if prompted by the antivirus.
General Issues
- Extended Character Errors: Avoid using folder names with extended characters during installation, as this may cause errors. For more information, consult Windows Help.
- Navigation Errors: Errors such as «Page not found» may be caused by issues with Microsoft XML Core Services (MSXML) 6.0. Download the updated version of MSXML 6.0 from here.
- Slow Program Launch: The program may open slowly if the antivirus is enabled. Add file extensions like EIT, ECT, and EFG to the antivirus’s safe files list to improve speed.
- Compatibility: This program is not compatible with pre-release or beta software versions. It is only compatible with commercially released software versions, such as Windows Media Player, Internet Explorer, and the Windows operating system.
My First Encarta Online
Currently, it is not possible to use Microsoft Encarta Kids online in your PC browser, as Encarta was discontinued in 2009. Microsoft Encarta Kids 2009 offered a free online version with limited content and full access through a monthly subscription, but the service was shut down with the discontinuation of the program.
| Network Installation: | Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia and Microsoft Encarta Library did not have network installation capabilities. However, Microsoft Encarta Library Premium did offer this option. |
| Acquiring Microsoft Encarta Online: | The full edition of Microsoft Encarta could be acquired on CD-ROM and DVD-ROM, with additional services such as online English courses and the Encarta Club, which allowed access to online content for a year and the ability to suggest and edit articles. |
| Article Updates: | Encarta articles could be easily updated through an internet connection for one year; after that, users had to pay for the next version. |
| Encarta Online vs. Wikipedia: | The online version of Encarta in English allowed article editing similar to Wikipedia, but with more editorial supervision. This drew criticism as Microsoft profited without compensating the editors. Articles were not updated immediately but were reviewed and corrected by Encarta editors after receiving feedback. |
Download Microsoft Encarta for Mobile
It is not possible to download Microsoft Encarta for mobile devices. This digital encyclopedia was specifically developed for computers with Windows operating systems and does not have compatible versions for mobile devices such as Android, iPhone, Linux, or Mac OS. The technical features and infrastructure of the software are designed to work in PC environments, and Microsoft never developed or released a mobile version of Microsoft Encarta Kids. Therefore, it cannot be installed or run on smartphones or tablets.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Images: Screenshots of Microsoft Encarta 2009
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