<p><a href="http://wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/windows-7.jpg"><img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-546" src="http://wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/windows-7.jpg" alt="Windows 7 Box,install,printers,set network location,graphic card memory, aero peek,screensaver,synch" width="720" height="340" /></a></p>
<p>When composing a new mail in Windows Live Mail 2011 (earlier versions may apply too) you have noticed that special keystrokes like :) or ;) are automatically converted to emoticons or smileys as seen in the screenshot below:</p>
<p><img src="http://wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/live_mail_emoticons1.PNG" alt="" /></p>
<p>If you find this feature unnecessary or you don&#8217;t like it here&#8217;s how to turn it off.</p>
<p><!--more--></p>
<p>Open Windows Live Mail 2011 | In the left upper corner click on the &#8216;<span style="color: #003366;"><b>Start</b></span>&#8216; button (blue menu icon)</p>
<p>Click on the &#8216;<span style="color: #003366;">Options</span>&#8216; and then &#8216;<b>Mail</b>&#8216;</p>
<p><img src="http://wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/live_mail_emoticons2.png" alt="" /></p>
<p>Now select the &#8216;<span style="color: #003366;">Compose</span>&#8216; tab</p>
<p>Deselect the &#8216;<span style="color: #003366;">Convert special key strokes to emoticons</span>&#8216; check box.</p>
<p><img src="http://wincert.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/live_mail_emoticons3.PNG" alt="" /></p>
<p>You can also leave this option on and do this manually so when the emoticon appears in the message you can easily convert it using <span style="color: #003366;">CTRL+Z</span> on the keyboard.</p>
<p>Comments are welcome!</p>