I have Windows Live Mail v.2009 (Build 14.0.8089.0726) running on Windows 7 (64 bit) and I wish to disable the automatic conversion of certain keystrokes, such as "(a)", "(b)" etc into tiresome emoticons.     

Can this be done without upgrading to a more recent version of Live Mail ?     If not, what is the latest version, and where do I find it, and will I lose my cherished Contacts List, Saved Mail, Sent Items etc ?

tia