XP users forced to use Windows Live Messenger to prevent webcam exploit


Posted by absorbation on Tue 11 Sep 2007 (16:44 GMT) (5614 views)
In an update to the Messenger webcam security flaw, Microsoft have, on 'Patch Tuesday' implemented a security method to protect users from the exploit. Any Windows XP user using a Messenger client of version 8.0 or below will now be forced to update to Windows Live Messenger 8.1.

This still leaves other Windows users at risk, but this is just a temporary solution to the problem (I would hardly call this a huge security flaw anyway, it is hard to get any virus of this nature spreading). If anything I am more concerned about MSN Messenger users not wanting to use Windows Live Messenger as to some they are two different programs and a minority will want to keep using MSN Messenger.

If your wondering why this only applies to Windows XP users, it simply comes down to users of Windows 2000 and below are not compatible with newer versions of Messenger. I think we can expect some form of update for MSN Messenger 7.0 in the near furture.
9 comments54 trackbacks

Tags:   MSN Messenger  Security  XP  Webcam    

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Comment by Mic
Posted on Mon 28 Sep 2009 (17:38 GMT)
I have tried to run it in compatability mode 2000 but my Messenger crashes within ten secs of connecting. It's really annoying...

Got any ideas on how to stop it happening?

I have Live Messenger 8.1 and upgrading just means I have the stupid problem of no contacts appearing on my screen.


Comment by Sabbir
Posted on Wed 19 Sep 2007 (16:28 GMT)
The work around messes things up, everytime you try to send a file it crashes msn, everytime you try to change display pictures, crashes, pretty much crashes every 5 mins...Surely some sort of patch be out there that makes Shitrosoft think that MSN 7.5 IS...WLM ????


Comment by Jack_RL
Posted on Fri 14 Sep 2007 (09:31 GMT)
okay i give the hell up.. thats the last straw. im not touching "MSN Live" with a ten foot long pole.. it eats my ram when im doing stuff.. why does it eat so much ram compared to lesser versions? i mean whats the problem with making it fast and simple? just because the new windows is chunky, doesn't mean they have to drag everyone else down with them O,o
my friends agree, we're not using MSN any more.. they can stuff their program, we're finally replacing it, i still need a program to share drawing thats not OpenCanvas1.1


Comment by Currently_Annoyed
Posted on Fri 14 Sep 2007 (09:12 GMT)
"I think we can expect some form of update for MSN Messenger 7.0 in the near furture."

Does that mean the older versions will work again?


Comment by absorbation
Posted on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (17:35 GMT)
I believe this is going to frustrate many Messenger users as small prompt explains nothing. It is just sloppy programming by Microsoft. There will be a solution to downgrade soon, but only the minority will know about it. I mean this security flaw was not really an issue, if this is what makes Windows more secure then virus protection is the real threat to our computers.


Comment by Cookie God
Posted on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (06:36 GMT)
The problem with that workaround for me is that it causes MSN 7.5 to crash often and become laggy.


Comment by Felipe
Posted on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (02:17 GMT)
THIS IS SO F***** UNFAIR

At this date (9/12/07) I cannot connect on MSN 7.5.
The box displays "New MSN version found. Please install continue"
yes/no

If I "choose" NO, i cannot connect, If I "choose" YES, it downloads windows LIVE messneger.

I JUST HATE WLM!!!! It's unstable, ram eater, has may bugs ++++. etc etc

I CANNOT CHOOSE ANYMORE!!!

I'm hating M$, a little bit more now..





Comment by Ed
Posted on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (02:15 GMT)
Thanks for the tip. it worked for me


Comment by coch
Posted on Thu 13 Sep 2007 (01:30 GMT)
I found a workaround to the forced update. Run the program in Windows 2000 compatibility mode and you will not see the dialog box asking to upgrade and you will be able to get in. I though this only modified a few compatibility parameters but apparently it fools WLM into thinking my WinXP has suddenly become Win2000.
This tip may be useful for those who do not want to upgrade, e.g. for those using WLM Lite (the latest version has issues).

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