Mandatory update to Windows Live Messenger 2009 explained
on Fri 13 Nov 2009 (20:19 GMT) (9892 views)
Why do I have to update?
Quiet simply, older versions of Windows Live Messenger have several security holes, bugs and compatibility issues. In order to keep the service running smoothly Microsoft aims to keep its users using the latest versions of MSN/ Windows Live Messenger.
Can I still use Windows Live Messenger 8.1 or 8.5?
Officially no. If you attempt to sign in using either version a message will be displayed asking you to update and the sign-in process will be terminated. However, it is still possible to "trick" the servers into thinking you're using a newer version of Messenger. You can read some instructions on how to do that here. This however is highly unrecommended as you are exposing yourself to many security threats as explained by this Micrsoft Security Advisory (973882) article.
What are the problems with using an outdated version?
Messenger expert and enthusiast CookieRevised, who has voiced strong concerns over users attempting to use older and unsupported versions of Windows Live Messenger had this to say:
There is actually no reason why you should not update... except for the looks maybe (but that can be altered with Plus! skinning). Moreover, not updating means that you will be vulnerable to possible bugs, and even worse, security issues.
Common problems and solutions
Many thanks to MeEtc over at the Messenger Plus! Forums for supplying this information.
I get an error saying "Windows Live Communication Platform has encountered an Error" and Messenger will not run.
Windows Live Support has found a fix for this issue and posted it on their blog: http://messenger-support.spaces.live.com/blog/cns...8B853F!15941.entry
I don't like how the new version looks. How can I change it?
There are a few ways that the interface has changed. First is the addition of scenes. When a conversation window is open with a contact, their scene and background colour will automatically be applied. This can be changed by going to Tools > Options and select "Use Default Scene" from any conversation window.
Second, using a Messenger Plus! skin can change the interface completely.
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Hey people!
Some of you like to keep using the good old stuff, and I needed this patch for WLM 8.5 on an older machine. This XP installation was, for some reasons, not able to install the latest WLM 14.X. Normally Windows Live Messenger 8.5 stops working, asking you to upgrade to the latest one. When you click ‘No’, well WLM 8.5 closes itself. Good way from Microsoft to force people to upgrade.
This WLM 8.5 fix will allow you to keep using WLM 8.5 forever without being prompted to upgrade!
How is this possible?
Well in this download there is WLMFIX.exe, which is a WinRAR SFX file. Into that file, there is msnmsg.exe and fix.bat.
fix.bat will simply replace the original msnmsg.exe with the patched one.
Enjoy!!
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/657816/Programs/WLM8.5_fix.exe
This has been a life safer to me I hope you guys enjoy it.
(Pss. I'm not spamming, only sharing the goodies.
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