We've seen feedback from several people that they would like to stay on a version of MSN Messenger. Given that many of us currently on the Windows Live Messenger team also worked on MSN Messenger for years, we can appreciate the sentiment. Based on this, we have a new option we hope you'll like.
For those of you on XP who are passionate about staying on MSN Messenger, we've now released the new, more secure build of MSN Messenger 7.0 build 0820 for Windows XP, and we recommend you install and use this build (rather than running MSN Messenger 7.5 on XP in Windows 2000 compatibility mode as we realize some of you are doing). If you currently have MSN Messenger 7.5 installed, we recommend you uninstall it via Add/Remove Program
This is great news and it shows that the Messenger team are listening to its users.
Source: MessengerSays blogIn the second phase, we are turning on the Mandatory Security Upgrades for Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME. As noted in the security bulletin, we have built a new version of MSN Messenger 7.0, build number 7.0.0820, that will run on Windows 2000. This version of MSN Messenger has also been tested for Windows 98, Windows 98 SE, and Windows ME. Users should expect these upgrades to start soon.
To recap, the set of Messenger clients that do not have the webcam security vulnerability are:
- Windows Live Messenger 8.1 (for XP and Vista)
- MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 (for Windows 2000 and Windows 98, SE, ME)
- Windows Messenger – all versions (XP only)
- MSN Messenger 5.0 for Windows 95.
- Microsoft Messenger for Macintosh (all versions)
What I find interesting is that Microsoft are still forcing the update despite the high amount of criticising comments left on the MessengerSays blog.
Windows Live Messenger is seen as a resource hogging, new designed, new branded MSN Messenger and people don't seem to like it. Many people stick with MSN Messenger for a variety of reasons as Windows Live Messenger may have compatibly issues or people simply don't like change.
MessengerSays, the official development blog of Windows Live Messenger has posted about the forced update three times now. They are addressing problems and listening to feedback. Nevertheless, there seems no sign that the team will reverse their decision.
The ionic thing about this was Microsoft forced users to update to fix a security hole that wasn't even being exploited. This was to protect user's computers and of course avoid a bad experience using Messenger. However, by doing this they have created more tension between the program and its users on a scale worse than what a virus could do. In my opinion MSN Messenger should still be available to everyone.
Another thing to note is, if you're on Windows XP and using the new MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 build to avoid the update, you will no longer be able to sign in. According to Messenger MVP Sunshine you will be forced to update:
Even tho it says in the system requirements of 7.0.0820 that you can run it on WinXP you are not supposed to do so. WinXP has gotten into the requirements by mistake, this will be fixed. MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 will only run on OS'es pre-Windows XP..all on WinXP and Vista will have to upgrade to Windows Live Messenger.
Basically if you're using Windows XP, MSN Messenger is a thing of the past. Say hello to Windows Live Messenger or find an alterative client. If you have an issue report it to the offical Windows Live Messenger newsgroups.
MessengerSays: Upgrading to Messenger 8.1 MessengerSays: We hear you! MessengerSays: Securing MessengerSince the release there have been numerous requests by XP users who still want to keep MSN Messenger. Some people are very reluctant to use Windows Live Messenger for a variety if reasons. So what can you do to keep using MSN Messenger? Well there is a choice ...
First of all you could trick the Messenger protocol into keep using MSN Messenger, although there are no know tools for this yet you will probably see one crop up soon. The most common fixes are either changing the Messenger build number using resource hacker or selecting the compatibly mode when running the program (see screenshot).
Messenger MVP Sunshine had this to say on the issue:
If you are on WinXP and you don't like Windows Live Messenger you can also get the renewed MSN Messenger 7 version:
MSN Messenger 7.0.0820 for Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium and Windows XP
The workaround posted here will probably stop working soon too, eventually you will not be able to sign in with 7.5 anymore (as long as you are using it you are also putting your comp at risk)! Users on Windows 98, Windows 2000, Windows Millenium will be forced to upgrade to 7.0.0820.
Detailed info: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS07-054, Vulnerability in MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger Could Allow Remote Code Execution (942099)
Users should be promoted of the security update, but forcing users to switch to what seems like a new program is suicide for Messenger. I think things like this is what is putting MSN/ Windows Live Messenger firmly in the past, the market of instant messaging has changed since the glory days of just chatting to friends.
Download MSN Messenger 7.0.0820on Tue 11 Sep 2007 (16:44 GMT) (8980 views)
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.
on Thu 31 Aug 2007 (14:33 GMT) (30484 views)
The problem is caused by a 'buffer overflow' and to be honest it is nothing to worry about if you know the people who you are accepting webcam invitations from. The problem with this situation is a fix is already present for Windows Live Messenger, but MSN Messenger is still open to the security flaw.
So what does this mean for MSN Messenger? Well MSN Messenger is still a popular program, Microsoft still support it and you have to remember Windows Live Messenger is just an updated and re-branded MSN Mesenger. Forcing users to update to Windows Live Messenger would not be a wise move.
Zdnet managed to get a quote from a Microsoft spokesperson on the issue:
Once we're done investigating, we will take appropriate action to help protect customers. This may include providing a security update through the monthly release process, an out-of-cycle update or additional guidance to help customers protect themselves.
This still shows Microsoft are still keen on MSN Messenger users and will support critical updates for the program. I expect a new build for MSN Messenger will be available within the near future.
Ok, ok so it is not everything in the world but it mainly is an office tool so you will not find much like nudges and winks there. Still the design for Mac users is a great bonus.
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