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 blogWindows 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 Messengeron Tue 11 Sep 2007 (16:44 GMT) (8975 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.
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