MUST I upgrade MSN Messenger to Windows Live Messenger?

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I want to get the latest version of Windows Messenger, because my one is old and bad, but whenever i go onto the update site, it says internet cannot display webpage. Do i have to uninstall my msn to get upgrade, if so how or if i don't then what is the problem?

I already have a windows live messenger account, and when I log in it tells me I HAVE to upgrade...press the button, there's a good girl..so i do and each time I do, firefox pops an error box saying it cannot connect to the URL - it is an invalid address... so now I have LOST my msn altogether, because EVERY time I try to upgrade, I get the error... ho hum, what can I do? I am running Windows Vista XP SP2 with Firefox. i have to say, I had not a single problem with the messenger i already had - and now lost...

could u send me the correct way to invite in spades we try and a message comes up we need to be signed in on windows live messenger we are signed in and it still wont work both computers are xp then some are vista

PTK is right!!!!

Simply "install MSN MEssenger 7.5. After insallation, shut down the program, browse to msnmsgr.exe (usually under C: -> Program Files -> MSN MESSENGER -> msnmsgr.exe) Then right click on the file and chose Properties -> Compatibility -> Chose "Run this program in compatibility mode for" Windows 2000. Then start up msnmsgr.exe again and it will "rebuild" and not ask to download new version again." It WORKS!!!

here is a nice tutorial to use msn without updating, however i agree with the security issues..

http://techtadka.net/tutorials/software-tutorials/178-how-to-use-old-msn-messenger-without-upgrading.html

Thanks PTK. Upgraded my messenger to latest version which is a piece of $#*&. Uninstalled and reinstalled old version but it would always try to force me to upgrade. By using PTK's suggestions I manage to use v8.x now by using it in windows 2000 compatibility mode. Kudos to PTK.

http://patched-up.blogspot.com/2007/10/running-msn-messenger-75.html

This site explains how to make your MSN Messenger 7.5 work without updating...

It is possible, it's just not as "safe" as stated above.

I downloaded and am now, as I am typing, using MSN Messenger 7.5

You can also download other versions of MSN Messenger from this site
http://www.oldapps.com/msn_messenger.php?old_msn=6

iya iam tryn my best 2 upload the lastest msn messanger but it wont let me & i realy want it but am woundering if theres a easy way 2 do it

from Danni

Thanks dude.. ur suggestion worked for me ! now im using msn messenger .. no WLM :)

Cheers !

Leo didn't mention one VERY important thing from the beginning, which could have saved many of us so must frustration early on. For example, "WHAT IF I HAVE WINDOWS XP AND DOWNLOAD THE NEW MSN MESSENGER UPGRADE AND AFTER THAT A MESSAGE POPS UP STATING THAT MY OPERATING SYSTEM DOES NOT SUPPORT THE PROGRAMS INSTALLED" The first thing to do is go directly to the microsoft.com website and in their search box type in 7.0 messenger. Try downloading the 7.0 upgrade. It should work perfectly on most older XP Home Edition models if all else failed. I am surprised Leo wasn't specific about this. Perhaps he just didn't know himself. Of well.

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