Comments for What's the difference between MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, and Windows Messenger?

Comment from Leo A. Notenboom on 2006-06-20

2006-06-20T18:11:24Z

Closing comments on this article. It's been replaced with: "What's the difference between Windows Live Messenger, Windows Messenger, MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger Service?" http://ask-leo.com/10432

Comment from Robert Gagnon on 2006-06-07

2006-06-07T18:55:47Z

What is the difference between MSN Messenger and an Instant message?
Thanks

Comment from Lisa on 2006-06-04

2006-06-05T07:14:29Z

Hey do u know why my msn emotions pics keep deleting? its so annoying..

Comment from kimmy on 2006-03-22

2006-03-22T17:51:15Z

hiya do u no how 2 fix msn

Comment from Troy on 2006-03-17

2006-03-17T21:39:19Z

Good afternoon,

My question is about uninstalling MSN messenger. My friend has both 7.0 and 7.5 installed. When I try to uninstal 7.0 the computer will not let me. When I try to uninstall 7.5 it causes some important files (shared with 7.0) to be deleted, thus 7.0 does not work and it still can not be uninstalled. I don't know why both could have been installed in the first place.

Her computer is XP in Spanish. She also has the latest version of McAfee antivirus installed which I thought might be part of the problem...

If you know a solution that would be great,

Thanks,

Troy in Spain

Comment from willie.glass on 2006-03-11

2006-03-11T12:57:14Z

keep gettint erroe message "the selected port, com 1 is not available at this time

Comment from Leon on 2006-02-24

2006-02-24T22:56:59Z

Is there any guide or tutorial that explains how to use the Windows Messenger Service??

.....and for the people having troubles disabling the Messenger Service: Hold the Windows key and press "R", the 'Run' window will show, then type "services.msc" and the Windows Services Window should appear.......

Comment from Leo on 2006-02-24

2006-02-24T16:55:46Z

You need to be logged in with adminstrative privileges in order to shut down the Messenger service. You didn't indicate where, long that path of steps, you can't get past.

Comment from Lady Raven on 2006-02-24

2006-02-24T16:05:02Z

I cant get to
Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Administrative Tools -> Computer Management -> Services & Applications -> Services
so i cant disable messenger, and these popups will go on on driving me mad

I am having the same problem, I even tried doing a search for this messenger and got nothing. The pop ups are unreal. I have the google tool bar, and even that doesnt help. I have cable internet which does not help matters any.

Any advice before I take this Vaio and chuck it out the window?

Thanks
Lady Raven

Comment from Leo on 2006-02-18

2006-02-19T04:03:41Z

What happens when you try?

You probably need to logged in as administrator.

Comment from Leandro on 2006-02-16

2006-02-16T22:09:23Z

Comment from Leo on 2006-02-07

2006-02-07T18:40:44Z

This article should help: http://ask-leo.com/how_do_i_stop_msn_messenger_from_starting_automatically_and_logging_me_in.html

Comment from Marcelina on 2006-02-07

2006-02-07T12:33:11Z

I used Windows messenger on a public computer and now I can't remove my user's account from there. How can I do it?
Thank you very much in advance for your answer.

Comment from juan on 2006-01-08

2006-01-08T19:19:07Z

I did what u said to disabled windows messenger but the the feature still in my start, all programs, windows messenger.
i have a share computer and anyone can access to my account. I would like to delete my account from tha windows messenger at least but i can not do so. please any advice?

Comment from maricruz guadalupe on 2005-12-11

2005-12-12T06:06:16Z

quiero decirles que su pinchi messenger

Comment from Jess on 2005-11-25

2005-11-25T11:21:59Z

Windows Messenger 5.1 runs on XP/2000 and Windows Messenger 4.7 runs on 98/ME/NT. How come oh so smart Leo didn't mention that?

Comment from Richard N Manion on 2005-11-04

2005-11-05T01:03:04Z

Have MSMSGS running. If I disable the computer gets molasses slow; pages open exytremely slow, Internet connection becomes erratic Re-enable MSMSGS and all corrects. Everything works fast and normal. What gives?

Comment from Pepe on 2005-08-29

2005-08-30T01:05:54Z

Actually, It's not true that Microsoft Messenger runs only on Windows Xp and 2000. It runs on my Mac too. Click here to download it. And by the way, CONVERT TO MAC HEATHENS!! You won't regret it. Now, with the Mac mini, most PC users can afford to switch. You have no excuses!

I hope the HTML above worked!!

Comment from Berti Joel on 2005-04-28

2005-04-28T08:36:17Z

Great site, well done. I enjoy beeing here and i´ll come back soon. You do a great job. Many greetings.

Comment from Nick on 2005-04-20

2005-04-21T07:44:59Z

very nice pages

Comment from Tony R on 2005-04-07

2005-04-07T10:34:34Z

I used Windows messenger on a friend's laptop to chat and now I can't remove my details from his machine. How do I?

Comment from GEORGE F on 2005-04-02

2005-04-02T23:55:51Z

When I click on the Windows Messenger Icon in the task bar and then click My E-mail Inbox, it goes to Outlook Express. How do I change it so it goes directly to my E-mail account which is Hotmail.

Comment from V on 2005-03-19

2005-03-19T23:35:06Z

Can you message archive on Windows messenger? I know you can on msn but not sure about windows.

Comment from Artemis on 2005-02-26

2005-02-27T04:50:45Z

Hey, okay so one day i accidentally deleted my 7.0 on my computer, but since then (its been about a week and a half)ive been trying to download it again and it HASNT BEEN WORKING!! ive been going crazy!! it keeps saying "en error occured error code 1603" or something.. what do i do!?! can ANYONE help me?

Comment from Bert on 2005-02-24

2005-02-25T07:13:33Z

A friend of mine told me about this place. I love it. I will recommend you to all my friends.
See you again next time I surf around.

Comment from zameer on 2005-02-12

2005-02-12T14:29:12Z

I thought Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger were the same thing and that MSN Messenger was a later version.

Well after reading your comments I guess i'm wrong.

However, I now have 2 applications on my PC Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger and i am operating on Windows XP my question to u people is that which one should i delete and how can i delete it.

Any help will be appreciated thank you

Comment from balakumar on 2005-02-08

2005-02-09T06:30:33Z

i have been using msn messengger 6.2 in one of my systems where in windows xp is the os.

sign out is not responding in the messenger particularly for one of my client's id.

even without typing the pass word, the messenger gets open.

the email id name is visible in the home page window of messenger even before sign in.

1) how to delete the name in the home page?
2) how to sign out?

pl help

Comment from Leo on 2005-02-03

2005-02-04T02:12:58Z

Sure.

Memory *is* RAM. And both Windows and MSN Messenger should work fine with whatever the minimum requirements for Windows are. In otherwords, if Windows is running, you have enough RAM.

Comment from warren on 2005-02-03

2005-02-03T19:25:31Z

Can i communicate with windows messenger for XP with someone who has MSN messenger and is using a windows 98 machine? How much memory and RAM does the windows 98 machine require? Thanks.

Comment from Andy W. on 2004-12-28

2004-12-28T12:44:45Z

Does anybody know why? I can't believe that this is really true! But often the things are not as they seem to be in
this coloured world…

Comment from Mandy on 2004-12-01

2004-12-02T00:37:49Z

hello...my question or comment does not relate to 'What's the difference...'.I have 2 e-mail acounts,and i want to run both at the sametime.I already tried downloading another msn messenger like messenger 0.1...but it did not work...please help me...respond soon!
thank-you

Comment from Jeremy on 2004-11-29

2004-11-29T21:34:51Z

I need help.My msn is frozen but it shows me as offline, I can't left or right click it and when I try to log in it just freezes. Can you help me get it unfrozen so I can get back on?

Comment from Jeremy on 2004-11-29

2004-11-29T21:34:21Z

I need help.My msn is frozen but it shows me as offline, I can't left or right click it and when I try to log in it just freezes. Can you help me get it unfrozen so I can get back on?

Comment from Jean on 2004-11-20

2004-11-21T01:04:05Z

this question relates to windows and msn messenger and hotmail email connected to both- I am having trouble with email since both messengers attached themselves to the computer.
I can no longer delete spam mail- a notice pops up to report spam mail and delete, but no matter whether I tick the box to report as junk, nor tick ok- I cannot delete the messages in msn hotmail- they remain presumably until five days is done- ?? I do not need two messengers- but I do need room in my hotmail inbox (still 2mbs) for new emails. This double msg problem only occurred after XP SP2 was installed. I would get rid of one msg program if only I knew how to sort out email

Comment from Leo on 2004-11-07

2004-11-07T18:41:22Z

Sure.

Comment from Monaro on 2004-11-07

2004-11-07T09:57:37Z

Can u talk from mac messenger 2 windows messenger

Comment from dsfgbr on 2004-11-02

2004-11-03T01:40:23Z

this sucks ass

Comment from Gareth on 2004-11-01

2004-11-01T19:50:27Z

How can I prevent msmsgs running in the background at start-up. It's making me appear online when I don't want to be.

Comment from cara on 2004-10-30

2004-10-30T10:12:30Z

hi...b4 i could open 2 msn messengers on 6.2...and i recently downloaded msn 7.0..and u cant open 2 of it..=(....pwies help..
babai
cara

Comment from Michelle on 2004-10-19

2004-10-20T06:53:55Z

I have windows me, have downloaded msn 6 and am having nothing but problems with my computer since it freezes and can no longer use my web cam, and has slowed my computer considerably have uninstalled it and tried a older version but then it won't let me sign in? I would be thankfull for any help you can give.
Michelle

Comment from Chris on 2004-10-17

2004-10-17T08:23:53Z

Actually, my question does not relate to a problem with either implementation of microsoft's instant messaging, but rather the title of this article. You point out that "They have slightly different feature sets..." yet you do not mention what these feature sets are. I have glimpsed some of the general differences, and the individual sites for each make comparisons in simple paragraph format.

But what I am looking for is a chart, table, or something similar that lists specifically what features are available with which messenger. If anyone knows where to find such a chart/table/whatever, please e-mail me.

Comment from Sofie on 2004-10-10

2004-10-10T19:30:29Z

I have been using Msn Messenger 6.2 for a while now but today I tried to install Windows Messenger so that i could go on both my accounts at once. It installed perfectly except for one little problem: if i install Msn Messenger, Windows Messenger won't work. If i install Windows Messenger, Msn Messenger won't work!
PLEASE HELP!!!

Comment from Alex on 2004-10-04

2004-10-04T21:39:16Z

Hi,
I am currently using windows messenger 5.2 in office. I use the messenger for exchange server. My question is : Is there a higher version of messenger which supports Exchange server messaging, as .NET messaging is blocked in our office.

Comment from lila-anna on 2004-10-01

2004-10-01T21:32:51Z

Hi.I moved to japan when i was 5, ilived in japan for 7 years and now I live in england again. I have windows 98 and I want to talk to my english friends and japanse firends at the same time, the only way i cna do that is with windows messanger and msn messanger because i tried it at my friends house (who has windows 98 with windows messanger:P)please let me download it all it does is take you to sp2 or something pakage?????? what??? please help I really need it it's destoring my life love lila-anna

Comment from Leo on 2004-09-27

2004-09-28T02:05:59Z

Nope. You can disable it, and it will prevent messenger from running at startup.

Comment from Sean on 2004-09-26

2004-09-26T14:14:02Z

Does "msmsgs" need to be enabled in the startup menu in my System configuration utility?

Comment from Don on 2004-09-21

2004-09-22T05:44:32Z

How can I keep MSN Messenger from starting on bootup OR when I open an IE or MSN window. I've tried clearing both the boxes that are under the options tab... No good... I've tried clearing the registry for the password... No good... I've even tried to upgrade from 4.7 to 6.2 and nothing happend. It even still shows v4.7 when I open the "About" tab. I just don't want people on my list to know each and every time on on the net.

Please HELP! I've googled this to death!

(Oh... I'm using XP Home on a 2.4 Athlon)

Comment from Leo on 2004-08-28

2004-08-28T17:31:54Z

The most common cause for this is a flakey internet or network connection ... in particular wireless. Essentially you're dropped from the network, and then immediately reconnected. Applications like Messenger notice this and reconnect.

Comment from Nora on 2004-08-27

2004-08-27T23:51:26Z

Windows Messenger came with my computer when I purchased it, but I seem to sign off automatically when I am on chat and go straight back to signing in, is there any way I can fix this problem is very annoying, as I miss have of the chat. Any help will be appreciated! Thank you.

Comment from Leo on 2004-08-27

2004-08-27T19:23:43Z

You can uninstall Windows Messenger in Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components

Comment from blewis4626 on 2004-08-26

2004-08-27T02:26:50Z

When starting aol windows messenger automaticly logs in, how do I stop this and why would it start with AOL. Also how do I get rid of Windows Messenger, I do use MSN Messenger and it is much more versitile

Comment from Paul on 2004-08-09

2004-08-09T19:56:19Z

Hey, I use MSN Messanger 6.2 and am getting the error code '1603', I've tried things from other places and none of it gets it to work. I've uninstalled and reinstalled... but still nothing...
Anything would be nice.

Thanx,

- PauL -

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-28

2004-07-29T03:37:29Z

Locate your hosts file (normally in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\DRIVERS\ETC), and place the following entry in it:

127.0.0.1 passport.com

There may be other hosts involved, but I beleive that's the one that counts.

That will disable the passport service that is used to authenticate MSN users. It'll appear that that web site is down.

Comment from Ken on 2004-07-28

2004-07-28T20:32:51Z

Yes Leo...Prevent It Somehow that doesnt make it obvious for the person to notice.... it gives them the error that the internet connectiong has problem or something...

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-26

2004-07-26T19:05:03Z

The question is difficult to understand. You want to prevent people from logging in to MSN completely? So that NO ONE can login from that machine?

Comment from Ken on 2004-07-26

2004-07-26T18:57:58Z

Leo.? do you htnk you can help with my question above....? i would realy like to know how taht works

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-24

2004-07-24T17:46:38Z

That depends entirely on where the new acocunt is, what ISP or service provide you have on both sides, and what email program or programs you're using.

Comment from James on 2004-07-24

2004-07-24T16:24:51Z

i have like 100 contacts and i got a new email and i need to no how to move them all to my new email from my old do you no how, Leo?

Comment from Ken on 2004-07-22

2004-07-22T15:29:35Z

Is there any way to block msn. like able for the user to open msn.. but unable it to log on into any accounts. ive seen someone do it. and i would ike to learn myself... can ne one teach me how. does it have anything to do with the ports thing? firewall? :s....the person i saw doing it .. controled it... he somehow did it for people to unable to log on.

Comment from Ken on 2004-07-22

2004-07-22T15:29:17Z

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-11

2004-07-12T05:19:02Z

Hard to say without the specific error message. You might also try this article: http://ask-leo.com/archives/000270.html

Comment from Ken on 2004-07-11

2004-07-12T04:28:04Z

i would want to ask why i can't log onto msn messenger. it has this error that may have to do with my firewall created by my router or somesort.... maybe its port change or something taht blocked it.. i have a person here that doesnt want me to use msn messenger and blocked it somehow.. i kept uninstalling it.. but still doesnt work.. can you plz teach me how to solve this?

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-06

2004-07-06T22:07:39Z

If by .NET Messenger you mean *Windows* messenger: go to control panel, add/remove programs, add/remove windows components and uncheck it. If by .NET Messegner you mean *MSN* messenger: control panel, add/remove programs, and it should be listed there.

Comment from sri on 2004-07-06

2004-07-06T19:30:57Z

How do I uninstall .NET Messenger from my PC? The horrible thing about it is that it sings me in automatically whenever i boot my PC and that too without my knowledge. There has got to be a way to alter the settings of this service. As to the auto sign-in I think it's 'cos I setup MSN Messenger to remember my password but never gave the option to auto sign-up at start of the computer. I'd greatly appreciate any help in this regard.

Comment from Vaclav Pinkava on 2004-07-05

2004-07-05T21:25:02Z

To get Messsnger voice communication to work from behind a NAT address you can try ENAT or ENAT Voice from JDSOFT. It worked for me.

http://www.easyfp.com/msn-messenger-directtalk/

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-02

2004-07-03T03:28:39Z

mim? Not sure what that is.

Comment from eddie green on 2004-07-02

2004-07-03T03:20:33Z

how do I download windows messenger on mim?

Comment from Leo on 2004-07-01

2004-07-01T22:41:53Z

Well, apparently the ability to have them side by side is a Windows XP only thing, according to this (older) Knowledgebase article: http://ask-leo.com/d-40701c . However Windows Messenger 5 supposedly will let you communicate with both exchange users and MSN Messenger users, and supports Windows 2000. It's here: http://ask-leo.com/d-40701b . Perhaps that's a solution?

Comment from JW on 2004-07-01

2004-07-01T22:27:40Z

And then after I click 'ok' I get the error message -
"MSN Messenger setup has failed with error code: '1603'."

Comment from JW on 2004-07-01

2004-07-01T22:25:05Z

I get an installer information box and it says -

'We have detected Windows Messenger on your computer. To install MSN Messenger, you must first remove Windows Messenger and then run this set up again. To remove Windows Messenger, click the Add/Remove Programs icon in your Windows Control Panel.'

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-30

2004-07-01T05:55:00Z

That's wierd. What's the error message you get when you try to install on Win2k? I would expect it to work.

Comment from JW on 2004-06-30

2004-07-01T05:48:52Z

I have Windows 2000 professional at work and must use Windows messenger for work's internal Microsoft Exchange Instant Messaging use. I tried to download MSN Messenger 6.2 but it would only allow it if I removed Windows messenger. Can you only run both on XP? And if you can run both on 2000 how do i install one without it uninstalling the other one (very frustrating)

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-29

2004-06-30T05:24:05Z

If you go to Control Panel, Add Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows components, you can uninstall windows messenger.

Comment from Jason on 2004-06-29

2004-06-30T03:27:27Z

I really want to only run MSN Messenger, not Windows Messenger. However, sometimes Windows Messenger will automatically start up when, like, I sign in to Hotmail and haven't yet started MSN Messenger. The reason this bothers me is that others can then see me online when I dont want them to. Also, for some reason Windows Messenger doesn't show up in my taskbar (though MSN Messenger does), so I am unaware that I have been signed in by Windows Messenger until someone (using either messenger) IM's me. How can I totally prevent Windows Messenger from ever automatically starting??? I'd like to just remove it, since MSN Messenger seems to have more functionality and I KNOW when I have activated it.

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-29

2004-06-29T21:52:32Z

Sorry Star, but with the volume of questions and comments comming in every day, I can't guarantee a response to absolutely every entry. In your case (the font color question, I assume), I have no answer for you, so anything I would have posted would not have been helpful.

Sorry.

Comment from Star on 2004-06-29

2004-06-29T21:22:22Z

Thanks for completely ignoring my post and answering the ones below it, Leo. Props to you.

Comment from begraa on 2004-06-25

2004-06-26T02:15:41Z

I have installed windows messenger 5, but I can not use .NET Messaging Service, only Exchange Instant Messaging.
How do I tweak registry to use both services?

Comment from John on 2004-06-25

2004-06-25T17:50:17Z

For some reason my msn messenger is not working. I have gone to the website and tried all the suggestions in the "help" section. It used to work fine but when I downloaded 6.2 it started saying "unable to sign in to .NET Messenger Service". At that point I checked the status of the .NET service and it was working fine, and my internet itself was working fine because I was able to sign in to my hotmail accounts with no problems. Please help me out!

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-23

2004-06-23T18:28:29Z

1) no.
2) If the other person has not installed messenger, you can't use messenger to communicate with her. You may be able to add her to yoru contacts *if* she already had a account she had used with messenger and plans to use again.

3) No conflicts.

Comment from wenz on 2004-06-23

2004-06-23T12:32:16Z

Hi Leo! I'm not familiar with MSN Messenger yet. I was hoping that you can help me with this.
1) Is it possible to send an instant message to someone who is off-line? Like in Yahoo messenger? And
2) if the person I'm sending an instant message to, has not installed her Messenger, does this mean I can't communicate with her? But can still add her to my contacts?
3) By the way, Windows Messenger was installed in my XP but I had problems connecting so I downloaded MSN Messenger instead. Will there be any conflict?
Thank you!

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-15

2004-06-15T17:33:25Z

There's a separate Mac version: http://ask-leo.com/d-macmessenger

Comment from Aimee on 2004-06-15

2004-06-15T17:29:10Z

Hi Leo I was wondering can you download msn messenger 6.2 on to a mac

Comment from Leo on 2004-06-09

2004-06-09T17:07:45Z

Open up Messenger, hit Tools, Options, General and DEseelect "automatically run Messenger when Windows Starts up". Hit OK on that, and close Messenger.

Now right click on the messenger icon in the status bar, and select exit. Messenger should no longer run unless you explicitly tell it to.

Comment from jake on 2004-06-09

2004-06-09T14:11:18Z

Hi, how can I stop msn messanger prompting me to upgrade - I don't use it and it comes up a lareg number of times per day.
thanks...

Comment from nick on 2004-06-06

2004-06-07T04:29:44Z

why wont back grownds work hen u type in , how do you get a back grownd for aol insant meseger

Comment from Star on 2004-06-05

2004-06-05T19:12:51Z

Someone pleeeez help me. This is a strange difference I've come across between MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger. Whenever I use MSN Msgr I can never see any font colours except for black (my own or others) even though this option isnt selected. Neither do the backgrounds work - even though its MSN 6.1. However, the colours for the fonts work fine with Windows Messenger. I've tried uninstalling/reinstalling MSN Messenger tons of times and nothing works. Any ideas? ... I have MSN Plus installed, and the same font colour problem happens with Yahoo messenger if thats of any relevance.... I'm close to giving up.

Comment from Leo on 2004-05-23

2004-05-23T22:15:11Z

Offhand I'd say that his system is too underpowered to send video, but I could be wrong. Could be several issues at play, it's hard to say what. I'd probably start by making sure he has the latest drivers for his video card, and that his system is as up to date as possible.

Comment from Matt Williams on 2004-05-23

2004-05-23T21:49:14Z

I have Windows XP and the person I'm trying to video/audio message has 2000ME. The Audio works well, and I can send my video with the audio working. However, when the ME person sends his video, the video "locks up" and eventually, his system "freezes".
We're both using Logitech web-cams and MSN Messanger.
I have Norton Anti-virus as well as Norton's Firewall.

Comment from Leo on 2004-05-21

2004-05-22T04:09:52Z

Uninstall Windows Messenger by using Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components, and deselect Windows Messenger. It may be enough, though, to simply configure it to not start when Windows does. That's in Windows Messager's Options dialog.

Comment from chuong on 2004-05-21

2004-05-22T04:01:00Z

What should I do if I want to use only one of them? How to uninstall Windows Messeger?

Comment from Charmaine on 2004-05-17

2004-05-17T09:49:26Z

Hello....I understand your infomation but I feel that you are a bit too long winded....Sorry but I'm saying a fact....Hope u won't take it to heart...Thanks.....

Take Care......
May God bless you...
Love...
Charmaine

Comment from Leo on 2004-05-13

2004-05-13T17:05:38Z

There's no one answer, Zaphod. You'll have to talk to the IT people maintaining your office firewall to see what they will, and won't allow. "You can't" is, sadly, one of the possible answers.

Good luck.

Comment from Zaphod on 2004-05-13

2004-05-13T12:20:01Z

Hi Leo, you're the best!!! Still unclear about how to work around an office firewall in 6.2

Comment from nicola on 2004-05-11

2004-05-11T12:13:16Z

Here was me thinking ive signed out of MSN messenger but still i was getting PMs because i was also signed into windows messenger!

Ive now sorted the problem and im just running MSN messenger now :)

Thank you very much

Comment from Leo on 2004-05-06

2004-05-06T16:45:11Z

To the best of my knowledge there is no longer an offical API to write your own MSN Messenger client. There are unofficial projects out there that continually try to reverse engineer it, though. Do a google search on "MSN Messenger API" and you run across a few.

Comment from PP on 2004-05-06

2004-05-06T16:10:12Z

Hi im interesting in exposing the interfaces on offer with MSN Messanger using VB application. Basically i wish to handle all that i can do with the MSN Messanger through my application. I dont want MSN Messanger screen on my computer but want to use all its functionality. Kindly help

Comment from Claudine on 2004-05-03

2004-05-03T22:53:48Z

How do I operate MSN Messanger behind a firwall. I would like to use Messanger at work but I am unable to do so, please give me a solution by today to work around this.

Thank you

Claudine

Comment from Leo on 2004-05-01

2004-05-01T16:49:18Z

Yes, as far as 6.x is concerned, if you truly have an old machine that does not have a Pentium processor, you may be out of luck. 6.2 is a required update, for security reasons, and it does require a Pentium.

You *might* try running Messenger *5*. http://ask-leo.com/archives/000106.html - it *might* not force the upgrade, and may not require a Pentium.

But I can't guarantee that will work.

Good luck!

Leo

Comment from Muhaimin on 2004-05-01

2004-05-01T10:50:53Z

Everytime i tried to sign in to msn messenger,a pop-out keeps appearing asking me if i would like to download the new msn messenger version 6.2.I am now using msn messenger version 6.0 by the way.So,when i clicked yes as in to download the new version,it said that i do not have a pentium proccessor in my computer.The next time i signed in,i clicked no and so signed in again but the pop-out just keep appearing.How do i clear it.I do not intent to download the new version.

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-29

2004-04-29T19:58:04Z

Very interesting. From what I can tell it does NOT. Another difference :-).

Thanks,

Leo

Comment from Paul on 2004-04-29

2004-04-29T19:33:54Z

Hi...does Window Messenger 4.7 for XP archive conversations?

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-26

2004-04-27T01:01:20Z

Are you talking about email, or messenger? They're two different things. Clearly you've been able to connect to the internet in order to visit this site. Is MSN you ISP? If the problems you're reporting are with Messenger, does your email work reliably?

I'll also politely suggest you read this article: http://ask-leo.com/archives/000036.html .

Leo

Comment from RAMONA on 2004-04-26

2004-04-26T19:25:02Z

I HAVE HAD MSN EMAIL MESSENGER FOR 3 MONTHS HAVE HAD QUITE ABIT OF PROBLEMS WITH CONNECTING OR LOGGING IN .HAVE THE PASS PORT AND PASS WORD. ON MY TOOL BAR RIGHT SIDE OF MY DESK AT THE BOTTOM THE TWO LITTLE PEOPLE FOR LOGING IN HAVE A RED CIRCLE AROUND THEM AND THERE IS AN X IN THE MIDDLE OF THE CIRCLE. I HAVE GOTTEN MESSAGES THAT I AM HIDING BEHIND A FIRE WALL . SO WHAT DO I DO TO GET IT TO WORK ,THIS IS REALLY DEPRESSING. IS IT THAT ALL PEOPLE HAVE TROUBLE WITH YOUR EMAIL MESSENGER? WITH THIS PROBLEM I CAN NOT EMAIL MY DAUGHTERS IN COLORADO. ANY HELP WOULD BE VERY NICE. PLEASE EMAIL ME AT rhdh20032003@yahoo.com

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-24

2004-04-24T17:16:17Z

herandy: In MSN MEssenger, File menu, Sign Out, followed by File.Sign In where you specify the new user name to log in as. That *should* be completely separate from your dial-up.

Leo

Comment from zadwani on 2004-04-24

2004-04-24T12:30:56Z

Hye there! i have problem logging into windows messenger and MSN messenger at the same time. I am using windows xp Home edition, can anyone tell me how to be able to log in for both msn messenger and windows messenger at the same time. I tried to enable the windows messenger from the add/remove windows commponent, but windows messenger didn't appeart! appreciate it!

Comment from herandy on 2004-04-23

2004-04-24T02:32:02Z

i have msn 9 dial up which comes with msn messenger i wanted to ask how can i sign in using another screnn name or user name

thank you

Comment from george on 2004-04-21

2004-04-21T18:13:01Z

Comment to : UnaX at March 24, 2004 12:05 AM that wrote :
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
This helped me, since I've had problems when I started up my computer. MSN messenger was the only one to show, but i got logged off my account, because Windows Messenger was running in the background. It took me quite a while to find out why it was doing it, but when I finally figured it out, I needed help to remove Windows Messenger. This site helped me and of course the comments did. So if anyone else got the problem with both MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger starting, do as "L I M" wrote and uninstall either MSN Messenger, in the add/remove software application in Control Panel, or Windows Messenger by going to Start --> Run and write the following: RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I must say, I faced the same problem and solved it by doing the following :
1) inside Internet Explorer - tools - windows update
2) go RUN tap gpedit.msc + enter -> open computer configuration -> admin templates -> windows components -> windows messenger -> in the right pane you'll find two settings : 1st one you disable and the 2nd one you enable.
This way I can use Msn Messenger and Windows Messenger next to each other and msn does not sign off because windows messenger played on the background. It's simply a vulnerability in the Win XP that you have to patch. What "L I M" wrote is "overkill", it's not needed.
Greetings from George, Brussels, Belgium

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-19

2004-04-19T16:56:32Z

The font on MSN? Or the font of your messages within MSN Messenger?

Anyway, it sounds like the font DID change ... just not the size of the font?

I don't have a good answer for that, but I may also be missunderstanding what you're experiencing. Perhaps you could clarify?

Thanks,

Leo

Comment from Bruce on 2004-04-18

2004-04-18T11:38:15Z

No matter what I do, THE FONT ON MSN JUST WONT CHANGE! I press personal settings, change font, press the one i wont, then if i go to start a new convo, it's the font i want, but the size hasn't changed.

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-14

2004-04-14T16:26:41Z

6.0 should already be gone, then. 6.1 is an upgrade and should take care of that for you.

Leo

Comment from donna on 2004-04-14

2004-04-14T13:49:18Z

I have just install msn 6.1.do I uninstll msn 6.

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-12

2004-04-13T02:29:30Z

A couple of ways: in Windows Messenger, just turn off the option the "start when windows starts". That won't un-install it, but will keep it out of your way. To actually un-install: Control Panel, Settings, Add/Remove Windows Components, and uncheck Windows Messenger.

Leo

Comment from Bruce on 2004-04-12

2004-04-13T01:38:38Z

I have windows messenger on my computer, but i wont to update to msn 6, but if i do, there will be 2 messenger on my computer, how do i get msn to replace windows. There has been no update window, so i fiqured i should do it myself.

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-10

2004-04-10T18:51:02Z

Re: the security code - I was getting "blog spam" - automated tools were posting links to porn and other sites here in the comments section. I'd manually delete them, but it was apain. I wrote an article on it, which has pointers to where I got the code: http://ask-leo.com/archives/000081.html

Enjoy,

Leo

Comment from James on 2004-04-10

2004-04-10T18:45:30Z

Replying to David Burns comment last October on XP home version. You do not have to switch to classic view in Control Panel to get to administrative tools. It is in the Performance and Maintenance link.
Very useful page, though I had already shut down all netBios traffic through other avenues. I think it was PC MAG security tips.
Please tell me about that little security tag in the form input. I assume it is to screen/filter unwanted mail? Did you write it or is it part of a software package?

Comment from tolum on 2004-04-08

2004-04-08T17:25:56Z

lucid explanation, worth the reading of it AND the responses. now i can go forth - and recommend this article to those i cannot explain it all to. thanks.

Comment from Leo on 2004-04-08

2004-04-08T17:19:17Z

I believe that they do for basic operations. However it's not a simple "use this port" ... some ports vary, and some will change based on your configuration (for example it'll try to use an http connection if it can't connect direct). Best advice right now is to search "network" in Messenger's online help, and then hit the advanced, or "configuring for your LAN" types of topics for the latest info.

Leo

Comment from Wally on 2004-04-08

2004-04-08T14:05:46Z

Leo,

Great article. Thanks a lot. Do both MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger use the same ports? If so, can you tell me what port numbers they use? I'd like to block those ports on my NetScreen.

Thanks,

Wally

Comment from Ken on 2004-03-30

2004-03-30T08:27:02Z

Hi Leo, msn mess v6.1,xp platrform, sound blaster pro card.In thes setting part mic works great but when trying to have conversation volume slide show but no sound from neither party, have reset and hard rebooted but no differance. Any ideas

Thanks

Ken

Comment from UnaX on 2004-03-24

2004-03-24T08:05:12Z

This helped me, since I've had problems when I started up my computer. MSN messenger was the only one to show, but i got logged off my account, because Windows Messenger was running in the background. It took me quite a while to find out why it was doing it, but when I finally figured it out, I needed help to remove Windows Messenger. This site helped me and of course the comments did. So if anyone else got the problem with both MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger starting, do as "L I M" wrote and uninstall either MSN Messenger, in the add/remove software application in Control Panel, or Windows Messenger by going to Start --> Run and write the following:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Comment from AL on 2004-03-19

2004-03-19T21:19:48Z

voice AND video were the problem Leo. Sorry I did not point that out. It's all fine now though as we are both XP and have BOTH 4.7 . I have not loaded on 6.0 as messenger serves me well. We DO find however, that when my friend tries to invited me to audio or video chat from his 6.0 to my 4.7, that it will not accept and the nagscreen says that *I* have to install a messenger platform. Yes, it does not recognize I have 4.7 not only installed, but running. When my friend shut down 6.0 and THEN opened his on board 4.7 we had no problems whatsoever.

Heheh I thought these machines were supposed to make life easier, not confuse the heck out of us!

Comment from Leo on 2004-03-18

2004-03-18T17:25:48Z

You sure that's not backwards? MSN Messenger 6.0 interoperates just fine with other messengers. Windows messenger 4.7 may or may not. Perhaps you were using an advanced feature like voice or video? I could see compatability issues there, but simple chatting should work fine regardless of platform.

Whatever, it sounds like you're working, which is great :-).

Leo

Comment from AL on 2004-03-18

2004-03-18T13:53:53Z

Leo--Thanks so much for this site and clearing up this confusion. This has been bugging me for a while and you cleared up a lot of my questions with Messenger, Messenger and Messenger. I have shut off Messenger Service and only have Windows Messenger 4.7 installed as a default browser.

One item of note, my friend and I always communicated with MSN Messenger 6.0 until I bought a new computer with XP as a platform and THEN we could no longer use MSN Messenger 6.0 as we were advised (popup window) that my friend had to upgrade to XP in order to connect. We shifted to YAHOO for months before he bought a new computer with XP and now we can use MSN with no problems.

Strange that XP and MSN Messenger are not backwards compatible to lesser platforms. Real strange!

Thanks again,
Al in Ottawa Canada

Comment from Leo on 2004-03-17

2004-03-17T17:16:59Z

First, you're quite right. 5.0 will supposedly still work with normal .NET messaging that 4.7 and MSN messenger use, but it's targetted at the exchange server / corporate market.

As if there weren't enough messengers around already.

http://ask-leo.com/d-messenger5 is MS's info page on 5.0.

Unless you have a specific reason, I'd stick with 4.7.

Leo

Comment from Chainsaw on 2004-03-17

2004-03-17T16:54:14Z

Leo, Is Windows Messenger 5.0 just an update to 4.7? My company is completely XP and we use 4.7 on all systems. When you do a Windows Update or go to XP's site to download the latest Messenger, it appears to be 4.7 still. However, there is this 5.0 floating around but I was afraid to try it on systems as I thought it might be the Exchange Server version only. Just want to make sure.

Thanks

Comment from Leo on 2004-03-16

2004-03-17T05:33:06Z

That is supposed to work, yes :-).

Leo

Comment from kody on 2004-03-16

2004-03-17T01:38:10Z

i am useing windows messenger so you are saying that i can receive messages from msn messenger too?

Comment from Mark on 2004-03-14

2004-03-14T14:06:36Z

The latest version of MSN Messenger is so simular to Windows Messeger, but Windows Messenger has a "professional look", so why don't Microsoft just have one messanger program which you can give it skins so you can have the prefessional look or the more comfortable 'home' msn look!

Comment from Leo on 2004-03-12

2004-03-12T15:53:57Z

Not that I am aware of. If the MSN Messenger session is still open - i.e. the application hasn't been closed then it may still be in the window, and one could copy/paste. But if archiving hasn't been turned on then I'm unaware of any way to recover.

Leo

Comment from barry on 2004-03-12

2004-03-12T14:52:03Z

is there any way to recover last session on windows messenger--its not been saved--this is a security issue--i think one of my employees is sending info via messenger

Comment from Lexie on 2004-03-08

2004-03-09T00:49:54Z

I had this very problem, and was going to wait until you got your reply..but I found an answer, and thought I would pass it on to you.

I have zone alarm installed and had to changed my settings to allow MSN 6.1 to run.

You may want to change your firewall settings. It was frustrating, but it works fine now.

Comment from janine on 2004-03-06

2004-03-06T17:14:11Z

i've just downloaded msn messenger, but when ever i try to sign on to it, it says that it won't work because there's a problem with the service or that i'm not connected to the internet. I am connected to the internet and when i looked the service was fine. Why is it doing this? HELP!!

Comment from LeoN on 2004-02-28

2004-02-29T00:13:27Z

If you're ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that you have your username and password correct, and you've already double checked things like the CAPS LOCK key not being on, then a) wait just a while ... MSN messenger does have periods where it's down for servicing, and b) if it persists, either create a new account, or try calling MSN customer support to reset the password on your acocunt (I'm not sure they will, but it's worth a try.)

Good luck!

Leo