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What updates or upgrades do you use for Windows Messenger?
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So you've decided not to uninstall the Windows Messenger client you've got bundled with XP (as explained in the Windows Messenger - Uninstall Windows Messenger page). If you did, make sure you've got all the required patches and updates.
Microsoft now has a couple of Instant Messaging clients, and you should know which one you'd like to use. Make a note that the original Windows Messenger client that came with XP is very outdated, and if you do choose to use it, make sure you at least upgrade it.
Windows Messenger
Use the latest version!
First, make sure you're using the latest version of Windows Messenger. The version that comes with Windows XP is 4.0, but nowadays the current version is labeled Windows Live Messenger. You can download it from here:
Windows Live Messenger for Windows 7; Windows Server 2008; Windows Vista; Windows Vista Service Pack 1;Windows Vista Service Pack 2;Windows XP Service Pack 2;Windows XP Service Pack 3 (1.1mb)
Messenger Plus! Live Add-in
Next, install the Messenger Plus! update. Messenger Plus! is an add-on for MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger. Messenger Plus! adds different features to Messenger to make it more enjoyable for a regular usage.
It seems that the Messenger Plus! program has an embedded "sponsor program" that will wreck havoc inside your computer. Luckily for us (because the tool in itself is very useful) when installing the tool you CAN choose not to install the sponsor program (which is just a fancy name for a Spyware/casino/adult content scam). The Spyware add-on will NOT install itself if you choose not to install the "sponsor program".
WARNING!!!
DO NOT INSTALL MESSENGER PLUS! SPONSORING PROGRAM!!!
ALWAYS CHOOSE TO INSTALL THE PROGRAM MANUALLY, NOT AUTOMATICALLY, AND CLEAR THE SPONSORING CHECK-BOX.
IF YOU DO NOT DO SO, THE SPONSORING PROGRAM, WHICH IN FACT IS THE LOP.COM TROJAN, WILL WRECK YOUR COMPUTER AND FILL IT WITH POP-UPS, PORN LINKS, CASINO SPONSORING BANNERS AND MORE, AND WILL RUIN YOUR INTERNET EXPLORER'S FAVORITES AND HOME SITE.
Their website claims the following:
"Messenger Plus! is a freeware. Freeware is neither Spyware nor shareware but freeware. It's 100% free to use and you can choose whether you want to install the sponsor program that comes with it or not. Don't let rumors get to you, join millions of happy users now!"
And I say no. If you do choose to install their sponsor program you will be very very sad.
Again, the Messenger Plus! program is quite useful and on it's own is quite safe to use. I use it all the time.
Related articles
You might also want to read the following related articles:
- Configure Instant Messaging in Exchange 2000
- Configure Instant Messaging SRV Records
- Disable Windows Messenger in Windows XP
- Download MSN Messenger
- Download NetMeeting for Windows 9X/NT 4.0
- Download Windows Messenger
- Download Windows Live Messenger
- Find your Microsoft Passport Password
- Hide the Windows Messenger Icon in Windows XP
- Replace Windows/MSN Messenger
- Uninstall Windows Messenger in Windows XP
