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What updates or upgrades do you use for Windows Messenger?
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Petri IT Knowledgebase Team
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 Make a note that the original Windows Messenger client that came with XP is very outdated, and if you do choose to use it, make sure you at least upgrade it.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 for Windows XP, W2K and Windows Server 2003. You can download it from here:
Windows Live Messenger for Windows XP/2003 (16.3mb)
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. A list of the main features can be found HERE.
Download Messenger Plus v4.01(4.4mb)
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.
Read more on how to uninstall the LOP.COM Trojan HERE
Again, the Messenger Plus! program is quite useful and on it's own is quite safe to use. I use it all the time.
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