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Tech Windows Live Messenger 2011 - downgrading to the old version (2009)

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by milquetoast, Oct 24, 2010.

  1. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    Looking to bypass the mandatory June update? Click here for instructions!

    Proceed below for instructions on how to revert to old versions of messenger:
    -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    If you haven't updated to the new 2011 MSN, don't. It sucks ass and everybody hates it. Also make sure you don't select "Windows Live Essentials 2011" in Windows Update because it includes the "upgraded" Windows Live Messenger.

    Why the new MSN fails:
    • It's ugly
    • Excessive use of ads
    • Can't change display name
    • Can't send messages when you're appearing offline
    • They removed the handwriting function
    • Bloated features that are useless to most of us
    Follow these steps to revert Windows Live to Version 2009 or any other older version:

    To uninstall the new version:
    1. Control Panel
    2. Programs and Features - Uninstall a Program
    3. Uninstall Windows Live Essentials - all of it (messenger, mail, writer, etc)
    Installing an older version of MSN / Windows Live Messenger:

    2. Download Windows Live Messenger 2009 (14.0.8117.0416) or the older MSN versions if you prefer. The download link is easy to miss so use the direct one below if you have trouble.

    Name: Windows Live Messenger 2009 14.0.8117.416 (Offline Installer)
    File Size: 134.85 MB
    Date Released: 13 May, 2010 (5 months ago)
    MD5 Checksum: 4f079107f0d6fa1921f8a2f989864ac4


    3. Try to install the older version. If it works (most cases), proceed to step 4.

    If it spits an error out telling you that you have a newer version, then try downloading and running ZapMessenger before trying to install MSN again.

    4. Download the appropriate version of A-Patch to remove advertisements and add other tweaks: http://apatch.org/downloads.php

    5. Disable the mandatory update pop-up (toast) using these instructions with ResHacker.

    --------------------------------------------------

    FYI - older versions of messenger are also available as portable versions: http://www.ncnblue.com/wlmportable/. These are meant to be placed on a USB key or any other portable storage device for use in places that don't allow you to install software (school, work, public libraries). No administrator privileges required. Application settings and user data such as display pictures and emoticons, are saved in the same location as the single EXE file. Versions are available for MSN Messenger 6.2 (6.2.0208) up until the latest build for Live Messenger 8.5 (8.5.1302.1018) and 2009 (14.0.8117.0416).
     
  2. Shirley Chapman

    Shirley Chapman New Member

    I have Windows Vista on a two year old computer. Windows Explorer 9. I have tried everything you instructed here and I cannot get a MSN Messenger that works the way it used to do. I finally returned to downloading 2011, but I hate it. I used to have winks, nudge and ability to start a video chat with my webcam. I can do none of these any longer. However, my mother has an older computer with Windows XP and Messenger Live 2011 and she is able to still do all three things. Is there any other fixes for this? I really miss being able to use those features.
     
  3. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    There is no Messenger 2011 for Windows XP. Pretty sure they only offer 2009 for XP users, hence the differences in features. Try downloading it off here: http://explore.live.com/windows-live-messenger-xp but the instructions I've posted should work.
     
  4. lea

    lea Guest

    when i try downloading the older version, it tells me that i already have a newer version though i uninstalled it in the earlier steps. I opened up the link in case of error but its a zip file, and when i try running it it opens up in notepad. please help.
     
  5. @lea

    @lea Guest

    get 7zip to open zip folders (just google it, its free-ware)
     
  6. jrysmile

    jrysmile Junior Member

    Worked like a charm! I've been stuck using ebuddy and meebo after I tried downgrading from MSN 2011, got a program error and havent been able to use it since.. thanks cheese!
     
  7. Steph

    Steph Guest

    Thank you so much for helping me get back the old messenger.. it worked instantly, I had a feeling it wouldn't work, but I guess I was wrong. Thank youu!!
     
  8. hippylee

    hippylee Guest

    hi...i looked everywhere to get help with this to no avail until i stumbled upon your post and advice...so thxs heaps. i really appreciate it as you are right in saying the latest version sucks ass. it has worked straightaway with the only issue is that after downloading the older version, i can no longer change the displat picture in IM's without it being published for everyone to see on my profile. Any thoughts??
     
  9. mission

    mission Full Member

    This tip is a gem :)
     
  10. Syed Hassan

    Syed Hassan Guest

    Just uninstall EVERY option that is in the WINDOWS LIVE ESSENTIALS and then try to install msn messenger 8 any builds..

    hope it may help you out ..
     
  11. Frostbyte

    Frostbyte Guest

  12. thijs

    thijs Guest

    Hi,

    This is so annoying always every computer i get some problems with msn things.

    Thanks for helping though :)

    I did all and still doesnt work. I uninstalled all, and reinstalled an older msn. When i try log in it says :
    ' you cannot sign in to MSN messenger because you are using an OLD version of MSN messenger'

    'NOTE to upgrade MSN messenger you need to log in to this ccomputer as a local administrator'

    What to do now? anyone can help? I getting crazy over here lol
     
  13. thijs

    thijs Guest

    My god, now i want reply, and it wont post
     
  14. thijs

    thijs Guest

    ?
     
  15. TGNRogue

    TGNRogue Guest

    I too have managed to install the and older version of MSN Messener on my Vista system, but am also getting the following error when tryign to sign in:

    "You cannot sign in to MSN messenger because you are using an OLD version of MSN messenger"

    Has anybody found a way around this? Or is it no longer possible to revert to using the older (and better) versiosn of MSN Messenger?
     
  16. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    Which version are you trying to install? I'm still using 14.0.8117.416 without any issues. Try installing it on a computer that has never installed the new version of messenger before.
     
  17. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    Looks the fun is over, unless someone can modify the software to bypass the popup. Time to move to Skype.

    Windows Live Messenger
    A newer version has been downloaded and is available. You must install this newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now? NOPE.

    [​IMG]
     
  18. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    SCRATCH THAT. WE'RE BACK IN BUSINESS.

    Here's how to avoid the mandatory Windows Lives Essentials Update:
    1. First, exit Messenger so it is not running.
    2. Download ResHacker.
    3. Right click on ResHacker, click Run as Administrator
    4. Go to File > Open > C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe.
    5. On the left, select the Version Info folder, then 1, then 1033.
    6. In the main panel, scroll down to where it says: VALUE "ProductVersion"
    7. Change the version number to the latest Messenger version which is: 15.4.3555.0308

    The updated line should say:
    Code:
    VALUE "ProductVersion", "15.4.3555.0308"
    8. Click the Compile Script button.
    9. Then go to File > Save.
    10. Close ResHacker. Open Messenger.

    Please note that by using this workaround, you are using a version of Windows Live Messenger that is no longer supported. It may be unstable and full of security holes which could potentially allow hackers to compromise your private information.
     
  19. milquetoast

    milquetoast Senior Member

    Alternatively, here is another tool to remove these forced upgrade notices (called toasts):
    A newer version is available. You must install the newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now?
    A newer version has been downloaded and is available. You must install this newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now?


    It's called Messenger Reviver: http://messenger.jonathankay.com/redir/messengerreviverdl.asp
     
  20. Ellie

    Ellie New Member

    There is a another way to use the old version, but it is in Dutch.
    Download the .pdf file directly from: http://goo.gl/vQoRZ
    (author: http://goo.gl/TSXfS)

    You need the old version and then replace the messenger to the directory.

    Enjoy.
     

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