As you may or may not know Microsoft yesterday started forcing upgrades to Windows Live Messenger (sometimes abbreviated WLM/MSN) 2011 on Windows 7. Unfortunately the 2011 (It’s 2012 where’s version 2012?) version drops several key features, adds several annoying features, and is not that impressive of an upgrade. Certainly many just prefer to use Live Messenger 2009 and now you can!
When you try and sign in to Messenger 2009 you will see one of theses;
“A newer version is available. You must install the newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now?”
or “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?”
Annoying right? Yes I think so we’ve two ways you can bypass this (I personally recommend option two)
Option 1
To bypass the forced upgrade for Windows Live Messenger 2009, you can download My Messenger Reviver utility however this isn’t recommend, unless they somehow patch option two.
Option 2
1 – Right Click on your “Windows Live Messenger” Icon (either from your desktop or start menu)
2 – Click/Select “Properties” you will see many such as tabs, Shortcut, Compatibility, General, Security, Details and Previous Version.
3 – Click on Compatibility Tab in This Tab you will see “Compatibility Mode”
4 – Check in front of Run this Program in compatibility mode for:
If you use Windows XP, Select Windows NT or 2000 (MSN+ can’t run on this mode) if you use Windows Vista or 7, Select Windows Server 2003(SP1) – MSN+ can run on this mode.
5 – Apply and OK this setting
6 – Restart Messenger (Task Manager) and end msnmesgr.exe
7 – You’re done – Enjoy!
Tried and tested on Windows Vista, 7 & Windows 8 only – please let us know in the comments below if it works on your OS, do you like Messenger 2011 or will you be using this to avoid it?
Note; We take no responsibility in this software or the guide (option o2), The software (“program”) wasn’t developed by us please use at your own risk, Thanks!
UPDATE 21 – 06 – 12
We have noticed doing option 2 in Windows 7 it will no longer show two windows in your task-bar and when you minimize WLM 2009 it will now go to ‘notifications’ area not taskbar it hasn’t closed click the “^” arrow in notifications.
Jordan Couzens is the man behind JordanTBH Technologies. He has a keen interest in Technology and Computer Programming.
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Hello!
I followed the Option 2 and it worked 😀 I really hate de WLM 2011 it has a lot of useless features, but above all I hate not to edit my own Nick, just the subnick.
So, thanks a LOT!
Hello,
That’s awesome – glad it worked 🙂
– JordanTBH.
yeah i followed optio
thanks a lot !!! option 2 works for me. i hate the newer version of msn !!!!! MANY THANKS !!!!
THANK YOU SO MUCH
Hi,
You’re welcome!
Followed option 2 and it worked perfectly 🙂 Thanks!
Yes,when I re-installed Windows 7 last week I got the same notice when I tried to log into Messenger 2009. But i set it to run in program compatibility mode for Windows XP Service Pack 3 and it works. I can log into WL Messenger 2009 again and it works. Also it works better set in XP compatibility mode,you get the icon where it should be.In the taskbar notification area not in the middle of the taskbar. Acctually I set WL Messenger to run in compatibility mode for Windows XP on all my Windows 7 and Windows 8 computers. but the first time you install it,it opens up right away after the install. As it’s set by default to start with Windows.But I change that setting.
Note,the update is only being issued on Messenger not on photo gallery, live mail or the other WLE 2009. Andrea Borman.
Fantastic – You are a god!
Did the update to 2011 but for some unknown reason it refused to sign in, tried everything, including a complete ground up rebuild of O/S (Win 7 x64)
Found this, rolled back to v14, applied option 2 and Booom! – Job done.
Muchos Kudos..!
Sorry man but it looks it doesn’t work anymore. On WinXP, MSN always ask me to install the “newer” version, after doing option 2. Bad news.
Hi David,
I’m unable to test it on Windows XP due to I’m running Vista, 7 and 8 however I’ll get someone to test it shortly.
– James
It works like a charm! Hopefully, Microsoft won’t bypass our bypass.
not working with windows 7. Microsoft might have bypassed it
Hello Ravi,
Microsoft haven’t bypassed it it’s due to It’s now discontinued * and the service is closed as of April * you will need to download Skype (free) and sign-in with your Messenger account (all contacts will remain).
English users and would end on 30 April 2013; Messenger would remain available in mainland China.
– Jack @ JordanTBH