dumb MSN messenger question

[Alex]

my gf has both msn messenger 4.7 and 5.0 installed on her comp...i tried uninstalling 5.0 and reinstalling over the 4.7 install but it wont let you chose a patb and the 4.7 cant really be uninstalled without any tweaking...

so is there any way to upgrade 4.7 to 5.0 easily without having to mess about too much?

thx!

 

[Shuttleboy]

I don't think so, they are two different programs. I would just use 5.0 for IM and getting to email account and disable 4.7 as certain programs rely on it to be there. If you can tweak till the system no longer needs 4.7 just toast it. I have both on mine but only use 5.0 and 4.7 only comes up when I use Outlook Express.

 

[XHuskY]

you can try uninstall the 4.7 and keep the 5. that's what i did with mine.

 

[Confused]

Start -> Run

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


That will uninstall 4.7, then you can install 5.0, and it'll be fine


Confused

 

[Slugbait]

Please note also that nuking Windows Messenger means that certain advanced features of MSN Messenger won't work correctly. However, if all you are going to do with it is the v1.0 basics (typing), then you should be fine. Just don't go inviting buddies to play games or do videoconferencing...

 

[Alex]

huh? let me get this straight, so if i uninstall version 4.7 and risk experiencing the outlook slowdowns and all other side effects, and do a fresh install of 5.0 it'll still not work 100%?

wtf?

might as well just leave 4.7 there and just pretend it doesnt exist...like the squid

 

[Confused]

I've uninstalled 4.7, and I have NO slowdowns with Outlook, OE, or anything.


Confused

 

[TheCorm]

It's XP Yeah?

I think the issue here is that one of them is Windows Messenger (4.7?) and the other is MSN Messenger (5.0?)

Jamie

 

[PhoenixOfWater]

there is a setting in outlook to tell it not to open/use msn messenger
I forget where it is... sorry

 

[spyordie007]

Originally posted by: PhoenixOfWater
there is a setting in outlook to tell it not to open/use msn messenger
I forget where it is... sorry

Yes, tools>options>other
uncheck MSN messenger and close outlook, the next time you start it outlook will not launch MSN messenger.

-Spy

 

[PhoenixOfWater]

Originally posted by: spyordie007

Originally posted by: PhoenixOfWater
there is a setting in outlook to tell it not to open/use msn messenger
I forget where it is... sorry

Yes, tools>options>other
uncheck MSN messenger and close outlook, the next time you start it outlook will not launch MSN messenger.

-Spy

Thanks for reminding me.... It take me so long to find that...
I have never used msn messenger and I hated how it started up with Windows and then with Outlook after closeing it...

 

[Slugbait]

Outlook and Outlook Express are two entirely different products, and behave differently when Messenger is involved. Further, you need a special build of Messenger that is NOT available on the main messenger.msn.com page in order for integration with Outlook to work. It is available at MS's Exchange downloads page.

so if i uninstall version 4.7 and risk experiencing the outlook slowdowns and all other side effects, and do a fresh install of 5.0 it'll still not work 100%?

Correct. Some features will even specifically say "Sorry bud, you need the latest Windows Messenger installed to use this feature" and you will NOT use that feature until you install it. It doesn't need to be running, it simply needs to be installed. There is also code in Windows Messenger that detects MSN Messenger is installed, and as a result, it will automatically set itself to no longer auto-launch at boot...giving MSN Messenger that privilege.

I've uninstalled 4.7, and I have NO slowdowns with Outlook, OE, or anything

Most people don't. Unfortunately, millions of people DO experience slowdowns, not with Outlook, but with Outlook Express and Hotmail (note: there are over 80 million Messenger users at this time). This is why I simply post a warning in many threads that you MAY experience pain if you nuke it.

 

[Alex]

thx guys youve been helpful!

 

[Snapster]

And for the geeky answer.

Open up regedit and goto:

My Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express\

Create a new DWORD called "Hide Messenger" (without quotes obviously), and give it a value of 2. That'll remove any integration windows messenger has with outlook express, and leaves you free to use msn messenger.

 

[Slugbait]

That'll remove any integration windows messenger has with outlook express, and leaves you free to use msn messenger.

Yes, but keep in mind that OE will not suddenly integrate MSN Messenger on XP if you do this. OE on XP can ONLY integrate Windows Messenger. However, OE can integrate MSN Messenger v5.0 on downlevel operating systems.

Personally, I run both clients at the same time. This way I can seperate my buddies into different lists, showing me as Busy or offline to some, while shown online to others. Plus, I increase the maximum number of buddies from 150 to 300 (assuming I ever have that many friends, of course...).

 

[Alex]

you run both clients simultaneously with the same sign in name?!

 

[Slugbait]

you run both clients simultaneously with the same sign in name?!

No. I run both clients simultaneously with different sign in names (Passport accounts). That's why some buddies see me as Busy or offline, while I'm shown online to my other buddies.