Messenger 5.0 confusion

[MrWhiteUK]

If you go to the messenger download site you are presented with 2 downloads,

MSN Messenger 5.0 - For All Windows inc XP

Windows Messenger - For Windows XP


I have Windows Messenger 4.7 as I use XP SP1, I tried downloading the latest windows messenger but didn't install it (I don't know what version this would be, I dont think it is 5.0)

I have read installing MSN Messenger 5.0 on XP gives you 2 copies of messenger running at the same time. What is going on MS, is version 5.0 for XP?

 

[ojai00]

I'm not totally sure on what the answer is, but it looks like MSN Messenger is for Windows 98 and up. It's for those who want to use Messenger to check their mail and use instant messenging. Windows Messenger is the one that comes with Windows XP. It's basically the same thing but it's just named differently. I'd say download Windows Messenger...

Hope this helps, and sorry if I confused you more.

 

[Slugbait]

Yes, v5.0 will install on XP. It will also run side-by-side with Windows Messenger, meaning that you can logon to both clients at the same time...but with different hotmail/msn/passport accounts. For example, all your business contacts could be in WinMsgr, and all your friends/family can be in MsnMsgr...then just logon to the client you wish to work with for the hour or whatever...

It would be highly recommended to install the latest build of WinMsgr before installing MsnMsgr.

 

[MrWhiteUK]

So anyone installing MSN messenger 5.0 on XP will have multiple copes running, I presme you then have to mess around trying to remove the original messenger.

 

[Slugbait]

Only if you want to. You don't have to. You can still use the original WinMsgr alongside MsnMsgr, or you can set WinMsgr so it doesn't auto-launch. Note: it will still auto-launch when you run OE...it won't (shouldn't) auto-logon, tho'.