windows messenger vs windows live messenger

[Guest]

Confusing, isn't it, or am I the only one who had to search for the
difference between two apparently separate programs? I use Windows Messenger
currently. I want to install Live Messenger so that a Yahoo friend can be
added to the contact list, but I'm troubled by some of the comments herein
that seem to indicate both programs will run simultaneously. I detest
unnecessary things running in the background which can sometimes cause
problems, but some of the comments also indicate that Live Messenger features
rely on Windows Messenger to work properly (whiteboard, remote assistance).
One thread also posited that Windows Messenger will automatically sign in if
the other is signed in. Can I safely install Live Messenger without Windows
Messenger being needed, or does one rely on the other? If this is needed, is
it potentially a problem or am I worrying needlessly?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Marc,

No, you're not the only person.

It looks like you've already done your homework but just to be clear, it really depends on
your system and what applications you use if Windows Messenger will run in the background.

However, your best bet is just to remove Windows Messenger using the instructions below and
install Live Messenger (note: you can do this in any order you choose). Live Messenger will
work fine without it as just the three components already mentioned will not work within Live
Messenger and they will simply direct you to download Windows Messenger (which you can
reinstall on-demand whenever you like).

To uninstall Windows Messenger, click the Start button, then click Run and enter:
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
Then click OK.
Windows Messenger will then be uninstalled. For more detailed instructions and screenshots,
go to,
http://messenger.jonathankay.com/problem.aspx?ID=7

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.