Help regarding Windows Live Messenger/XP64 conflict

WizardTizzle

WizardTizzle

WizardTizzle

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Joined
30 Jul 2008
Posts
11
Hey all

Seems microsoft have finally shafted all the XP64/Server edition users out there by finally managing to effectively remove support for 64/server! (from hereonout I will refer only to 64 - its a given I mean server too).

They removed "support" some time ago, but it was possible to lift the files from another PC with windows live installed (i.e. my parents/sisters 32 bit machines) after they were installed from the common files folder, and install messenger manually.
Now it seems even this doesn't work, as today when I signed in, I got the message that to continue using the service, I must upgrade to the newest version of WLM...oh...darn (yes...darn) I says to myself - of course the new version doesn't install on XP64.
So I update my parents version, then steal the relevant files from their cached location on their HDD - a quick copy/paste and install later, and I have the new version of WLM installed on my 64bit XP pc (which blatently doesn't support WLM, even though it installs and opens right fine, and has for the last 2 iterrations!...
But shock bleedin' horror I still can't connect to the damn service!

Anyone got any advice? I refuse to have to upgrade from an OS that I had to pay £100 which WORKS to an OS that is a pile of donkey excr. (vista), and not only that I have no job and no spare cash atm. I need msn to contact a wide range of friends, many who that is my only method of contacting them. Further to this, all my contacts are stored only in Live (thinking I'd be able to bust the stupid package installer that restricted my install indefinitely) so they are not backed up anywhere.

Any ideas would be more than welcome! :confused:

Well done Microsoft/Windows Live Team...epic failiure - just give us our "install anyway and risk lack of compatibility" button back please! :mad:
 
Well, you could always use one of the other IM clients which supports MSN, such as Trillian, Miranda or Diggsby? You don't have to use the MSN software.

At the end of the day you're running a niche OS - you can't really expect particularly good software support. Also...

an OS that is a pile of donkey excr. (vista)
Click to expand...

Nobody who knows anything about Vista would agree with you there. That's just jumping on the usual bandwagon.
 
I believe this is the patch I used. Please run a virus check on the file first, as it may not be the exact file I used.

I'd check but I'm on Windows 7 x64 now rather than XP64.
 
Thanks for both replies. Having had to "fix" every one of my friends computers running vista for one reason or another is the reason why I come to that conclusion/opinion. Computers/laptops that I have used running vista (5 lappies, 4+ pc's), mostly brand new, run and boot noticeably slower than the very old 939-based PC that I use (2.2ghz)...also, getting the damn OS to do half the tasks that XP did simply is a trial. And you must admit the damn UAC is about as frustrating as you can get...you spend a week turning the damn thing off (ok , it took some time to find), and when you do, it spends even more time whining because you turned it off!
Sorry if my opinion frustrates anyone, but I guess its mine to express and support?
No, you're right, I don't have to use their software, but I'd rather (habbit I guess). I don't expect "good" software support - all the other programs that aren't tested for 64 work fine, its frustrating when a program that WOULD work on the OS (and would be supported if not for the stupid code written into the shell installer) is restricted from running...surely just giving us "niche OS users" the option to just risk it and face the consequences would keep everyone happy and be no extra work for them? Maybe I'm wrong. Either way, thanks for the reply.

Anyhow, I'm gonna test that patch...got nothing to lose!(heh!)
 
Yup, that worked perfectly! Should people want to use WLM (even though many can hate it) this circumvents all the whole X64 problem - thanks very very much to andrewdodd for that! I'm going to start circulating it - thanks!
 
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Like WizardTizzle, I am one of the few people who uses Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (Waiting for Windows 7) and became surprised when a few days ago, Microsoft suddenly just canned support for Windows Live Messenger 8.1 on this O/S.

I myself hate using the current Live Messenger program due to the interface and uneeded changes to a few things (Chat messages being grouped up and so makes it hard to tell when they were sent and recieved), but looks like now I don't have a choice. I guess I will also give that patch a go and have to put up with it. Going to miss 8.1 as in my view, it was one of the best for simplicity.
 
Phatjayunoi said:
I myself hate using the current Live Messenger program due to the interface and uneeded changes to a few things (Chat messages being grouped up and so makes it hard to tell when they were sent and recieved)
Click to expand...

You can turn that off. Tools > Options > Messages > Group sequential messages from each contact together.
 
Mattus said:
You can turn that off. Tools > Options > Messages > Group sequential messages from each contact together.
Click to expand...
How simple and thanks!

And the patch works a treat. Why the latest Live Messenger isn't officially supported when so far everything seems to be fine is beyond me.
 
Phatjayunoi said:
How simple and thanks!

And the patch works a treat. Why the latest Live Messenger isn't officially supported when so far everything seems to be fine is beyond me.
Click to expand...
Microsoft have a habit of shafting xp64 users since it's not a particularly popular product, and based on number of sales alone I'd agree with them - most people I know who have it have the MSDN download or... the other form of download.

OT: I quite like the new grouping messages together... :)
 
The grouping messages I find damn handy - my taskbar is already 3 layers deep...I don't need it any deeper with a myriad of conversation windows, but if you don't like it, I think you can turn it off somewhere in WLM options (handy). EDIT: Damn - mattus got to it already! (OT - don't drink champagne and absinthe...you lose DAYS!).

I got a reply from a somewhat angry and well worded message I sent to the windows live support people - I've C&P'd it below - to those who want to stay on 8.1 this may shed some light? I myself let them know I modified their precious flipping shell and got at the shiny goodies, and made them work right PERFECTLY...just to rub salt into any wound they might have! =P

I think its not officially supported, because it would cost more money in QA sessions to make sure it worked for XP64 users - and as its been pointed out, that for such a small client base its not worth it - though it could be argued, as I do, let us install at our own "risk".
MSDN download? Do tell...seems like something I could use to mess around in future...

Anyway, WLM Support reply:

Hi [Insert My Name Here],



Please know that this support request has been transferred to us. This is Loise from Windows Live Essentials Technical Support.



As I read your email, you mentioned that you're unable to sign in to Windows Live Messenger because it says you need to upgrade the program. However, you're having problem installing the latest version because it does not support your operating system, Windows XP 64 bit.



I understand your concern and I apologize for the inconvenience. Please know that our Product Team is aware of this problem. But this issue should have been resolved. Please try to check if you're still getting the same error and write us back for our further investigation.



We appreciate your continued support as we strive to provide you with the highest quality service available.



Thank you for using Windows Live products. Have a great day.



Sincerely,



Loise

Windows Live Essentials Technical Support
 
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