Upgrade MSN or do not sign in...sigh

I've been using a patched 8.5 that suits my needs perfectly. I tried the 9 (Live) version, patched it and still could not strip it down enough.

My entire Plus! Config and customisations now all need to be done again, in a lesser incarnation because all of a sudden the older versions are banned from using the service.
 
Sorted.

- Download Reshacker (http://www.angusj.com/resourcehacker/)
- Close Messenger
- Backup msnmsgr.exe
- Open msnmsgr.exe in ResHacker
- Expand versioninfo > 1 > select 1033
- change VALUE "ProductVersion", "Old.Version.Number" to VALUE "ProductVersion", "14.0.8089"
- Compile Script
- Save
- Exit and Login
- Flip bird to Version 9 or above
 
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Broken Hope said:
Because they have known security vulnerabilities. Why you are trying to continue to use software that has known security problems doesn't make much sense to me.
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Because the latest versions pale in the shadow of the 8.5 Final build and any potential security risks are ones worth having. Also would you care to list some of the known security vulnerabilities? I've had a quick look around and cannot find anything serious or that has not already been patched out in 8.5.
 
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TheVoice said:
How little RAM does your system have for "10s of MBs" to actually matter?
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You clearly miss the point. Why should I install a crap load that is surplus to requirements and have it run i memory when loaded just because?

Nothing to do with what resources I have available. Are you the kind of person who likes to fill your memory just because you can?

8.5 Works, it works fine. I do not need anything Version 9 has in addition and I will only want to remove it, not install it or hide it. Which will depend on what the installer will let me strip out.

The issue is fixed now with a executable hack. Those who want to use it can, those who are happy to upgrade. Can.

YOU are happy patching Version 9. I am not. How the hell is 9 slimmer than 8.5, it's not. The installer is a pretty damn good indication of that as is the binary download sizes.
 
james.miller said:
if you are talking about TheVoice's post then he was refering to the previous versions of WLM, not 8.5.
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how is that even relevant. The comparison is bewteen 8.5 Final and 9.

My 8.5 has not one button on show, no ads, no sponsorship messages, no tabs, gleems or any other "funky" crap that some people like in their IM window. The status messages are informative and I have far more functionality through my Plus configuration and other tweaks.

I can patch/hack 9 but it does not have the same effectiveness or aesthetic appearance as I have achieved with 8.5. It's nothing to do with effort so why make that comparison. If I could achieve exactly the same and be happy with it, I would do it. It's not possible, so I stick with 8.5

1 - What is hard about that to grasp
2 - Whats your issue with what version I choose to use

Its pretty crappy that MS have decided to cut off any versions below their current release. They can stop supporting it, patching it etc but breaking it is not on. I guess they should break every version of Office except 2007 too, right?

Just because it is a bigger number does not make it automatically better. At some point, I cannot remember which version, MS broke contact list display pictures. You needed to patch that back in. 9 does not do what I want it to do, end of discussion.
 
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What the hell does cost have to do with it? It's principle. No skin of Microsoft's nose letting old versions connect. They let people continue to use vulnerable end of line Operating Systems and Internet Browsers so why is Messenger any different?
 
neil_g said:
it is if they are knowingly letting people operate with security flaws surely?
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Err, this happens every day on millions of systems?

When was the last time your saw Exchange, SQL, IIS, ISA etc stop working because you do not have the latest patch applied?

You didn't even mention that you'd tweaked your install to the heavens, so presumably you can see the point of my argument.
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Then you scan read what I wrote?

see:

I've been using a patched 8.5 that suits my needs perfectly. I tried the 9 (Live) version, patched it and still could not strip it down enough.
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james.miller said:
What an utter waste of time and effort it is complaining about 8.5 no longer functioning.
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Don't read or leave the thread and stop replying.

Fact is, you cannot accept that many many people want to continue using earlier versions of MSN for credible reasons. Reasons you may not appreciate yourself, but credible nonetheless.

Just because you think 9 is da bomb does not mean everyone else does. Nor does it mean what suits you, suits them.

I have nothing against you or anyone else using 9. Castrating every single version prior to anything but the latest release is stupid though. Anyone who cannot install the latest version either because of preference or inability to meet the requirements of the software can go to hell or use 3rd party solutions. Nice.
 
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Yeah marky I have but they either missed something I am used to/like or did it in an annoying roundabout way.

8.5 was (is) Final so it never changes, my patch never breaks nor does my MSN Plus so I have no real reason to change it or make a compromise.
 
james.miller said:
oooh big assumption there. You're wrong by the way.

'da bomb' ? its just MESSENGER. get over it. i used 9 because it works. i use 9 because i use the cam sometimes. if i didnt use the cam, id probably be tring other things as well. I use it because it just works and with a-patch its nice and clean. i dont keep my messenger list up all the time anyway so why would it bother me so my as to what it looks like? it doesnt.

you clearly do. youre first reply to me was rude 'Read the thread?' lol - and you were wrong. Actually you've replied to just about everybody who uses 9 in that way so yes, clearly you do.
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This whole post is full of contradiction. You say you you accept people want to use old versions then state that its "JUST MESSNEGER" and to "GET OVER IT" right....real understanding right there :confused: I am not being funny, but are you an idiot, or just a troll? Memory usage could well be a credible reason for someone, who are you to dictate what is or not a credible reason? It's their hardware, their operating system and their choice.

I told you to read the thread as you in-accurately stated that nobody had said what they in-fact quite clearly did. What else do you expect, me to pretend they did not and agree with you?

I have replied to everyone who is effectively saying "I don't see the problem, use 9 its better/exactly the same/works" who are missing the entire point and are ignorant of the fact that people, including myself, have reasons to want to use the old version. I am merely informing them of my viewpoint, opinion and personal preference.

Why would I have any issue with people who are ok with 9, I don't care?

And yes, You use it. You like it. You think its fine. You like to use webcam, cool, cameras work in 8 builds too... but whatever. Why would it bother YOU what it looks like, I do not know, thats your prerogative.

Do you notice something? You you you, I, I I, me me and mes. Thats your choice, really, since when was your choice mine too?
 
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Ross1234 said:
Its microsofts program which they release for free. You should stop moaning and be grateful or use something else.
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Yeah, we do them a favor by using it... they develop it to be used and surely the experience of the user is a key part of development.

I do not think anyone here can comment on Microsoft's actual reasoning behind it but I am pretty confident 'enriching' the 'Windows Experience' by adding IM capability to keep people on-side and being able to distribute advertisement is part of the whole goal.

You would think they would continue to keep people on-side by letting people use the app in any version that is actually capable of doing so. 8.5 is, there is no real reason to stop it working other than "We just can".
 
Here was the "official standpoint" which has clearly not been adhered to.

In early October 2009, customers using versions 14.0 (earlier than 14.0.8089) will also start receiving notifications of the optional upgrades to Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726. In late October, Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 will become mandatory for them too.

“We’ve had several comments about what happens if you are running an operating system on which you cannot install the latest version of Messenger. In this case, you will NOT be prompted to upgrade and can continue to use the version you currently have,” a member of the Windows Live Messenger team noted. “To clarify, if you are running Messenger 8.1, 8.5 or 14.0 on the following operating systems: Windows XP 32bit, Windows Vista (32bit/64bit), Windows 7( 32bit/64bit) or Windows Server 2008, you will receive the upgrade notice.”
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You do receive the upgrade notice. There is a "No" option but it's not optional. it merely closes the dialogue and leaves you logged out.

If its optional for some, why not optional for all. If all they are concerned about peoples security then all they have to do is add a disclaimer and a strict warning about the considerations that need to be made for not upgrading and allow people to say "No thanks"
 
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