The new Windows Live Messenger 2009 looks very nice but unfortunately it is very fragile. Very lucky few users have no problems at all connecting and using Windows Live Messenger 2009. I consider myself very lucky because the only problem I have is with the webcam and I managed to find a workaround to get it working. For those that could not get Windows Live Messenger 2009 to work, here are a few things you can do.
Try to uninstall and then reinstall, hoping that it would work but the truth is it will never work. Another possible solution is to uninstall WLM 2009, download an older version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 and try to install. This won’t work as well because you’re going to end up with the error “Your computer has a newer version of the Windows Live product(s) than the one you are trying to install. To install an older version, first remove the current version.” You can also try to install MSN Messenger 8.0 which would work and seemed to be connecting but you’ll end up with a popup asking you to upgrade “A newer version is available. You must install the newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now?” Click Yes and it brings to install the buggy WLM 2009. Hit No and it won’t connect.
You can’t use new WLM 2009 nor the old WLM 8.0 or MSN 8.5. So the only workaround now is to use Meebo, Digsby, eBuddy, ILoveIM, KoolIM, IMhaha to connect to .NET Messenger Service. Not to worry because here is a tip on how to use an older version of Windows Live Messenger 8.5 or MSN Messenger 8.0.
First of all, make sure that Windows Live Messenger 2009 is totally wiped off from your computer. Use ZapMessenger to remove any trace of WLM 2009. Then download Windows Live Messenger 2008 build 8.5.1302.1018 from here. Install and you should be able to connect without problems and without forcing you to update to the latest WLM 2009.
Yes it’s that simple and it works on my side. However if somehow you are still being forced to update, here’s a simple hack on how to trick MSN servers into believing that you are using the latest Windows Live Messenger 2009. Let’s go through step-by-step on how to hack MSN Messenger 8.0 to connect without being forced to update.
1. You can download MSN Messenger 8.0.0812 from OldVersion.com
2. Use ZapMessenger to uninstall any version of Messengers on your computer.
3. Install MSN Messenger 8.0.0.0812.
4. Download Resource Hacker, extract and run ResHacker.exe
5. Go to File > Open and browse the following location C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe for MSN Messenger 8. For Windows Live Messenger 2008 build 8.5, it will be in C:\Program Files\Window Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
6. Expand Version Info and expand 1.
7. Click on 1033.
8. Look for the line VALUE “ProductVersion”, “8.0.0812″ and change the 8.0.0812 to 14.0.8089.0726.
9. Click the Compile Script button.
10. Go to File > Save and close Resource Hacker.
Try connecting now and voila! .NET Messenger service server thinks that you’re connected using Windows Live Messenger 2009 build 14.0.8089.0726 when you are still using the good old MSN Messenger 8! OK using an older version of Windows Live Messenger is probably not the best solution but treat this as a temporary solution until the Messenger developers release a not-so fragile version of Windows Live Messenger 2009.
Note: If somehow you could not install the older version of WLM even after cleaning it with ZapMessenger, then please try the other cleaner called Messenger Deep Clean.
Related posts:
for those sayin it aint workin,
it is just replace that 14 version with this;
15.4.3555.308
done.
I think it worked! But when M$ publishes a new version it will stop working. But i think if you go into compatibility settings for msnmsgr.exe and change it to Windows 2000 it will stay as 8.1 forever.
I CAN SAVE IT. Anyway it does NOT WORK. MSoft have found a work around to this little hack.
I CAN SAVE IT. Anyway it does NOT WORK. Microsoft have found a work around for this little hack.
I CAN SAVE IT. Anyway, it does NOT WORK. Microsoft have found a work around for this little hack.
Guysss, to save it u have to first exit the messenger from the taskbar then do the trick & it will work like charm, unfortunately the webcam worked for a while but it is not working for me anymore, i dont know what happened :(
It. Does. NOT. Work
Cause you can’t save it. >.<
if you have problems with saving the file, try save as option. Select any location you want. then cut the new copy and paste it to the messengers directory and replace the original file.
hi to all pls my problem is the webcam when i connect to yahoo working and skype and windows live messenger new version video call working and when i back to the old version of msn the cam not working when i send my cam with my friends or trying to view the cam then the cam start downloading and stops, then the only problem i got is the webcam not working with old version my old version is 8.5 windows live messenger and i try all old version and always the same problem when i do cam to cam start downlaod and then stop with message cannot connect to cam try another time and now i got that problem for a week, thx for anyone who got solution
I’ve discovered that when you install an older version of MSN (2008 one, in my case), try to login, click no when asked to update, then install the 2009 version (overwrite, I got both versions from filehippo), it will work without asking you to install new version again.
so i’ve done all the hacker steps, but when it comes to saving it wont let me. “Cannot rename original file. Saving Cancelled” help please?
this method works to install the earlier version of meessenger, except you wont be able to get the webcam working when u chat with someone.. if anybody please knows a fix for that mail me on mirjampie @ hotmail . com
everything worked except the last part. it wont let me save :S
change 2 lines like this
:D
img852.imageshack.us/img852/8426/msn85.jpg
Not working for me, fresh Win 7 64 install.
Tried with both 8 and 8.5.
Yeah it happen to me its hard to Sigh in, can someone tell me how to sigh up.
very nice tutorial, i also downgraded, havent tested the webcam options though, im in win 7 x64 using 14.0.8089.0726 in my pc thanks to this
thanks
Thx A lot, the above version info hack is 100% working and it solved my biggest problem…..
Thanks!
I tried getting that version quoted above but when I try to install it, it just wont do anything, after clicking on ¨run¨ it wont do anything else
I have the same problem as Larko, just keeps spinning, i’ve tried various 14.*** version numbers with no avail. It accepts it as a recent version and does not ask for un update, just stalls at connecting.
Also, if your Res Hack cannot save, it is because msnmsgr.exe process is still in use. Try exiting it from the system tray (bottom right of your taskbar), it may be hidden. That alone sometimes does not end the process and the Task Manager has to be used to end it (aka Ctrl-Alt-Del).
@Kirsty
Compiler Error in line 4 at offset 18
Invalid statement: integer expected
This means that the 4th line from the top of the script is experiencing an error in syntax. It expects an integer value meaning + or – whole numbers. Do NOT use decimals, you must use commas to separate integer values. Without seeing you actual script, I can’t verify that this is the problem but it’s my best guess.
i successfully logged in with my old WLM 14.0.8050.1202 by setting the product version to 14.0.8117.416
after i click save it still says download the new version?
Im trying to use MSN 14.0.8089.726 by masking it as 15.4.3502.0922 on XP pro sp2
no joy :(
here it keeps spinning and spinning, and never logs in, anyone knows what could this be?
yea so how do you fix the webcam feature anyone???
I’m also not able to make any video or audio calls. Any suggestions from anyone??? :(
just like Davo above change version to 15.4.3508.1109 and it will work as of today (jan/27)
i have done all things step by step but did not get the result well..the same problem occurred during the time of sign in in live messenger…microsoft again forced me to update it…plz help me..
thx man nic work (Y) and what (to soraya) said are correct 100% thx man too
I’m having the issue were it just keeps signing in and never does. What’s the solution this problem?
it works , but do you get the webcam feature to work??
@soraya, you need to right click on the reshack.exe and click run as administrator, then save it. it should save successfully.
Cheers
nice job….very nice.
hi, whenever I try to save the file in Resource Hacker it says: cannot rename original file, saving cancelled. What do I need to do?
I have tried all this and it’s not working for me :(
I get this message every time I try to compile
Compiler Error in line 4 at offset 18
Invalid statement: integer expected
Its driving me insane
Please help me
It doesn’t work anymore. :(
when i press save, i keep getting the following message: Cannot rename original file. Saving cancelled.
if anyone can tell me what to do to get it working. i tried to set compatibility to windows2000. msn works but my camera wont work. please guys tell me what to do..
how do i get messenger plus live to work with this thing?
other than that THANKSSS i got the show my webcam option backkk :) and i didnt have to do the manditory upgrade to the 2011 version
thanksss this worked for the new 2011 versionn, but I can’t get windows plus live to work..
does someone know how to get that to work?
thanks
thank you worked perfectly, I runned 2009 and was prompted to install 2011 wich failed and this blocked the logon to 2009…….. smart design MS,,,,,,
nice solution !!!!!!}:))))
Hey Guys.
This WORKS !!!
also for the LATEST version.
IF the “Just copy and paste this code from now on” from Dman doesn’t work ? !
===> just change the FILEVERSION and PRODUCTVERSION to ===> 15.4.3508.1109
Now enjoy the old fashion wlm.
Thank You For This WoNdErFuLL info.
Greetz D
I recently installed MSN Messenger 8.0, from here
raymond.cc/blog/archives/2009/03/27/download-and-use-older-version-of-windows-live-messenger-or-msn-messenger/comment-page-12/
I tried ZapMessenger and DeepCleaner, and neither of these programs found anything that could be removed.
I also tried the Resource Hacker thing, but it didn’t work either.
And I’m not even able to install WLM 8.5 and the version before the 2011 version…
It’s annoying since this program is a simple and fast way to go online instead of using eBuddy all the time.
Fortunately I’m not in a big need of the program but I still wanna be able to install it whether I’ll be using it or not.
Any suggestions? Otherwise I’ll have to stick to eBuddy or maybe check out Yahoo Messenger.
Greetings
Did anyone get this work with cam using 8.5 msn with “ProductVersion”, “15.4.3508.1109″??
it seem like the cam not working.. only work for sending files.
How do you change the version number?
danload msn
THANK YOU!! Worked a treat, just replaced version number with 15.4.3502.0922. Thank you again, very helpful with clear, easy to follow, instructions.
Raymond, just to let you know that you are amazing, man!
NO OTHER blog came even close to solving that prob.
BTW, it works also to stop the MANDATORY installation of the new version of MSN 2010/11…you just need to replace the version number with this one: 15.4.3502.0922
i had my first lesson in script compiling and it went great!
i also must had that you use such an easy to understand language that maybe you should consider giving classes!
All the best!
@Raka
14.0.8089.0726 is not the latest anymore. At the moment the latest one is 15.4.3508.1109
Ray, maybe you should make a litte update for this instruction :)
it worked for messnger 2009 but messnger plus is not showing!!!
Just change value to 15.4.3502.0922, its from wlm 2011
Just copy and paste this code from now on:
1 VERSIONINFO
FILEVERSION 15,4,3508,1109
PRODUCTVERSION 15,4,3508,1109
FILEOS 0×4
FILETYPE 0×1
{
BLOCK “StringFileInfo”
{
BLOCK “040904B0″
{
VALUE “CompanyName”, “Microsoft Corporation”
VALUE “FileDescription”, “Windows Live Messenger”
VALUE “FileVersion”, “15.4.3508.1109″
VALUE “InternalName”, “msnmsgr.exe”
VALUE “LegalCopyright”, “Copyright (c) Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.”
VALUE “OriginalFilename”, “msnmsgr.exe”
VALUE “ProductName”, “Messenger”
VALUE “ProductVersion”, “15.4.3508.1109″
}
}
BLOCK “VarFileInfo”
{
VALUE “Translation”, 0×0409 0x04B0
}
}
this previously worked for me but today i just got that you must update to the newest version to continue… So it just stopped working outta nowhere. HELP!
How do I not upgrade to windows 11 ?? please reply..I cant use any of the versions as it says i must upgrade to live messenger 11 !!!
Thanks so much!
It worked for me the second time I tried it. The first time, I had MSN running in the task bar, not signed in but still on (If I clicked on the task bar icon, it would go to the login page). After I installed MSN version 8.5, I had turned it on to sign in, before running Resource Hacker, just to see if it would work. It didn’t but it did cause MSN to stay turned on in my taskbar which I think was the problem.
I would add the comments from previous users Exari and Eric to your instructions. BASICALLY, MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT HAVE MSN RUNNING IN YOUR TASK BAR BEFORE YOU SAVE IN RESOURCE HACKER. When I first tried running Resource Hacker I was able to save but it didn’t work. Closing MSN in the taskbar and clicking “save” in Resource Hacker again did the trick.
Perhaps you need to try that Ralwarez…
Can’t thank you enough, you are a bloody genius :)))))
Ive done everything from start to finish, however, when i load msn the wee men just keep spinning, it doesnt log me in!? Any ideas?!
Plllllllease help!!! :(
I have a feeling it’s not working out this time, maybe after they made Windows Live Messenger 2011…
Mine doesn’t sign in neither.
Raymond, care to comment?
Yea ralwarez I have the exact same problem, now i cant even use the latest version cos its says im missing a bunch of files that have no name just a bunch of stupid charaters, now im in more shit with this thing than i was beforfe i uninstalled the latest version, great, now i really am screwed. if anyone gets around this please tell me, if tried everything i can think of, un and re-installing over and over, system restore and even re-installing windows itself!
I have done it all. Multiple times. Just… version 8.0 keeps signing … keeps signing… keeps signing…. and does not ever open the messenger.
yeah, it worked well,
except that it wont show me any of contacts..
eventho i re-added them, still their appears offline…
and off course i cant do anything, not even a chat..
anyone experiencing the same prob??
thanks~
nedd to get old msn reastored back on to the computer
thanks so much
Good job it works, but how to restore the missing contact??
Can you help me Thanks
A few weeks back, video-call stopped working, so I had to install the new one. I’m guessing it’s due to the usage of new codecs for the video conferencing system.
Can I get a hand? Or a link to the install of the 2010 version?
Thanks much
Guys if you unable to save in Resources Hacker, make sure you use “Run this Program In Administration”
;)
i am running Windows 7 64 bit and I have exited messenger and followed the instructions and I still get “cannot rename original file. saving cancelled”. Is there a process running in background or what the hell????
To karem fathy EGYPT.
That version you said to download already has that ProductVersion listed.
Can someone give out real instructions please.
can someone help me? please?
i did everything right, went smoothly till i got to the point where i safe the file it says “cannot rename original file. saving canceled”…. why? T-T
cheers mate~
Thanks a lot. I running like ferrariiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii
it works as well with
“Windows Live Messenger 2011 15.4.3502.0922″
just do the same ((((( Look for the line VALUE “ProductVersion”, “8.0.0812″ and change the 8.0.0812 to 15.4.3502.0922 )))))
i lost all my contacts but thats a small price to pay as they can re add me easily enough, whoever made this thank you so much, i have very basic knowledge but you made it very easy to follow
Whoever made this tutorial – thanks a lot.
Yes!! It works, Thanks mate
PS: Exari, July 27 wrote: guys, you have to close messenger first so you can save.
Thanks to that comment I didn’t give up..Such a simple thing to forget, now it works.
Problem here: I can’t save the file in the “Recourse Hacker” program.
YOU ARE THE MOST AMAZING PERSON IN THE WORLD, MAN I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH I LOOKED EVERYWHERE ONLINE THEY ARE ALL USELESS, I CANT THANK YOU ENOUGH RAYMOND.
I’ve tried it with 8.0 — > empty list. ( Now gonna try to download the newest one, save my list. Get on 8.0 and add the list.. and see if it works than )
I’ve tried it with 8.5 — > Kept saying the update stuff.
Than someone on this said, do the update and it works, didn’t work for me either.
fml.
Maybe I just have to sacrifice my one way camming.
i’m majid i just wat to say thanks
and u can change msn old version 8 msn by msn 7.5
and u cant have problem with cam and u can chose what you want
majid.axp@hotmail.com
i had old version msn 7.5 is better
this didnt help the same problem is accuring and i cant enter the msn
the reshack thingy worked like charm for me, thanks you’re god i love u lol =)
Raymond you should put a warning at the top of the website that this method can cause some people’s contact lists to disappear. Or you could address the problem…
Thank you so much!!!!
This guide worked perfect. I was dubious as it involved editing an exe but it worked. Thank you author and I’d recommend it to those that need to use it.
IT WORKS U THE BEST NOW I CAN DO JUST CAM WITHOUT HAVING TO DO VIDEO CALL YOU ROCK THANKS
before using zap messenger i went to search, all files and folders, typed in windows live messenger and then deleted everything it found. better safe than sorry. anyhow i then clicked on the here and voila, ive got 8.5 and all the contacts are there. also, before i downloaded 8.5 i went to add and remove prog and on the left side under add remove windows components i unticked the windows messenger box. after i reinstalled 8.5 i put it back.now all i have to do is get my contacts to do the same and we can cam again, i hope. thanx a jillion
I got the same problem with steve too, i have window 7 and i cannot save it! plz help!
guys, you have to close messenger first so you can save.
Hey, I’m having the same problem as the other dudes, I can’t save. Please help meee. I really need this.
man when i save the changed files in “Resource Hacker” i get a message told me “cannot reaname ooriginal file. saving cancelled ” what should i do plz contact me . i have window 7
Wow… I didn’t do the save, I was afraid to download the hack part… But… installing the 8.0 version and then upgrading holly shit it brought me to the previous version that Does have separate webcam sharing. It’s so glitchy in the latest platform. Supported Only videocall and me and my bud had serious issues with that part. Now I can surprize him tomorrow :D Thank you so Much. Wish I had money to give you :)
“everything is ok but at last step it does not let me to “save” it. everytime it tried i was met an error like this “Cannot rename original file. Saving cancelled”.
after that i tried to save as msnmsg2.exe and replace it the original file. after cleaning original file, i deleted it and tried to run msn with new file. doesnt work ”
This is also my problem, email me help please! :(
Thanks I tried it and its working so now I click on that person’s cam and my own without that annoying video call coming up!
Eureka! I’ve got it! For all those who are stressing out over the loss of their contacts on 8.0 messenger, never fear, here’s what you can do:
Go to oldversion.com and upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 8.1 – download it and run it on your system. Your contacts list will display on this one! :-)
thank you so much! this worked perfectly. i firstly downloaded the 8.0 version which worked, but did not show my contact list. So i then downloaded the 8.5 version which works perfectly and shows my contacts :)
OK! …..webcam not fuction,not compatible
Hi,
I did the version switch, and successfully used 8.0 but now a newer version of Messenger came out while I was out of town. My husband tried to “upgrade” and the installer came up. I told him don’t “upgrade”! When I got home, I put in the version of the latest Messenger which was 15.3.2649.311, but when I try to open Messenger, the Windows Installer comes up and gives me all sorts of messages, which I have to ignore, and then I am finally able to open Messenger 8.0. IS THERE ANY WAY TO GET THE WINDOWS INSTALLER TO QUIT POPPING UP??? Thanks!
Thnx So Much , I always need this kind of webs,to learn things..
That really worked. Thanks
I just wanted to thank you. So far it’s working great. I did have the saving problem but as soon as I exited the messenger out it saved right away. So, thank you again I had given up on using messenger but now you have bought it back to me.
I cannot use it! I cannot find my contacts back! Anyone can help me?
hello;
my msn just send video call not give me choice to send web cam or video call i change my msn and the same problem .
by the way when i open my email from different computer he give my choices
what can i do ?
please i need to solve this problem
guys new version = 999.999.999.99
it’s lifelong
I’ve tried and i’m using now..
itS working
It’s working, only the numbers have changed. New version = 14.0.8117.0416
yuppii it’s working erkan thx :)
This Hack Not Working Now
Just one word…finally………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Thank you all of you for ur help, but I still have a problem. After I followed all the steps and the msn opened but I can’t see my contacts. No contact appears and seems as if I just created account but in webmessenger I can see them. Could u help please? Thank you so much.
Thanks for great help, I had to install the 8.5 instead of the 8.0 to make it work though. My first hack too, ever – awesome. : )
Thank you guys, I really got crazy coz i couldn’t sign in and suffered mcuh before founding tht website. But I tried it before with Vista but it didn’t work, now it worked fine with XP. thank you!!
Thanks Ray. I’ve been really fed up with this new MSN, so having an old version work is a real blessing.
For people who are having trouble…Run Reshack as an admin (if you’re using Vista). Also, I had to use the second program in order to remove all MSN crap. After that and after following the instructions from here, everything worked.
Aaron, try doing the same thing and see if it works. Good luck :)
Guys, there’s still 1 burning question that has been raised a few times here, that no one has bothered to attempt to answer… This works fine Ray, however for me, and from what ive read (and which has been ignored) is that MSN, opens, and then after a few seconds, it closes itself. The Icon in the task bar disappears too. Whats going on there, I can get all the old versions to work perfectly fine; well to login, but once loaded, it closes.
Any suggestions?
absolutely fantastic….thank u so much………………
It won’t let me save it!!!Help please
My contact list is gone, O_o am cofused
any solution for fixing this problem???
thank u soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much…?
ummm, go to hotmail.com, at the top right corner of page, you can sign on to msn messenger (web) and it’s pretty much the same thing.
Raymond you rock , you are the man , i did the trick as per your instructions and it works like ” A sharp knife in butter ” smoooooth . contct list intact , no problems , web cam works . i did it on WLM 8.1 on winxpsp2
any one who wants to keep his contact list safe before excute the trick must save the contact list first then if he lost it later can import it again.
i tried to do the older trick and changed the compatibility to win2000 and it worked but the cam did not work , so i revert back to ” no compatibility ” then the WLM installed itself again with my contact list intact then i applied your trick and now everything is more than fine thank you Raymond
Khadijah and others: No one is ever going to tell you how to get your contact list back. It is a question shrouded in mystery forever. You might as well let it go.
To use wlm 8.1/8.5, google “wlm no update patch”. It’s basically an automated version of ResHacker method. Tried to post a link here but it was removed, probably because of anonymous hosting. Anyway, it’s hosted on Softpedia now.
When I did this, I lost all my contacts. Then I added everyone ALL over AGAIN. But now it won’t even show me if they’e online or offline. People can MSG me but I can’t MSG them. And if they talk to me, it says this person is not on your contact list and if I add them, it says I already have that person. PLEASE HELP!
Thanks Raymond .. but the last step it says can not save .. what should I do
The latest version is 14.0.8089.0726. That’s why you’re being forced to update.
Thank you, Raymond, your reghack hack helped me!
Btw I had an installer of 14.0.8064.0206 version and it still “forced” me to update, however I found a better solution :)
Thanks
thanks so much this worked for me as i was having trouble with the new msn
hi raymond. i have windows 7… and reshacker isnt having any of it. any suggestions? i look forward to hearing from you.
hey thank!!!
but i wanna to noe…y my contact list is gone?? n anyone hv way can solve it ???
n ray…y the msn only fuctional for few time only??? any solution for it??
hopefully this will work, im trying the 1st download 1st, my laptops quite old so the latest version doesnt install anyway :D hope this works! thanks ray! :P
y my contact list lost???
any solution for fix tis problem???
pls!!!
but…ray…ur solution way are good!!! but y it jvt can funtional for few day only???
okay , got it . I LOVE U FOR THIS ! (L)
i did everything like u said, but after clicking the compile script button and trying to save, i get an error saying i cannot name original file, saving cancelled. WHAT TO DO ?
Thank you so much. you don’t know how much i appreciate it. Thank you, thank you!
Here are some Windows Live Messenger old versions with changelog. Choose the old version that fits your needs better. downloadoldversion.com/windows-live-messenger.html
Hf
EXcellent solution, buddy! The Reshack thing did the trick! Now, I can go back (Happily) to Messenger 8.5 .
Well i did the same thing and it worked a month ago
now i tried it on windows 7 x64 os and it wont log in. it says: you cannot use windows live. Messenger at this time because your contact list is not available. Please try again later
error code 81000378
i allready did the reg add stuf
no firewalls or anti vir things
MSN 9 does log in
does someone have an idea ?
OMG, what a brilliant get around! Thanks guys. Downloaded v 8.5 and then did the reshack thing and its all good now. I have spent about 6 hours over the space of 3 days working thru a load of suggestions from Microsoft support none of which worked. They have elevated my complaint about choppy voice on WLM 2009 but heard nothing back from them for weeks now. (The v8.0 didn;t work and I thought I had lost my contact list but when I installed v8.5 it was all there again) Thank you!!!!!
For all those who get the Cannot save original file. Just make sure that all messenger applications are closed. just press Ctrl + Alt + Delete and look it up.
thanks dude, ur the best! u bring my life happy again! and for those wo cannot save the file.. the solution is U GUYS MUST CLOSE THE WINDOWS LIVE MESSENGER FIRST.. THEN U CAN SAVE :)
@joel
Save as to your desktop. Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Live, rename the original msnmsgr.exe to something else, move the one on the desktop to that folder.
hey raymond i tried saving after changing the version but it said file cannot be renamed.saving canceled. what should i do?
thanks
THANKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was at my wits end trying to log in to WLM09…..tried all possible remedies for error 80040154…..
finally i am able to install msn08 and log in thanks to the crack…
BIG Thanks……. :)
thank you a lot of
its the best
thanks works, got an older version back and now i hope webcam works again
hey….how to get back my contact list…??
Messenger Plus! isn’t working. Anyone know anything about that?
THX RAYMOND……!!!!i LOVE U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!haha just joke…THX UR HINT IS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
please do something my contact list disappears.
hey thnxs raymond
i have patched it any now using msn 8 but the problem in messanger doesnt show any of my contact why tht soo??
thank you for all my friends
Here’s a fix I found on the net, and I posted it on my forum. Here it goes (Copy-pasted from my forum) :
Hey people!
Some of you like to keep using the good old stuff, and I needed this patch for WLM 8.5 on an older machine. This XP installation was, for some reasons, not able to install the latest WLM 14.X. Normally Windows Live Messenger 8.5 stops working, asking you to upgrade to the latest one. When you click ‘No’, well WLM 8.5 closes itself. Good way from Microsoft to force people to upgrade.
This WLM 8.5 fix will allow you to keep using WLM 8.5 forever without being prompted to upgrade!
How is this possible?
Well in this download there is WLMFIX.exe, which is a WinRAR SFX file. Into that file, there is msnmsg.exe and fix.bat.
fix.bat will simply replace the original msnmsg.exe with the patched one.
Enjoy!!
This has been a life safer to me I hope you guys enjoy it. :)
i also prefer the older styles of MSN.
thanks for the hints.
I gave up trying to use any old MSN version. I succumbed to the newest one.
BUT… Now I can’t do sh*t without MSN crashing. I can’t change display picture, can’t click links, can’t send or receive files… if I do any of the above, MSN crashes and disappears from the interface within one millisecond.
i have a problem when i tried to download any version from msn i could’nt install it as i had a massage ” you can’t install untill you log on as administrator” so if there’s any way or steps to install without logging on as an administrator plz answeeeeeeeeeeeeeer
Hi, I tried what you said to do, step by step, and it still doesn’t work for me!! A message still comes up saying “a newer version is available”. PLEASE help me, I have tried everything to fix this problem and NOTHING WORKS!! :(:(
Hi. I have version 8.1 installed and patched exactly how i like it using A-Patch. I havent been able to use Messenger for months now (and havent really had the time to bother to deal with it). I did NOT want to upgrade!!
I just tried out your Reshacker solution and presto, it worked immediately. Thanks for an awesome and simple solution!!
BTW, for anyone using Vista, run Reshack as Administrator – otherwise it has trouble saving.
i did all the steps but at last it doesn’t work.
A newer version is available.you must install the newer version in order to continue.would you like to do this now?
im going mad with this.
someone help me please ! :(
Hi guys…just a really big thank u to Raymond for a great site..and particularly STEVE on post 104..my compatabilty tabs were missing and its taken me 4 hours to figure out how to run 8.1 via windows 2000…but it looks like it works..if your tabs are gone when you right click the .exe file (thanks VISTA) you need to run the compatability wizard in vista and that will do it for you….my cam not working has been driving me nuts…thanks again guys for pointing me in the right direction.
why people are spent time with MS products. USE OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE IS THE FUTURE. SO CHOOSE IT from now!!! no problems. 100% free 100% opensource.
aniway great job. i’ve did it in 2007 with msn 7.5 LOL!
Thanks Raymond this works a treat! Bloody Microsoft! I’ll upgrade when I want to thanks very much :D
I want my old version back but i don’t know how to do it
thnx a lot man u saved me =D
Thnx body , it worked for me , with resour ResHack :)
une dua ta instaloj msn 8.5
I tried about 4-5 different methods to get the old messenger to work till I came across the ResHack. Thanks for the help :)
Thank you so much buddy…u rock!! :)
Worked right out of the box! My humble thanks to you after my week attempts at loading 9! A long search for a solution ended here. !
Zapmessenger worked smooth and ResHacker was easy to use and did the job. Wonderful!
I love u man… you have solved my problem.
Thank you very much.. ur teh one :D
I had the same problem the day before, my windows live messenger crashes after signing in. I searched for the dozens of
forums and I applied the instructions, unfortunately none of them worked. I tried zapmessenger, deep cleaner, I uninstalled
and reinstalled it dozens of times, hopeless.. I tried registry cleaners, antivirus scanning, antimalware programs, I
installed MSN 8.1 by changing its version to the latest MSN 9 with resourcehacker ( it worked in a friend’s situation) didn’t
work too. I read in one of the forums that Acer notebooks have incompatibility with messenger and crash, so I installed Acer
MSN patch, as you can guess it didn’t work as in nightmares. I did uninstallation by revo uninstaller, nope… I also read
that Adobe flash player has incompatibility with MSN 9 I upgraded it to the latest version, useless…At last I created a new
computer user session in control panel and I switched on new session, surprizingly it worked. I didn’t stop fixing the
problem. I understood that it was neither a driver incompatibility nor a virus problem. I was suspected of registry problem
with my session.
Here is my solution: I scanned my system with System Cleaner 5 at first, then I opened system control then startup manager I
unchecked Adobe’s ( also its dlls) entries and others that I was suspected of. I am proudly saying that It worked (: I am
using MSN 9 now. I hope I am helpful, enjoy!
Using Windows Xp First Version…Cannot Upgrade to WLM9 due to OS compatibily. Take a chance to AMSN but WLM8 is better. Thanks to Raymond hack I’m still happy with my old OS and my old WLM8…So Thank you very much!!!!
reg add “HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\AppCompatFlags\Layers” /v “C:\\Program Files\\MSN Messenger\\msnmsgr.exe” /t REG_SZ /d “WIN2000″ /f
Viva Guatemala !!!
today microvomit wanted to force me to stop using my copy of MSN 8.5, which I thoroughly patched using apatch.org to remove all the aggravating stuff; stuff like ads, vomit live integration, repeated and unauthorized contact info requests, and basically any other message that microvomit might want to compulsorily convey to me. I solved the issue thanks to this post.
btw, I’m using aMSN on Ubuntu most of the time now. it’s been a long long time since I last installed any new M$ vomity software; I am hoping that I never need to ever again.
i followed all steps and got the save message. noticed alot of people where having it. i red threw the other comments, and notice someone said to close the wlm first. pretty idiotic to think it would modify the file when ts actually running lol. Everything works fine, just make sure when trying to cave the changes you close wlm first :) thanks alot LIFE SAVER <3
hi, ive successfully go thru what raymond noted up there.. but one thing that doesnt work dat well is my contact list…. its all gone… can any1 help em with tat???
Raymond, thanks so much for this one! I’m really happy that I can use WLM8.5 again for now. I just wonder how comes this thread started already in march… Here in Switzerland we were forced to upgrade to WLM2009 now in November – but seems you guys had to do that already a half year ago… As ppl above are complaining, same happen to me: Cam didn’t work anymore properly when starting a Video conversation (mostly MSN crash) – only way to handle it, was to let the other send cam first, then send mine… Also extremly annoying the mirrored webcam… However, back on track now with the good “old” 8.5.130.1018 – Best regards!
I tried the 8.0 version. I managed to sign in, but I couldn’t make my contacts appear online.
I tried the 8.5 version, but as soon as I signed in, the program crashed. It does that every time.
I’m thinking about getting version 9 again. The only thing I’m after is to be able to display my contacts by e-mail address instead of nickname. And sometimes when 9 is installed, it displays the e-mail addresses. But as soon as you do something “wrong”, it starts displaying nicknames again and there’s no turning back. However, my friend has managed to maintain e-mail display for several months…
hell yeah m8 youre the best!
i can’t save it in reshack :| damn
idiots u cant save because you have to CLOSE WINDOWS LIVE MESSENGER BEFORE TRYING TO USE RESOURCEHACKER
i done all of the above… it still dont work, still says i have to upgrade when i try and sign in… help
Post 104 worked for me.All the others failed.Thanks Stephen, I hated not seeing contact email addresses.
thanks a lot Raymond, resourcehacker worked, i hope you find the solution for msn 9 installation, you saved us from antics of Microsoft
i hate the new way i like the old way better so bring it back.
i hate the new way like the old way better so bring it back.
Hey thanks for the update! This also works with Version 8.1.178.0!! (which I am running) I did not want to update, this worked out perfectly! Much appreciated!
OMG!!…Thank you very much!…I know nothing about computers and although it took me a while, I was able to follow your instructions and got MSN back and didn’t lose a thing…Thanks SOOOOOO much!!
For those that were unaware, Shareing folders was a single folder shared between your adress and one other , such as your best buddy. Either of you could put anything in it whilst signed in on your PC or take it out. No one else could see or touch anything in it. I had over twenty such folders with over twenty different buddies.They were the best and easiest way of giving a file to someone you know, even small film clips. the folders were not online they were in your Pc and the same folder was in your buddies. Everybody got that. Thankx live for destroying all my files without even a warning.
Thanks Dude,that pop up box dogged me for weeks, i wrote to five different advisors on live.They all acted as if they didn’t understand my problem. on the new 2009 version there is no link to the shareing folders. so i lost 15 GB of files shared between my friends addresses and they can offer no explanation or fix. live shareing folders in messenger have nothing to do with your shared folders in mycomputer before anyone jumps on that question.after about 9 replies i gave up asking for help. Live simply are not that stupid that they were unaware. However install the old and Ureka they are still there as long as you havent defragged or restored etc.
hi there guyss i did it after 3 hours, for those who couldnt save it delete the dots for example it says “.14.0.8089.0726.” delete the first dot and the last dot so its
“14.08989,076″ only and it will save it for u
use msn 8.0 it works well, ive just dont it and it worked yuppppyyyyyyyy am soo happy cuz i did not give you ive been trying for almost 3 hours cuz i hated the new msn soo much i wanted this to work and it did, anyone who needs anyhelp just drop me a line
good luck guys, cuz i now can see my love on cam better than that new msn version i hated soo much
hey i just changed the msn version from 8.5 to the latest 1 through reshack n its working thanx Raymond……….
hi i followed raymond advice n installed again widows live older version 8.5 from above given link n it was working till yesterday when i again started getting message to upgrade 2 newer version now wat should i do?? please help……….is msn new version working finely or still those bugs there please helpppp
It Works! It wOrKsSSsss!! hahaha, thank u so much bro!
How do I get a copy of the old windows live mail? New Windows Live just kills my computer whenever I install it (Windows XP).
Thanks for the great workaround by the way.
I don’t know. The fix with a new version number (comment #122 & the updated article) worked for me. What I’ve done is this:
1. Remove old messenger with the ZapMessenger (the link above didn’t work for me so I had to Google it)
ZapMessenger also kept all my contacts in despite of some comments above.
2. Download the old version of MSN messenger (8.0.0.0812) from the link in the article above & install it.
3. Then use the ResHacker to change the version number to whatever it says in the article above (I believe Raymond updates it regularly — thanks for doing that, btw)
If running ResHacker on Vista/Win7 right-click it’s icon (instead of double-clicking) and select run as administrator, then confirm it. In this case you won’t have a problem while compiling and saving.
4. I would also disable Windows updates, since that’s how you get your current messenger “updated” back to the version that Microsoft wants you to have. (Or at least set it to “Check updates and notify me before installing”, don’t leave it on automatic.
Many people criticize me for disabling Windows updates, but I ask them this question. How many times did Windows updates fix things for you? And, also, how many times did Windows updates mess things up? That should tell you what to do :)
hey guys,
Zsoltisan, don’t worry, you won’t have to change it until they release a new version and it can’t be tomorrow.
Cedric, you have to right-click on the file “ResHacker.exe” and choose “Run as administrator” then click “Allow” when asked. That’s it and you’ll be able to save after compiling. Good luck!
Nikki, read my previous comment or read comment number 111. you’ll have to use ResHacker again to because there is a new version number.
Hi ive installed wlm 8.5
and i had to use ResHacker to be able to log in
and it worked for like 2-3 days
now that prompt is back..that i “need the latest version etc”
what do i do?
i tried installing 8.0 and use ResHack it worked before but not anymore :(
plz help
Thanks for everything. But i can still not save after compiling the script. And where do i need to right-click if i want to open it as an administrator. Thanks.
Hey Everyone!
I did again the version number hacking, because with this version ’14.0.8064.0206′ worked only 1 day. Now with the new version number working the wlm, but I hope not for a day again. If so, then what should I doing? Change every day the version number?? It’s not so good solution…
Hey guys, Hey Pete
If it worked for some time with you and stopped working again, go to comment NO. 111 which says:
All you have to do is:
1- Open ResHack as Administrator again.
2- Change the number again to 14.0.8089.0726 instead of 14.0.8064.0206
and that’s it!
Good Luck everyone!
Pete, it happened to me also.
What I did was:
1. Repeat the steps n revert the value back to 8.xxxx.
Compile n save.
2. Run MSN, and of course it won’t load because of th update.
3. Close MSN.
4. Edit the value 8.xxx u used earlier to 14.xxx.
Works.
This did work great for a while but yesterday it stopped working and I get the old ‘a nwer version is available’ window.
any ideas?
Wow, thanks man, it worked! This is definitely a link to put into my bookmarks… Only if people like you worked at Microsoft :)
well I delete and recompiled the file and now it works
hi, even if I did as eplained I still have trouble to sign in.
the message is asking me to upgrade to newest version……….
con you please help me?
thanks
Thanks, Raymond.
I’ll give this a shot, and hope it works.
What the heck.
Microsoft upped the version requirement AGAIN. Good sir Raymond updated the article to fix it everyone. His article previously said 14.0.8064.0206, but now instead of using that number you have to use version number for the latest version of MSN Messenger: 14.0.8089.0726
I’ve updated the article’s build number so you can modify your old MSN Messenger to make the Live servers think that you are using the latest build.
It didn’t work for me. I tried everything like it said above and even the older version asks to upgrade.
IT SUCKS!!!!
I hate this f**ing Microsoft. When will they learn their lesson? Why forcing their f*cking sh*t on people. Have no choice but to upgrade to a new version… :(
awesome! thanks :D
This worked for me a couple days ago, but version seems to have changed. Tried the version number in comment 115 also, unsuccessfully.
If it prompts you to update again after you got it working, try changing the version number again to the LATEST version
an other problem occured it makes an other exe file called msnmsngr_original and when you compile it it makes one more cant log in now
founded way to retreive lost contacts, just install offering version and all of your contacts should be back.
If you are using 8.5 replace the original msnmsgr.exe with this one:
kongshare.com/?d=IdXfFItpuW-msnmsgr.rar
Or use the updated version which is now:
14.0.8089.726
Nevermind! For those of you who may be getting this problem…use RESHACKER to change the product version to the LATEST version which is..
14.0.8089.726
Cheers!
i tried and worked for first time but when I opened MSN it was the same and trick from the artickle didnt work + i lost all of my contacts. But thank you for helping other folks.
I used Reshack to change the product version to 14.0.8064.0206 but when i start WLM 8.5 and try to log in it still prompts me to upgrade…help!
Instead of putting in the version number 14.0.8064.0206……use the newest release version number of 14.0.8089.0726
It told me today that I needed to upgrade. I had a friend download resource hacker cuz he has the recent messenger and he told me his version number. Put the new number in and it works great.
Hi
i was made to upgrade on friday an now i cant use webcam to see my friend..i hate this version …i ve done everything listed above an still doesnt work..im on xp like most….can u help?
orrrrrrrrrr you could just set compatibility mode to windows 2000. LATER
Hi, i downloaded messenger 8.0 and installed it, i tryed to connect but it asked me to update, then i downloaded reshac and i did what u said to do but then when i tryed to connect it just popped me out don’t send message and closed my msn, any help for that ?
Thank You
hi Raymond! thanks for the help. I tried it and everything works perfectly well except one thing. After signed in, WLM always closes itself. And when i point my mouse in task bar msgr icon it closes as well. I dont know why this is not behaving. I tried everything like uninstalling then reinstall but still the same. Started the problem this week. This really pain in the ass. Hope you can help me.
P.S. I send an email to microsoft support team but their ideas didn’t work :(
Raymond’s instructions are clear !!
However, it takes me half an hour to figure everything out..
THANKS RAYMOND !!
Upon this matter,i’ve registered myself as part of Raymond CC forum member. !
<<<>>> RAY YOU ROCK!!!!!!!! I couldn’t believe it when the 8.5 actually logged me in! First time in Months!!! you are SO the man!@ The ZAP Messengr and 8.5 (no upgrade fix) are pure genius
There is a work around for users that want to use 8.1
1. Right click on the shortcut of MSN
2. Select “Properties”
3. Select “Compatibility” tab
4. Check the Run “this program in compatibility mode for”
5. Select “Windows 2000″
6. Press “Apply” or “Ok”
7. Done
there is a way of getting msn 8.5 to work without having that stupid message telling you to upgrade to the newer version
That’s good, I can use it finally. Thanks so much.
Nothing Pisses me off more than someone forcing there will on me DAME You Microsoft
No one has an ideas as to why my contact list would be missing or how to retrieve it?
First of all I wanna say Big ¨THANKS¨ to Raymond for taking his time to share his knowledge.For those people who tried the process and still didn´t get through just restart ur pc. then try using the ZapMessenger again and download MSN Messenger Live 8.5.1235 it should work
Thanks it worked perfect,i was forced to update to version 9 and found webcams were running real slow or not at all,have gone back to 8.5 now thanks to your excellent instructions.
Thanks You!!!!
You Saved My Business!!!!!!!!
You are the man… worked like a charm!! Now sharing folders can still exist with me and m’friends! Thanks, Dan.
Thqnx man for the hack, I m using 8.5 and yesterday it poped up to me that i have to upgrade, but ur trick worked jst fine, and am so gratful to u… thanx again…
Ughhh.
I had this working in September, and today it suddenly stopped and started telling me I need to update again.
I’ve tried both methods, neither have worked. I’ve also tried saving as and changing the compatibility etc and still no success.
Thanks SO much! I’ve been looking on how to do this for ages.
Just a heads up, this also works for windows live messenger 2008 build 8.5 , not just 8.0. At least it did here.
Thanks for the tip! Searched half of my day the way to sneak pass that shit…mainly because installing WLM 9 to my pc had an error and tried to fix it all the ways….nothing worked. And now this little hack gave me a chance to sneak pass the download at all! Good! :)
Oh yea, by the way, I tried the above for both versions 8.0.0.0812 and 8.5. They both work.
Hey, for those who can’t save, try manually renaming the original msnmsgr.exe to something else (eg. msnmsgr_original.exe) then saving the modified script as msnmsgr.exe using Save As…
It worked for me ;)
Thank you so so much.. I hate the new LIVE messenger.
the older one is much more easy and is better. The new one is like YUCK.. thank you so much!
I had the first option suggested above installed and working fine for about a month…than today it forced me to upgrade to WLM.
I tried the hack option suggested above and everything installed and worked fine but for some reason all my contacts are missing.
What did I do wrong?
I had tried the first option about a month ago and it worked fine up until today…for some reason it forced me to upgrade to windows live again.
I zapped everything and tried the hack (option 2)…I installed version 8, went through all the necessary steps and it worked fine. I was able to login but the only thing is my contacts/setting are all missing.
Am I missing something?
I’d like to add to the chorus of people who says THANK YOU for this nifty little trick. It worked beautifully on my version of Windows Live 8.5. As a couple users have stated, Microsoft had made it mandatory to upgrade to Windows Live 9 as of yesterday (November 4) and it drove me absolutely friggin insane. Thank you so much!
Hi, I’ve followed your instructions, using Messenger Deep clean but I keep getting prompted to upgrade to the latest Messenger! The ResourceHacker did work and saved properly, yet I’m still being promted to upgrade. Can anyone help me?
Thanks mate! I hated it when upgraded to Windows Live Messenger 2009… quite lousy… I think mine (8.5) is better…
Anyway Thanks again!
Thanks for this! I hate the new messenger after I accidentally installed it at work. Then my home pc today told me I ‘must update’ so I went in search of a solution and found this! The ResourceHacker worked perfectly for version 8.5 on XP.
If you don’t wish to be MSForced or MSBullied into the upgrade, then at the Messenger executable file (C:\program files\MSN Messenger\msnmsgr.exe) Right click > Compatibility > Compatibility with Windows 2000. This avoids the update. Works for me!
youre great man thnx i can now use 8.5
Thanks Raymond.. you explained each step very well and it worked for me! Thanks ju-ee for the tip.. that was the problem for me haha!
For those of you having problems saving under resource hacker I found a solution. If your using vista or xp make sure your logged in as an administrator. For vista you will need to right click on the reshacker application and go to “run as administrator”. Change the version number and compile the script and then it should save.
I used the Zap messesnger tool and downloaded the first link you showed us. (so not the hacking thing) It worked. – thankyou very much, i can sign in and no pop up comes forcing me to download the latest version. I hope this carries on, only question I wish to ask is.. now that I have the version 8.0 Can i update it to 8.5?
My messenger didnt work since i downloaded 9.0 – ive tried EVERYTHING, went on their errors page, looked at every link. I had to click ‘run’ and enter cmd and enter all these long codes, lol but yeah i just wanted to ask will it be safe if i downloaded 8.5 now?
thanks
Hey RAYMOND, Thank you very much for your post bro!! I was looking for this for a long period. Finally found it…
HAVE FUN!!
Thank you!-works fantastically!!! Had tried EVERYTHING.
THX BRO!
when i try your method that you mentioned
then all my contact gone
please help
hey i cant save it like others have replied..and still not able to sign in after following all the steps numerous times…any suggestions? this is so stressful! i thought i had it lol help pls!
For some reason, I went to install the newest version because it seemed to not let me sign in 50% of the time. And since I could find no specific uninstall program, I just cleared out the folders. Then it continued saying I still had it installed. After using the zapmessenger I found somewhere else, it installed but gave me a different looking version that would say I couldnt connect before it even checked my password. After much aggrivation I tried using Trillian, but lack of custom emoticons suck. (bitches love smiley faces). So I looked more and found this.
At first the 8.000 hacked version thing let me sign on, but everyone appeared offline :|
So I then tried the 8.5 and changed the version and viola! It works. Thanks a ton man and FUUUUUCKKK YOU MICROSOFT.
Thank you so much for the advice on that messenger problem. I looked all over for the right answers and yours was the best. Again Thank You.
Dude thanks….. I was really getting annoyed with an error message :):)
Thanks Mr Raymond :)
Oh thanks, at last a solution, this wlm9 was getting on my nerves…!
If you could also do sth about the iTunes-popping-up-every-30-sec problem when selected “show what i’m listening to” I would be pleased (:
But you ‘re great whatsoever :P
You are simply genius…..thanks a lot….i hate live msn….not being able to log in for ages…..u saved me….cheers…..
hi again i have just downgraded again 2 8.0 which copy of plus do i need 2 install thanx again x
hi please help i used 2 have wlm 9 it worked fine 4 a few months and now it just logs me straight back out i have un installed it followed microsofts advice on solvin the issue and nothin helped i have had 2 down grade 2 messenger 8.5 is there a plus application 2 go wiv this if so could u please send me the link as every1 i have tried hasnt gone on2 my msn thank u x
Worked with 8.0.0812 on 21 september 2009 on winXP.
Contactlist and contactgroups intact.
Many thanx!
thanks, worked like a charm. Back to 8.1 for me. Does MSN Plus still work???
Ah, I can’t thank you enough :*
I’m not been able to see my contact list after performing these steps in windows xp now what should i do to get back my contact list!
my computer already instal windows live messenger 9 but not open . one error messege. c”\programfiles\windowslive\messenger\messenger.exe”
messege dnt open only this error messege . please help
instal messenger9 arabic
can i ask you a question due to lastest msn version?
why after i dl the new version all my contact list gone?
and im trying to dl back the old version.using your way.
Thanks man i needed this the new messenger doesnt let u view ur contact by email :@:@
I mean who’s the genious that came up with that idea…
Thanks again man :D
Thanks Ray.
I’m using Messenger 8.1 and this hack has done the trick.
I can’t believe how stupid Microsoft is to try to force people to upgrade to the latest piece of sh*t that doesn’t work.
Hey there. I followed your excellent instructions down to the last word, but I have a slight problem! When I try to save after changing the product version to 14.0.8064.0206, an error box crops up saying “Cannot rename original file. Saving Cancelled.”
What do I do?! AHHHHH! Please email me! I would be very grateful for your expertise!
Thank you soo much for this info mate
my contact list is also gone!!
it still works for example @ meebo but not on my pc with msn 8.0 :(
help pls !! !!!!!!!!!! :D
I can’t see my contact list, how do I get it back? Someone please tell me. I’ll be very thankful.
I have the same problem as seana.. please help :(
ive lost all my contacts on new version help
It worked like a charm! I would hate to upgrade to the newer version of MSN which I’ve tried once.. Never again. Thanks!
thank you so much , for this help …..
*TO ALL WHO HAD PROBLEM SAVING THE SCRIPT*
simple solution: make sure you had ur msn messenger program closed, right click and exit it from your tray icon. that should do it.
The resource hacker won’t work. I get to the compile script part then it won’t let me save it.
got the same problem, message error(cant save) in resource hacker..
This totally solve my can’t install msn 2009 problem. Thanks so much!
thanks!
Thankyou so much! I hated the new version and now I am freeeee :D
Hai, I need help here, I got the same problem as EAMN, can anyone help???
hey, i’ve read through the list of things above for me to do in order to have my messenger work however… nothing is working for me…
i run windows xp the only version i have been able to download of the messenger is ur link above and it continues to ask for an update even tho i have tried all you tricks… please help me..
it didnt work.. im still gettin the message i must install a newer version………..
hi,i try ur method but still cant,it keep call me update…i using xp 64bit ..help pls
hiiiii every one i neeeeeeeeeed help i did all the steps but when i saved this msg appear
the original file cannot rename??!!!!
i love you!!!! you saved my life! you are a freaking genius!
to me do not work… always fixed the message . :(
Zapmessenger dont work:S i get (0xc000007b) error message when i open it… i am norwegian so i dont know how to translate the error message:P sorry.. plz help
Thanks you SOOOOOO MUCH!!!!
Ray, I would give you a big, giant hug if I could! :D
thanks a zillion. the new messenger didnt work and too much complicated to fix, so i reverted to the old version. i found the solution here..and now can use my messenger again..
The resource hacker won’t work. I get to the compile script part then it won’t let me save it.
Everyy time i try and get anyonee to view my webcamm it dosent work and it just disconnects andd its really annoying me. so i read on sites to download the older versions but would this help or not as i ahve tried all sorts and nothing has worked ?
I have followed the steps and successfully signed in with WLM 8.0.0812. But the problem is all my contacts are gone! What should I dooo??? Help please!
Hey! I’ve followed your every step, but step 10 give me a little problem! I couldn’t save it for some reason. It says “Cannot rename original file. Saving cancelled.” What do I do? Anybody help?
wow man…..u solvd ma prblm…thnx alot!!!
I did all these steps and it worked.
EXCEPT for the fact that my contact list is now GONE
can someone help me with this?
When I login using jurassic msn messenger that comes with windows xp I can see my contacts fine. but when I login with msn messenger 8… my contacts list is missing! please help me!
I hate the new version of MSN, and managed to uninstall it and install an older version but my problem is when I open Resource Hacker, I can’t save the file. “Cannot rename original file. Saving cancelled”
Do you know how to save then?
I was one of the many people who lost their Contact List after installing wlm 9 at home, so thanks for the advice, now I’m using wlm 9 at my office but wlm 8 at home ;)
J like to install windows live messenger but j have problem.Please help me ! :(
Hiii! I was wondering… for some reason I couldn’t save the reshack file when i altered the number. Do I have to use 8.5 or is it okay for 8.0.012? I was able to do it for 8.5, but every time i tried to save the reshack file for 8.0.012, and it told me i couldn’t save it.
everything is ok but at last step it does not let me to “save” it. everytime it tried i was met an error like this “Cannot rename original file. Saving cancelled”.
after that i tried to save as msnmsg2.exe and replace it the original file. after cleaning original file, i deleted it and tried to run msn with new file. but it did not :(
what must i do. please help. coz i want to use xp n hate vista…
same problem as Mel…
i love you man, i got msn 7.5 to work with the same trick, badass :D
I’ve tried everything and still can’t get old version back. I used zapmessenger and DeepCleaner and I tried to change using Resourse Hacker but it won’t let me save it. Im running Vista, any ideas please as I hate this new msn. Thanks Mel
raymond! as we hate the new msn version, we love you for your solution ;)
GREAT WORK!
Thanks Raymond. I installed old version without problems,so happy can keep connection with my family oversea.
Thanks
Thanks a lot Raymond. This piece of sh!t called WLM2009 should be banned for life from all pc of this planet. Big thanks again you saved the day!!!
Well, I’ve never had any ‘upgrade’-popups when using an older version. And, in case that happens, I can always use Pidgin or Trillian or whatever…
Great bit of work Raymond – thanks.
Thanks man. But i hope Microsoft releases a fixed version of wlm 2009 soon …
Thank you Raymond!!
I needed this!
*High Fives Raymond*
I have MSN Messenger 2009 installed on my Vista Home Premium computer and it works fine. I also installed it on two XP machines and it works fine on both of them. The webcam also works on all three installations. I have to say that I am happy with the product.
another way is to go thru the registry and delete the files for the new version and then u can just install 8.1.0178 which is quite good too..the guide you can find it on google.. :)..anyways thanx raymond for this tip..it shall be helpful..
msiexec /x windowslivemessenger2009.msi
u can also just uninstall windows live messenger 2009 and then install the version 8.5 or less.
simply download the windows live messenger 2009 redistributable file from softpedia or any other site and save it somewhere ( e.g, Desktop )
now open command prompt and navigate to desktop and type
msiexec /x .msi and this will uninstall it
Now, u can install the old msn version.
Now this is why I’ve subscribed to Raymond’s posts by email. See the features WLM2009 removes here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_Live_Messenger#Windows_Live_Messenger_2009
Thanks Ray, I have to download the latest version to use WLM, with Resource Hacker I will always use this.
Deleting them is wasting of time instead keep it in inbox. L0L
Why you are not deleting them?
I didn’t like the old version and i like to stick with WLM 9.0 though i didn’t have any problem on WLM 9
Thanks to spammers, I have 2252 messages and counting. LOL!
First vista and then now WLM. When will MS team learnt?
Wow, you got 2252 messages! Lol.