If you’re a Windows Live Messenger user or even a lover of the older versions of MSN Messenger before it became Windows Live, you will no doubt be aware of the discontinuation of the Messenger service in 2013. Even though Microsoft is pushing all of us onto Skype, there are still millions of users who really don’t like it and think Skype really isn’t ready to be a complete replacement for Messenger with several features still missing, not to mention the huge amount of resources and wasted screen space Skype consumes over it predecessor.
Although Microsoft have said that Messenger has been discontinued starting March of 2013, it is widely believed that the Messenger service itself won’t be completely switched off until around spring 2014. So if you’re a lover of Messenger and don’t care much for Skype, you still potentially have up until that time to continue using the Messenger service. The problem that you have now is when you try to log into Messenger, most users will receive a message saying “A newer version is available. You must install the newer version in order to continue” that tries to force an upgrade from Messenger to Skype and you cannot continue unless you click Yes.
Getting this must install message isn’t much fun if you don’t want Skype because it’s basically giving you the choice of Skype or nothing. This problem will appear on just about all versions of Messenger going back to 8.5, 7.5 and maybe even beyond meaning you simply cannot connect until an upgrade is performed.
The good thing is though, there are workarounds allowing you to continue using Messenger right up until the service is completely cut off, and you don’t yet have to do want Microsoft wants you to do and upgrade (or downgrade depending on your point of view). Here are some solutions to help you carry on with your current version of Messenger for as long as possible.
The Manual Solution
This workaround is to trick the MSN chat servers into believing you aren’t using a Messenger client at all. When Messenger connects it sends some identifier strings (including MSNMSGR and msmsgs) to the MSN server to say it’s trying to connect . Now that Microsoft is trying to get everybody off WLM and onto Skype, the server reads those strings and sends back the forced upgrade message.
Our solution is to change the strings that get sent so the server won’t identify your client as Messenger, and therefore won’t force you to update the version you’re running. This needs to be done using a Hex editor to edit the Messenger executable in Program Files. If you’re doing this, MAKE SURE your WLM client isn’t running in the background or it won’t edit.
We’ve done this for four different versions of Windows Live Messenger (5 if you include WLM 2011), so make sure you have the exact version listed or it won’t work, if not download and install the correct one. They are:
WLM 2012 (16.4.3505) | WLM 2009 (14.0.8117) | WLM 8.5.1302 | MSN 7.5.0324
1. Download the HxD Hex editor and install it, a portable version is also available.
2. Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger and make a backup copy of the msnmsgr.exe file, 64-bit users go to “Program Files (x86)”. For 7.5 go to Program Files\MSN Messenger.
3. Run HxD and drop the msnmsgr.exe file onto the window or click the open button/menu and locate it.
4. This next step requires you to locate 2 different hex addresses depending on which of the WLM versions you’re running. Press Ctrl+G in HxD to bring up the Goto window. If the cursor defaults to hex editing in the main window after typing the goto offset, press tab and switch to text.
For MSN Messenger 7.5.0324
Type 2C158 and press enter, then type the number 0. Press Ctrl+G, type 57688 into the box, hit enter and type another zero (0). Click the Save button.
For Windows Live Messenger 8.5.1302
Enter 76B48 into the box and press enter, then type the number 0. Press Ctrl+G again, type 85ACC into the box and press enter. Type another 0, then click the Save button and close HxD.
For Windows Live Messenger 2009 (14.0.8117)
Type 61A40 into the Goto box, press enter and type 0. Back in the Goto box (Ctrl+G), enter 7B634, press enter and type another 0. Save the edited file.
For Windows Live Messenger 2012 (16.4.3505) & 2011 (15.4.3555)
WLM 2012 and 2011 are slightly different to the others because the value to change isn’t in the msnmsgr.exe file and instead you need to open the C:\Program Files\ Windows Live\Contacts\PresenceIM.dll file in HxD.
The good news is there’s only a single value that needs changing. Goto (Ctrl+G) offset 6F588 and type in a 0. Then Save the file (make sure to back it up first). The offset for WLM 2011 is slightly different being 4CE88 in the PresenceIM.dll file.
Now if you try connecting, the Messenger service server thinks that you’re connected using something other than Windows Live Messenger. You shouldn’t get any more nags and and it won’t try to force you onto Skype up until the service is completely terminated in 2014.
If you prefer something easier, have a look at a few more methods on page2.
Thanks worked a treat, I am using Windows 7 x64 – messenger 2012
I’ve been using an XP compatibility version of 2009 since the newer design was released, so thanks for the reassurance that I won’t lose MSN for another year.
OH raymond thank you so so much to help me connect my facebook friends again, I was sick and tired with skype which never connected to facebook, no doubt skype sucks. I use messenger reviver 2 to work windows live messenger again. you are genius. thank you again.
Dear Raymond,
I accidentally found a link to Messenger Live Reviver v2.1 which might help some novice users like me …
Kind regards,
Jackson.
Did you not read Page 2 of this article? Messenger Reviver is already there….:)
Thanks HAL9000 for the information.
Silly me, I must have missed the link to the 2nd page as I scroll right to the bottom of the page :)
This works really great, thanks a lot.
Thank you very much.
The new Windows Live Social Messenger sucks ass.
Worked for me…
very nice tutorial, i also downgraded, haven’t tested the webcam options though, I’m 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!
nice job….very nice.
thank you worked perfectly, I run 2009 and was prompted to install 2011 which failed and this blocked the logon to 2009…….. smart design MS,,,,,,
nice solution !!!!!!}:))))
Hey Guys.
This WORKS !!!
also for the LATEST version.
Now enjoy the old fashion wlm.
Thank You For This wonderful info.
Greetings D
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
i also must had that you use such an easy to understand language that maybe you should consider giving classes!
All the best!
Can’t thank you enough, you are a bloody genius :)))))
hi I am running messenger 2009 but I don’t know how to enter the 0 do I have to open the go to each time I have to type a number 0? and how to save it thanks
You have to open the Goto window (Ctrl+G), type the first offset (61A40) and then enter the number 0. Then do the same again with the second offset address (7B634). Press the Save icon in the toolbar or press Ctrl+S to save.
If it sounds too much, try the Messenger Reviver on page 2, it does this for you.
thanks so much
cheers mate~
Whoever made this tutorial – thanks a lot.
Yes!! It works, Thanks mate
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.
Thank you so much!!!!
This guide worked perfect. I was dubious 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
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!
thank you so much! this worked perfectly.
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. Thank you again I had given up on using messenger but now you have bought it back to me.
yup it’s working thanks :)
Just one word. Finally.
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.
absolutely fantastic….thank u so much………………
thank u soooooooooooooooooooooooooo much…?
Raymond you rock , you are the man , i did the trick as per your instructions and it works like ” A sharp knife in butter ” smooth . contact list intact , no problems , web cam works . i did it on WLM 8.1 on winxpsp2
okay , got it . I LOVE U FOR THIS ! (L)
Thank you so much. you don’t know how much i appreciate it. Thank you, thank you!
EXcellent solution, buddy! It did the trick! Now, I can go back (Happily) to Messenger 8.5 .
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
THX RAYMOND……!!!!i LOVE U!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!haha just joke…THX UR HINT IS WORK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
thank you for all my friends
i also prefer the older styles of MSN.
thanks for the hints.
Thanks Raymond this works a treat! Bloody Microsoft! I’ll upgrade when I want to thanks very much :D
thnx a lot man u saved me =D
Thanks buddy , it worked for me.
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. !
Wonderful!
I love u man… you have solved my problem.
Thank you very much.. You the one :D
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!!!!
hell yeah m8 youre the best!
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!!
It Works! It wOrKsSSsss!! hahaha, thank u so much bro!
Wow, thanks man, it worked! This is definitely a link to put into my bookmarks… Only if people like you worked at Microsoft :)
awesome! thanks :D
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!!!
That’s good, I can use it finally. Thanks so much.
First of all I wanna say Big ¨THANKS¨ to Raymond for taking his time to share his knowledge.
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…
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 it…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! :)
I tried the above for both versions 8.0.0.0812 and 8.5. They both work.
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’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 and it drove me absolutely friggin insane. Thank you so much!
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! Worked perfectly for version 8.5 on XP.
you’re great man thanks i can now use 8.5
Thanks Raymond.. you explained each step very well and it worked for me!
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.
THANKS BRO!
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…!
You are simply genius…..thanks a lot….i hate live msn….not being able to log in for ages…..u saved me….cheers…..
Worked with 8.0.0812 on windows XP.
Contact list and contact groups intact.
Many thanks!
thanks, worked like a charm. Back to 8.1 for me.
Ah, I can’t thank you enough :*
Thanks man i needed this. The new messenger doesn’t let you view your contact by email.
I mean who’s the genius 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.
Thank you soo much for this info mate
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 …..
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
i love you!!!! you saved my life! you are a freaking genius!
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..
wow man…..u solved my problem…thanks a lot!!!
i love you man, i got msn 7.5 to work with the same trick
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
Great bit of work Raymond – thanks.
Thank you Raymond!!
I needed this!
*High Fives Raymond*