Installing Windows Messenger 5.1

  • Thread starter Thread starter Barry
  • Start date Start date
B

Barry

Hello!

I recently uninstalled Xnobi (an Outlook add-on) and when I did that, it
took out Windows Messenger. I have the Messenger 5.1 installation files but
when trying to install it, I get a message telling me that I have a newer
version of 5.1 and that I should uninstall that first before installing an
older version. I'm not sure how I can have an older version than what is
already on my laptop because I've obtained the latest version 5.1.0706 from
the Microsoft download site here: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/899283

The problem is I can not locate any trace of Windows Messenger on the
machine, so there is nothing to uninstall. I located another question where
somebody had this problem and one helpful respondent advises:

Jonathan Kay said:
Greetings,

To remove Windows Messenger 5.1, click Start, then Run, and enter the following:
msiexec /x {C3A6819F-62D3-4750-AF1C-28206DDF2C2E}
then click OK.

It may report that the prduct isn't installed, if so, reinstall 5.1 and then remove it.
Click to expand...

I tried that and I do get the message saying that it isn't installed.
Problem is, I can't follow the advice to install and remove it because that
takes me back to my original problem (Installation fails because I get the
message that I have a newer version already installed). Catch 22?

Thanks.
 
Greetings Barry,

Unfortunately you can't just use that because there's been multiple
versions of 5.1 released
since.

What should help is removal of this previous Windows Messenger by using
the Windows Installer
Cleanup utility, which you can find here:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/290301

After installation, just run, find Windows Messenger on the list and
choose Remove. Then try
installing again.

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this
signature or citation
 
Wow thanks, that was the silver bullet I have been searching for. I got 5.1
installed properly and now I'm golden... thanks!

In addition to the above problem, McAfee also tried it's darndest to keep me
from installing 5.1 fully (couldn't register several dll's). Just an FYI in
case others run into the same problem.

-Barry
 
Hi Barry,

Glad to hear it. My opinion of all McAfee and similar products is so low, nothing really
surprises me anymore ;)

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation
 
Hi,
I think this thread has been somewhat helpful, but I'm not sure I know
enough to ask the right question. My wife's lap was recently cleaned of
malware. Seems to have been good work, but Windows Messenger is no longer on
her machine. I don't know how to install it again, or even how to find it.
I am hesitant to use the reinstall CD that came with her Dell laptop. If I
knew how to find and install the program again I might have some of the
problems I've read about in this thread, but I'm not to that place yet. Any
advice as to what I should do next?
 
Thanks. I realized after posting that I had not gone to downloads to check
if this was available. Feel a little embarassed, but hey, that's how you
learn. Thanks again. :)
 
One more thing: I am somewhat confused about upgrading Messenger on my
laptop, now that my wife has the latest version. Is there a difference
between Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger? My version is 4.7. Do
I have to uninstall 4.7 and go get the latest? Maybe I overlooked it, but
haven't found an "update" link to Messenger. Thanks.
 
Greetings,

Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger are separate products, so you don't (and
shouldn't) uninstall Windows Messenger to use Live Messenger. In fact, if you do, you will
be disabling some functions in Windows Live Messenger as it still requires Windows Messenger
to be installed for the components to work correctly (specifically Remote Assistance,
Whiteboard and Application Sharing).

Live Messenger is recommended for general use as the latest version of Live Messenger removes
most of the legacy compatibility with older clients like Windows Messenger.

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2009 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation
--
 
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