Windows Messenger versus MSN Messenger

  • Thread starter Thread starter Shirley Azvedo
  • Start date Start date
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Shirley Azvedo

Are these two the same? If not, what is the difference? I know how to get
MSN Messenger but if they are different programs, how do you get Windows
Messenger?
 
Greetings Shirley,

There are several differences between the two. Most notably, MSN Messenger 6 has support for
display pictures, custom emoticons, has a different interface, etc. whereas Windows Messenger
supports SIP-based communications services, Exchange IM Server, etc. Which one you use is up
to you, and a matter of personal choice (and based upon your needs and likes), however one
thing to keep in mind, Windows Messenger must still be installed on Windows XP in order for
MSN Messenger to retain full functionality (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application
Sharing, etc.).

MSN Messenger is centered around MSN technologies (Hotmail, MSN Member Profiles, MSN Mobile,
etc.) whereas Windows Messenger is centered around Windows technologies (Exchange Server,
Office Live Communications Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).

Both clients however can make use of Microsoft technologies, like the .NET Messenger service,
..NET Passport and .NET Alerts.

Windows Messenger comes with Windows XP, but you can also install it from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/messenger/download.asp
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
 
Thanks for the info, Jonathan, but I think I will keep MSN Messenger.

Shirley
 
If you have to keep Windows XP Messenger for MSN Messenger 6/6.1 to work for
video chats etc, how do you stop version 4.7 from loading. I have 4.7 and
6.1 installed but they both try to load when I start XP. I've tried
disabling Windows messenger from loading in OE, but it's still happening.

I've also tried removing XP Messenger through a registry edit, but could
never use remote help or video after that. I assume taking it off was the
reason for this?

Inga
 
Greetings Inga,

You can remove Windows Messenger or disable via the registry, but if you do, you will be
preventing Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing and any other applications that
utilize Messenger from working (or loading without problems). You can just disable Windows
Messenger by opening it up, click Tools, Options, Preferences tab and unchecking 'Run this
Program when Windows starts' or 'Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts' (depending on
version). As well, you can disable it further by going to Start, Control Panel, Add or
Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components on the left, uncheck Windows Messenger in the
components list and click Next >. Note: this is only available if you've installed Windows
XP Service Pack 1 -- if you haven't, visit http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. This won't
remove Windows Messenger, but it will let it stay out of your way.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
 
Hi

Many thanks.

Inga

Jonathan Kay said:
Greetings Inga,

You can remove Windows Messenger or disable via the registry, but if you do, you will be
preventing Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing and any other applications that
utilize Messenger from working (or loading without problems). You can just disable Windows
Messenger by opening it up, click Tools, Options, Preferences tab and unchecking 'Run this
Program when Windows starts' or 'Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts' (depending on
version). As well, you can disable it further by going to Start, Control Panel, Add or
Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components on the left, uncheck Windows Messenger in the
components list and click Next >. Note: this is only available if you've installed Windows
XP Service Pack 1 -- if you haven't, visit
Click to expand...
http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com. This won't
 
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