Help please - MSN messenger won't install
Discussion
I'm trying to install the latest version/update of msn messenger, called windows live messenger, but it fails every time.
It's asked me if I want to update to the latest version every time I've signed in for the last 6 months or more, but I've always ignored it (updates are a pain when I don't have a problem with the version I'm using). Now it demands I must download the new version, and it won't let me sign in untill I have.
So I go through the download process, but it fails on install every time. The message is something like "a conflict is preventing the install". I've tried with the firewall turned off, have deleted the old messenger, cleared temp files etc. Don't know what else I can do.
I'm using Vista, but that's not the problem as it downloaded ok originally (2 years ago).
Any suggestions would be appreciated please.
It's asked me if I want to update to the latest version every time I've signed in for the last 6 months or more, but I've always ignored it (updates are a pain when I don't have a problem with the version I'm using). Now it demands I must download the new version, and it won't let me sign in untill I have.
So I go through the download process, but it fails on install every time. The message is something like "a conflict is preventing the install". I've tried with the firewall turned off, have deleted the old messenger, cleared temp files etc. Don't know what else I can do.
I'm using Vista, but that's not the problem as it downloaded ok originally (2 years ago).
Any suggestions would be appreciated please.
Thanks TheEnd, the error number is Ox80070643.
From googling that I found the windows live forums, where loads of people are complaining about the forced upgrade which happened last week. None of us can sign in, as we can't get the damn upgrade to install.
It seems there is no current answer, I'm suprised it hasn't been discussed more here.
From googling that I found the windows live forums, where loads of people are complaining about the forced upgrade which happened last week. None of us can sign in, as we can't get the damn upgrade to install.
It seems there is no current answer, I'm suprised it hasn't been discussed more here.
tbh, i'm pretty pissed off too, they've added a "you must have a virus checker" command int the program when accepting .rar or .zip files.
It's nice for the concern, but it's pretty patronising for the old hands who can easily run without AV or firewall software from just common sense.
I've been running clear of that stuff for years, and never had a virus, mainly because i can recognise that stuff when it turns up.
It's pretty insulting to be forced to install a program to double check what i already know.
AV is for losers that click anything they see.
TheEnd
Happily virus free since year dot.
It's nice for the concern, but it's pretty patronising for the old hands who can easily run without AV or firewall software from just common sense.
I've been running clear of that stuff for years, and never had a virus, mainly because i can recognise that stuff when it turns up.
It's pretty insulting to be forced to install a program to double check what i already know.
AV is for losers that click anything they see.
TheEnd
Happily virus free since year dot.
Does anyone know how to remove a program that won't uninstall?
In control panel, programs and features, 'windows live essentials' is imposible to remove. I confirm the removal, but it always remains in the list.
I need to get rid of it to have any chance of reinstalling messenger 8.5 version, and disabling the forced update. TIA
In control panel, programs and features, 'windows live essentials' is imposible to remove. I confirm the removal, but it always remains in the list.
I need to get rid of it to have any chance of reinstalling messenger 8.5 version, and disabling the forced update. TIA
If anyone has the same problem and finds this thread by searching, here's the answer...
I downloaded a program called 'Handyuninstaller' which still wouldn't delete 'windows live essentials'. But using that program you can view the registry entries quickly, and deleted the files from there (apparently not recommended but it's worked 100% fine).
Then I installed MSN messenger version 8.5, which still wouldn't let me sign in, demading that I upgrade to the latest version.
To get over that and keep the old version running, you need to right click Windows Live Messenger, click on Properties, click on Compatibility Tab. Then you will see 'Compatibility Mode'. Check in front of 'Run this Program in compatibility mode for' then select Windows NT or 2000 (if you use XP) or select Windows Server 2003 SP1 (if you use Vista).
You can then keep you old version without being hassled and forced to upgrade.
I downloaded a program called 'Handyuninstaller' which still wouldn't delete 'windows live essentials'. But using that program you can view the registry entries quickly, and deleted the files from there (apparently not recommended but it's worked 100% fine).
Then I installed MSN messenger version 8.5, which still wouldn't let me sign in, demading that I upgrade to the latest version.
To get over that and keep the old version running, you need to right click Windows Live Messenger, click on Properties, click on Compatibility Tab. Then you will see 'Compatibility Mode'. Check in front of 'Run this Program in compatibility mode for' then select Windows NT or 2000 (if you use XP) or select Windows Server 2003 SP1 (if you use Vista).
You can then keep you old version without being hassled and forced to upgrade.
Thee is a better way
I had this problem and I put the question into google. There are several forums that tell you what to do. It involves downloading a small fix program for microsoft installer (took 30 seconds to download and 2 seconds to run) Then messenger installs fine.
I cant remember the website and I am away from my home pc where the link is saved, but google it and you will see what I mean.
I had this problem and I put the question into google. There are several forums that tell you what to do. It involves downloading a small fix program for microsoft installer (took 30 seconds to download and 2 seconds to run) Then messenger installs fine.
I cant remember the website and I am away from my home pc where the link is saved, but google it and you will see what I mean.
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