Whatever you do, do not change you email address for Windows Live Messenger, even if Microsoft’s instant messaging client tells you to. On April 7, 2009, the software giant revealed that the Windows Live Messenger had started notifying users that they needed to get a new email address in order to continue being able to sign in to the Windows Live Messenger Service. The Redmond company emphasized that the “important service announcement” generated because of a system enhancement, was erroneous and users should ignore it. In no way do Windows Live Messenger users need to change their email address, as their current accounts will permit them to use the IM client without any issues.

“We sincerely apologize, but this was accidentally sent out. If you received this notification today, please ignore it. You will be able to continue to use your current e-mail address, and there is no reason to make any changes,” explained a member of the Windows Live team. “If you have already clicked the link, there is no harm to you. You should have been told that your “Windows Live ID can’t be changed at this time” because there is no need for the change.”

The message offered via the IM client contained a link to a Help and Support article titled “Important changes to Windows Live Messenger.” The specific documentation was focused on Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 SP1 and not on Windows Live Messenger. Fact is that Microsoft's clip causes a dangerous precedent and contributes to opening up end users to phishing and social engineering scams via Windows Live Messenger.

“These service notifications are only used for urgent issues but unfortunately, somebody made a mistake that caused this message to be sent out. We will definitely be reviewing our process to make sure we avoid such mistakes in the future. Again, we’re very sorry for any confusion that may have been caused,” the Windows Live team representative added.

Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) is available for download via this link.