Windows Live Messenger is, as a general rule, available for free to all users worldwide. But of course that there are the proverbial exceptions to every rule. And Microsoft's instant messaging client is an illustrative example in this context. This because the Redmond company has instituted Windows Live Messenger embargoes for some users. And it only starts with Messenger, but fact is that embargoes continue with one of the pillars behind Microsoft's Cloud-mobile-PC “Life without Walls.”
All Windows Live Messengers are not equal; while some get “windows,” there are others that get nothing but “walls.” Are you a user located in a third-world country with a dictatorial regime? Then chances are that wishing you the best of luck when it comes down to signing in to Microsoft's instant messaging client would be accompanied by a sarcastic tone. Computer users in Cuba, Syria, Iran, Sudan and North Korea are unable to access Windows Live Messenger (via
LiveSide). A salute goes out to Microsoft for the ultimate strategy to keep the free messaging world, well, free. At least free of Cubans, Syrians, Iranians, Sudanese and North Korean!
Any attempt to connect through the IM client produces an error message and results in a connection failure. But as I said it's not just Windows Live Messenger. Microsoft has blocked all Windows Live services and clients (including the
Windows Live Essentials for Windows 7) in the countries enumerated above. The explanation is simple, and it has political roots.
“When you try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger, you receive the following error message: 810003c1: We were unable to sign you in to the .NET Messenger Service. Microsoft has shut off the Windows Live Messenger IM for users in the countries embargoed by the US hence Microsoft no longer offers Windows Live Service in your country,” the company
revealed.
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) version 14.0.8064.0206 is available for download via this
link. (exclusivelly for non-"US-embargoed" countries)
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