14 DAY TRIAL // Users who, even at this point in time, continue to run Windows Live Messenger versions 8.1 or 8.5 will experience sign-in problems. Specifically, they will find themselves locked out of Microsoft’s instant messaging client. The solution to regain access is rather simple, namely upgrading to the latest release of Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009). The Redmond company is effectively forcing users of older versions of the IM client to make the jump to the latest build, stressing the importance of patching security vulnerabilities affecting Windows Live Messenger prior to 14.0.8089.726.
“Over the past few weeks we have been asking customers using previous versions of Windows Live Messenger to upgrade to the latest version in order to ensure they had the most up-to-date and secure release,” a representative of the Windows Live Messenger Team stated.
Initially, the upgrades were optional, and users of Windows Live Messenger versions 8.1 or 8.5 simply received notifications of the availability of Build 14.0.8089.726. But as of this week, the software giant is no longer letting them choose. Users who don’t upgrade will be locked out of Windows Live Messenger. “If you are using version 8.1 [and 8.5], you will be required to upgrade before you will be able to sign-in. After upgrading you will be able to sign-in,” the Windows Live Messenger team representative added.
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 first became available for download on August 19th, 2009. Subsequently, Microsoft started sending upgrade notifications to users running v8.1 and v8.5. At the start of October 2009, customers using versions 14.0, prior to 14.0.8089, will also receive upgrade notifications, and they too will be cut from the IM client come late October, unless they install Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726.
The Windows Live Messenger team representative said that “we’ve seen comments from a few users stating that they have had some trouble signing-in after the upgrade and wanted to provide a few resources. The following links can help you in case you’re having an issue:
- Troubleshooting Login Issues: This post from the support team provides some guidance into how to determine what error you are getting and steps to resolve many of these. - Online Help: You can also try the online help pages. On the left hand side, you can select ‘Table of Contents’ (near the bottom) and get information on troubleshooting and error codes. - Contact the Support Team: If you have already tried the going through the online help suggestions and still having difficulties then you should consider contacting the Messenger support team and providing them with more information about the problems that you are encountering.”
Windows Live Messenger 9.0 (2009) 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here. Windows Live Mail 2009 14.0.8089.0726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Family Safety is available for download here.
Windows Live Writer 14.0.8089.726 is available for download here.
Windows Live Photo Gallery 2009 14.0.8081.709 is available for download here.