Hack/Patch/Workaround for Forced Upgrades to Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726 – Continue Using Windows Live Messenger (WLM) 8.5

Last Updated on Wednesday, 11 November 2009 10:00 Written by Mire_B Wednesday, 11 November 2009 10:00

As of November 9th, Microsoft has started upgrading all Windows Live Messenger users not running the latest release of the instant messaging client to version 14 full build string 14.0.8089.726. From the volume of comments on forums and various blogs including the official Windows Live Messenger blog, as well as from the wave of requests that I received, it is painfully obvious that users are not happy with Microsoft’s decision to force them to upgrade. Mandatory upgrades to Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726 are the only way for users of versions 8.1, 8.5 and 14 (with the exception of 14.0.8089.726) to continue being able to sign in.

Now there is a very simple workaround to the mandatory Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726. I have tried it myself and it works as a charm. But first, I actually advise users to upgrade. I know that a forced upgrade to Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726 might not be exactly a move to warm up to, but from a security perspective it makes perfect sense.

Windows Live Messenger blog: The upgrade will provide customers with the latest software updates including code fixes and feature enhancements; as well address vulnerabilities discussed in the Microsoft Security Advisory 973882 that existed in previous versions of Windows Live Messenger.

Also from the Windows Live Messenger blog: All Windows Live Messenger clients with versions 8.1, 8.5 or 14.0 will receive the upgrade notification. Beginning August 25, customers of Messenger 8.1 or 8.5 were prompted to upgrade their client. Customers who installed the latest Windows Live Messenger client (14.0) before August 19, 2009 will start receiving an upgrade notification in September 2009. Customers of older versions of MSN Messenger on Windows 2000, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 95, Windows Me or Windows 98 will not receive an upgrade notification.

To clarify, if you are running Messenger 8.1, 8.5 or 14.0 on the following operating systems: Windows XP 32bit, Windows Vista (32bit/64bit), Windows 7( 32bit/64bit) or Windows Server 2008, you will receive the upgrade notice. See this link for the system requirements of the latest version. http://download.live.com/SystemRequirements.

Solution/Hack/Patch/Workaround for mandatory upgrades to Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726 that will allow you to keep running Windows Live Messenger (WLM) 8.5.

It’s very simple, and the key is the operating systems supported by Windows Live Messenger 14.0.8089.726: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32-bit edition only), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions), Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit editions), or Windows Server 2008.

You don’t see Windows 2000 anywhere on the list do you? First of all, make sure that Windows Live Messenger 8.5 is turned off completely – kill the process if you have to. For the next step, right click the Windows Live Messenger 8.5 icon and select Properties. Then go to the Compatibility tab, and choose to “Run this program in compatibility mode for” Windows 2000. And that’s it! Now Windows Live Messenger 8.5 will sign in without any issues. Take a look at the screenshots if you need additional guidance.

Attention: Windows Live Messenger 8.5 and earlier contain security vulnerabilities that can allow attackers to take over control of your computer! Continue using said versions of Windows Live Messenger at your own risk!