Live Messenger 8.1/8.5 Bypass Mandatory Upgrade

| Posted by watashii | Filed under Software, Web

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Today when logging into my Windows Live Messenger 8.1,  I received a message forcing me to upgrade to the latest Windows Live Messenger (2009).  This was discussed on their blog less than 1 month ago (thanks for the short heads-up).  However, like many others, upgrading to the 2009 version was not ideal. That is:  it just doesn’t work at all.

For me, I ran into problems logging in (via my workplace), as I kept getting the error: “Signing in to Windows Live Messenger failed because the authentication service is not compatible with this version of the program.
Error code: 8100030f”. And NOTHING in the online help provided any clues with this message!

So the only resolution for me was to find a way to continue using the old version.  Here I found a workaround to skip the mandatory upgrade (I’m on XP, however Vista should work also).

1.) Exit your Live Messenger, then locate the messenger executable file, where-ever you’ve installed it.

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2.) Right click on its properties.

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3.) Under Compatibility tab, change the compatibility mode for Windows 2000.  This is because Live Messenger 8.1/8.5 is still compatible on an older version of Windows, and this version will not enforce a mandatory upgrade.

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4.) Press OK and start Live Messenger.  It will repair itself for the first time it starts.

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5.) Login should be back to normal afterwards!

Do you know any other workarounds?

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Permalink | September 17th, 2009

6 Responses to “Live Messenger 8.1/8.5 Bypass Mandatory Upgrade”

  1. Kunal Says:
    September 17th, 2009 at 1:46 pm

    OMG. Thank you so much. This really works and I can now use my windows live messenger 8.1.

    I didn’t actually have the service pack 2 that would allow me to upgrade to the new versions. I am glad am now being able to use my messenger 8.1 again.

    Thanks.

  2. Jason Says:
    October 7th, 2009 at 4:27 pm

    Thanks millions… :)) Was having problems upgrading to the new messenger… was contenting myself with windows messenger for sometimes, but it s*** big deal… so this technique made my day ;)

  3. Chris Says:
    November 6th, 2009 at 12:44 am

    Phew, I was worried until I found this post.

    Thanks.

  4. Sperch Says:
    November 6th, 2009 at 10:55 am

    Works like a charm!
    Thank you!
    Thank you!
    Thank you!
    (-:

  5. KannaHime Says:
    November 7th, 2009 at 1:01 pm

    Hey,

    I’ve seen this bypass everywhere but…. it makes it Messenger Plus! doesn’t work anymore. Did you find any solution to this yet? o.o

    Kanna~<3

  6. koderius Says:
    November 10th, 2009 at 11:47 am

    you f#$@$#@ saved my day!

    After crawllling the net on my belly for a solution…to no avail …

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