MSN Messenger Dumping Hotmail Handles?

April 7, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

Is this for real? Some Windows Live IM users (formerly MSN Instant Messenger) are reporting an unusual notice from Microsoft, here. This is a bona fide message. Even after checking the domain site, I’m not sure if this is real, as some folks have said this message is a fraud.

The message makesone believe that the old email handle “hotmail” is being antiquated and the new handle, “live.com” is being adopted.

Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005 SP1 with public instant messaging (IM) connectivity enables IM capabilities between the Windows Live Messenger Service and corporate instant messaging systems. Messenger users can now IM the Messenger users they IM with today, as well as users of a connected IM system. As part of this service enhancement, you must now change the ID you are using for signing into Messenger in order to continue using this service.

Please proceed with changing your sign-in ID if you received:
An instant message from the Windows Live Messenger Service Staff
An error message when signing in to Messenger
Information that your company has just started using Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005

:: What will happen if I change my old sign-in ID to the new sign-in ID?

Once you change your old sign-in ID to a new sign-in ID, you will see a confirmation page. You’ll have to wait up to one hour for your Messenger contacts to be transferred. Once you’ve changed your sign-in ID, you’ll be able to sign in to Windows Live Messenger and any other or Windows Live enabled site, just like before. This new sign-in ID is for or Windows Live sign-in only.

:: If I change my old sign-in ID, will I need to tell all my contacts that my instant message name has changed?

No. Windows Live Messenger Service will take care of updating everyone’s contact lists with your new sign-in ID. Changing your sign-in ID will not change your Messenger display name, so if you use a friendly name, you’ll appear the same to your contacts. It may take up to one hour for the system to update your contacts. During this time, you may appear offline. In some instances, a user that has you as a contact may have to sign off and back in to see the change in your profile. Your new sign-in ID is for the Windows Live™ ID or Windows Live sign-in only.

:: If I change my old sign-in ID that has a Hotmail or Mail e-mail account, will all my e-mails and contacts be lost?

No. All of your old e-mails and contacts will be associated to your new sign-in ID and associated e-mail address. However, you do need to inform your contacts to send e-mails to your new e-mail address.

Looks like everything will work just as it always has (Contacts List, etc), but the sign in ID will change. I’d like to hear more about this from you guys– do you know if this is real? Where is this coming from?

Update: there’s a big discussion going on about it here and here.

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , . 4 Comments »

Updates and Upgrades Are SUCH a Pain

March 30, 2009 — Mrs. Mecomber

I spent the better part of the weekend in computer repair work. I helped my pal in Virginia clean his computer of a nasty virus (we did it through long distance telephone, that was fun :-p). And then I had my own problems to fix. Last week, a lot of my software programs got “updates” and “upgrades.” I really, really wish software manufacturers would just STOP DOING THIS. I have my programs set in a special way, JUST the way I like it. I don’t want it changed or messed with! My Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger programs were working so great… then came the upgrade. YUK! They got rid of the “Send/Receive” button, messed with the formatting… there’s no more “Enter” button for the IM chat window… GRR!!! I wish Microsoft would leave well enough alone. After doing a lot of searching for something that would help roll the upgrade back (which I didn’t find), I finally dumped Windows Live Mail and went back to the old Windows Mail. MUCH nicer– nicer-looking and easier to use.

Which reminds me– I recently tried Microsoft Office 1007. Yikes. It looks nice enough, but the interface is so difficult to operate. That “Ribbon” design is a thorn in a lot of computer users’ sides. I found a terrific “skin” program for the MS Office 07– it’s called “Classic Menu for Office 2007.” It includes Classic Style Menus and Toolbars for Word, Excel, PowerPoint 2007, and more. The interface is gorgeous. And isn’t it terrific to see the good old days of MS Office?! I love it.

Classic Menu for Office 2007 retains the look and feel of Office 2003 (the best Office version ever, IMHO), but functions just like Office 2007 and includes all the newer features of the 07 suite. Go here for more screenshots of the software– gorgeous!

Classic Menu for Office 2007 is selling for $30, but there’s a free trial if you want to test it out first. The software has gotten excellent ratings from Softpedia, the Files Dudes, and others. Check it out!

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Posted in browsers, conversion programs, desktop publishing, word processors. Tags: , , , . 1 Comment »
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