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.  If you’d like to learn more about this upgrade and why we’re doing this, please see the previous blog post, Upgrade Windows Live Messenger.

Starting today, if you are using version 8.1, you will be required to upgrade before you will be able to sign-in.  After upgrading you will be able to sign-in and if you’re interested in learning more about the new release, please visit the Windows Live Messenger information page.

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.

 

Update: Users on Windows XP will need to ensure that they have installed Service Pack 2 (SP2) or higher, otherwise the upgrade will not work.  Instructions to install the latest Service Pack (SP3) can be found here.  Additionally, here is more information about the system requirements.

Thanks,
The Windows Live Messenger Team