Windows Live Messenger to be Retired

Corrine · Nov 6, 2012

Personally, I'm not much for using Messenger, although I do regularly connect to an IRC channel. However, I know there are many people who do use WLM regularly. That won't be the case much longer unless you are in China.

There isn't much information out yet beyond Microsoft confirms Windows Live Messenger retirement in favor of Skype.

Information and download: Skype

Corrine · Nov 6, 2012

The announcement posted on the Skype blog: Skype - The Big Blog - Talk to your Messenger Contacts on Skype

Cayden · Nov 7, 2012

What about the Outlook.com to WLM connectivity?

writhziden · Nov 7, 2012

I also find this a bit frustrating. I rely on Messenger for a security measure that Microsoft has yet to provide through their browser connections to live accounts (as far as I can see). Messenger has the ability to sign out from everywhere, so if I had signed in on another system, I can sign out from any system remotely.

I actually used that feature last week since I had signed in on my thesis advisor's laptop to allow him access to some files on my SkyDrive that it claimed were not downloadable even though set to public. Turned out it was the files themselves that it would not open since I could not even download them from my own account.

Anyway, Yahoo! has the ability to sign out elsewhere via mail.yahoo.com; will Microsoft give users the same ability after they scrap Messenger?

Corrine · Nov 7, 2012

From what I can tell, you would need to uncheck the option to "Sign me in when Skype starts".

Also saw this to open Skype a second time and have two accounts signed on and operational at the same time: on W7 - run (W key + R) "C:\Program Files (x86)\Skype\Phone\Skype.exe" /secondary which may come in handy to separate business from personal: Help for Skype: How can I run two Skype accounts on the same computer?.

It might also be a good idea to read Help for Skype: What happens when I merge my Skype and Microsoft accounts?.

Corrine · Nov 7, 2012

I've been doing so additional research on the "sign out from everywhere" issue. Apparently, there is only one way to do this -- by changing your password, it forces all accounts to logoff automatically. :thumbsdown2:

To check if your account is logged on at another location:

Using the Skype client program window, click Tools -> Options -> Privacy -> Privacy Settings
Select the "Show Advanced Options" button.
Make sure the "Allow my status to be shown on the web" checkbox is checked, if not check it, and then click the "Save" button.
Logoff from Skype, and go here: http://www.skype.com/intl/en-us/tell-a-friend/wizard/
Enter your Skype name and change the Skype Status radio button to "Show".
If shown as online, you are logged in on another computer/device or someone is logged in as your Skype name.

LilBambi · Nov 8, 2012

I don't let Skype start with the OS. I open it when I want to open it. Same with other IMs. They are all dangerous in one way or another and really need to have someone present who can turn it off when not needed instead of open all the time as many do.

I also have them seriously locked down.

Just my two cents.

Corrine · Nov 8, 2012

I get so involved in other things that I don't even think about messaging most of the time.

LilBambi · Nov 8, 2012

I hear ya!

Cayden · Nov 9, 2012

Cayden said:
What about the Outlook.com to WLM connectivity?

Does any one have an answer?

jcgriff2 · Nov 9, 2012

LilBambi said:
I don't let Skype start with the OS. I open it when I want to open it.

That's exactly what I do & as an added bonus - I KILL skype when finished via Process Explorer.

LilBambi · Nov 9, 2012

Smart move J.C.! :thumbsup2:

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Windows Live Messenger to be Retired

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Cayden

Member

writhziden

Administrator, .NET/UWP Developer

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

LilBambi

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Corrine

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

LilBambi

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Cayden

Member

jcgriff2

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)

LilBambi

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Windows Live Messenger to be Retired

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Member

Administrator, .NET/UWP Developer

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Administrator, Microsoft MVP, Security Analyst

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Member

Co-Founder / AdminBSOD Instructor/ExpertMicrosoft MVP (Ret.)

BSOD Kernel Dump Senior Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Administrator,
Microsoft MVP,
Security Analyst

Co-Founder / Admin
BSOD Instructor/Expert
Microsoft MVP (Ret.)