Preparing for Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger (New!) is an instant messenging program that allows you to send and receive instant messages, hold video chats, and share files. Windows Live Messenger doesn’t come installed with Windows Vista, so you need to download and install it from the Microsoft Web site. Before you can use Windows Live Messenger, you need to get an account ID. You use the ID to sign-in to Windows Live Messenger as well as other Windows Live services, such as Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Spaces. If you already have an MSN Hotmail, MSN Messenger, or Microsoft Passport account, you’ve already got a Windows Live ID.

Download Windows Live Messenger

Click the Start button, and then click point to All Programs.

Click Windows Live Messenger Download.

Your Web browser opens, displaying the Windows Live Messenger Website.

Click the link to download the Windows Live Messenger software.

Click Run to start the download and the installation, or click Save to save the installation files to your hard disk, and then double-click the Setup icon.

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Follow the online instructions to complete the installation.

Create an Account

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Live Messenger.

The Windows Live Messenger sign-in windows opens.

Click Get a new account at the bottom.

Your Web browser opens, displaying the Get your Windows Live ID Web site.

Click the link to sign up for the Windows Live ID.

Follow the online instructions to create a Windows Live ID.

Forgot Your Password

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click Windows Live Messenger.

The Windows Live Messenger sign-in windows opens.

Click Forgot your password? at the bottom.

Your Web browser opens, displaying the Reset your password Web site.

Type your Windows Live ID.

Type the security characters in the picture.

Click Continue.

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Follow the online instructions to reset your password.