Starting Windows Live Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is an instant messaging program that allows you to exchange instant messages with a designated list of contacts over the Internet. An instant message is an online typewritten conversation in real time between two or more contacts. Instant messages require both parties to be online, and the communication is instantaneous. Before you can use Windows Live Messenger, you need a Windows Live ID, which you can get for no charge from Microsoft. After you start Windows Live Messenger, you sign in to let others online know you are connected. When you’re done, you sign out.

Start Windows Live Messenger and Sign In and Out

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

Timesaver:

Double-click the Windows Live Messenger icon in the notification area of the taskbar.

If you’re not automatically signed in, enter your user name and password. If you want to sign-in with a different ID, click the E-mail address list arrow, and then click Sign in with a different e-mail address.

Select or clear the Remember Me, Remember my Password, or Sign me in automatically check box.

Click the Sign In button.

If you want to stay signed in, yet still close Windows Live Messenger, click the Close button.

To sign out, click Tools, and then click Sign out.