Personalizing Windows Live Messenger

Before you start using Windows LIve Messenger, you can customize the program to show the menu bar if you prefer, automatically sign in, and display personalized information. You can change your display name, provide a personal message, and select a picture to represent you while you communicate with others online. Instead of selecting a regular static picture, you can select a dynamic display picture (New!) or character that provides animation, such as a WeeMee, MeeGos, Quebles, or Kiwee.

Access and Show or Hide Menus

• Access and Show Menus. Click the Show Menu button at the top of the window to display menus, and then click Show the menu bar.

• Hide Menus. Click the Hide the menu bar button.

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Change Sign In Preferences

Select Tools, and then click Options.

In the left pane, click General.

Select or clear the check boxes with the sign in options you want to change:

• Run this program when Windows starts

• Allow automatic sign in when connected to the Internet

• Show Windows Live Today

• Use the same display picture and personal message

Click OK.

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Change Personal Information

Select Tools, and then click Options.

In the left pane, click Personal.

Type the name you want others to see when you are online.

Type a personal message for your contacts to see.

To show a display picture, select the Show my display picture and allow other to see it check box, click Change Picture, select a picture, and then click OK.

Click OK.

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Change Display Picture

Select Tools, and then click Change display picture.

Select the picture you want to use using one of the following:

• Dynamic Display Pictures. Click a dynamic display picture link, and then follow the online instructions.
  
  
• Regular Pictures. Click the picture you want.
  
  
• Remove Pictures. Select the picture, and then click Remove.
  
  
• No Picture. Select the Don’t show a picture check box.
  
  

Click OK.

Timesaver:

In the Conversation window, click the Options for this person button arrow for you to change your display picture and other options.