Sending and Receiving Instant Messages

An instant message is an online typewritten conversation in real-time between two or more contacts. As you type an instant message, you can format your messages by changing fonts and text color and by inserting backgrounds and color schemes (New!). Each message can contain up to 400 characters. If you have a writing input device and Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer installed, you can also draw or handwrite (New!) your messages. You cannot send an instant message to more than one person, but you can invite other people using the same messaging service to participate in an existing conversation; you can include up to five people in a conversation.

Send and Receive Instant Messages

Double-click the Windows Live Messenger icon in the notification area of the taskbar, and then sign in, if necessary.

When a message arrives, an alert appears. Click the alert to open Windows Live Messenger.

Double-click a contact or right-click a contact group and then click Send an instant message to this group.

Type your message in the box at the bottom of the window.

To start a new line while typing, press Shift+Enter.

If you want to handwrite your message, click the Handwrite tab, and then ink your message using the formatting buttons.

Click Send or press Enter, and then wait for a reply.

If you want to add another person to the conversation, click the Action menu, click Invite a contact to join this conversation, and then double-click the person you want to add.

When you’re done, click the Close button to end the session.

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Format Message Text

In the Conversation window, click the Font button.

Specify the font, font style, size, color, and effect you want, and preview the result in the sample box.

Click OK.

Type and send the formatted message.

Apply a Background or Color Scheme to the Conversation Window

• Background. In the Conversation window, click the Background button, and then select a background. To set options or remove a background, click Show all.

• Color Scheme. In the Conversation window, click the Color Scheme button, and then select a color or click More Colors to select a custom color.

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Did You Know? You can search for contacts. Click in the Find a contact or number box at the top of the main Messenger window, and then start typing to display results. Click the Click here to clear text button to clear the search.