Latest Build: 7.5.0299.

I decided I wanted to write a little tutorial on how to install the latest version of MSN Messenger 7, plus a few little extras to make it so much easier and cooler to use.

Installing MSN Messenger

Firstly you need to download the MSN Messenger installer from the Official Download Site.

Once it's downloaded, click on the file to install it. Now during the installation you will be presented with this screen:

I'd recommend unticking ALL the checkboxes, unless you really want any of those options installed. Now you can continue installing Messenger.

Once the installation is complete, MSN Messenger will open. :)

More instructions follow...

If you don't want to use MessengerPlus! (although I really do recommend you do) or use any hacks to clean up MSN Messenger STOP HERE.

Messenger Plus!

Download Messenger Plus! from here.

Now read this next bit carefully!!

Some people dislike and distrust MsgPlus! because they think it installs "spyware". This is partly true... but it is OPTIONAL. You can refuse to install the adware component and still install MsgPlus! without any worries. I wouldn't recommend this add-on if it did install adware/spyware WITHOUT permission - I probably hate it more than you. So pay attention to the next screenshot, otherwise you may end up with adware on your PC!!

READ THIS SCREEN!
CLICK "I refuse to give my support..."

Now you may continue installing MsgPlus! without fear of any nasty adware being installed onto your PC that can be hard to remove.

Mess Patch

If MSN Messenger is still open, you must EXIT IT now.

Download the latest Mess Patch and run the exe that's inside the zip file. The window looks something like this:

Click Next to accept the default option of patching MSN.

There are a whole selection of options you can select to patch, split over 2 screens.

The first screen refers to your Contact List (the main window), the second refers to the Conversation Windows (messages to/from contacts).

The options I choose for my own use are shown in the next 2 screenshots, they're probably a good place to start.

If you have more than one Passport and want to have an MSN Messenger open with each one logged in, you will need to enable the Polygamy option in the messpatch.

MSN Messenger 7 by default will block a lot of filetypes you might want to receive from your friends, this patch will remove the extension check... if you cannot send certain files to people the problem is THEIR end not yours.

Once you're done, click Apply. It'll only take a few seconds :)

Winamp And MSN Messenger

One of MSN Messenger 7's new features is the ability to set a Personal Message. If you use Windows Media Player or iTunes then you can have your Personal Message automatically update with the currently playing song, Winamp isn't enabled by default so you need a plugin to do it.

If you use the MessPatch then you can turn on Winamp Support (which is nothing more than a plugin placed in your Winamp plugins folder).

There are no user-changeable settings on this plugin, so if you want a bit more control over your personal message - there is another plugin for Winamp you can use called MessengerAMP which allows you to pass any information you wish across to MSN Messenger from Winamp - I highly recommend you download and install this!

The image below shows the setting I use for mine.

Enjoy!!

Disclaimer: Use of any tools to hack MSN Messenger are entirely at your own risk!

UPDATED: 28/09/05