messenger update/upgrade and security

[pcandpc]

Hello?

I'm using the default Windows Messenger out of

the default XP install.

The version of this Messenger is 4.7.3001. Quite

an old one considering the current Messenger is 7.

Is there a way to automatically upgrade the 4.7 to 7

from Messenger itself without downloading a separate

install file?

How about just updating the 4.7 without upgrading to 7?

I carefully looked for an update/upgrade path within 4.7 but

couldn't find one.

I also hear that Messenger is quite easy to be sniffed

at with some network sniffers.

Is there a way to secure the Messenger from this security

hole?

Basically, I'm interested in knowing securing the Messenger.

Thanks.

[Zxian]

First off... you're mixing Apples and Oranges. The messenger that is on Windows Computers is Windows Messenger which, as you said is version 4.7 (at least with SP2). MSN Messenger is currently at version 7.

Do some searching around in the Application Installs section. Dexter made a good silent installer for MSN 7 that also gets rid of all the advertising crap.

EDIT - I should add, if you don't want to use MSN messenger, you can find the Windows Messenger 5 download from the Microsoft site and install that instead. It should have all the security holes patched.

Edited August 12, 2005 by Zxian

[pcandpc]

Hi Zxian,

Thanks for your feedback.

I found a way to remove the Windows Messenger

from the Add/Remove section in the Control Panel.

So, Windows and MSN Messengers are two different

things, huh? Thanks for the clarification.

So then, having Windows Messenger as is, if I try to

install MSN Messenger, this install would not upgrade

or remove the existing Windows Messenger?

Which is more popular, Windows' or MSN's?

Thanks.

[Technoguy]

well they r 2 different things.so its install won't remove the windows messenger(correct me if i'm wrong).well choice of messengers is quite ur personal choice.i wud prefer MSN than windows messenger

[pcandpc]

Hi Technoguy,

Thanks for your opinion.

[trickytwista]

yep msn messenger all the way

[Jeremy]

So then, having Windows Messenger as is, if I try to

install MSN Messenger, this install would not upgrade

or remove the existing Windows Messenger?

OMG, I'm sorry but wow. They are two seperate programs. Why would one installation affect the installation of a completely different program? C'mon...

I really don't mean to hurt your feelings, but it's literally common sense here. Windows Messenger is old, MSN got really full of ads now, but there's Dexter's version or the Mess Patch from www.mess.be. If you don't want to use either, use Trillian, or GAIM.

By the way, Google makes your life so much easier...