how can i send messages to people not on my contact list?

You can't.

And this belongs in The Software Hangout

Actually you can I figgured it out and I'm sorry if i posted in the wrong forrum

If you can, please share

OMG! Someone really doesn't know how to use MSN properly! Go to:

I want to...>Send an Instant Message>Other>Type in e-mail address and type your message...

Excluding the fact I don't see what the point in sending someone you don't have on your contact list a message, I thought that just sent them an e-mail. *shrug*

or maybe the fact they may not be online at the time lol