Windows 7 - Windows Live Messenger takes up two tabs

Back when I was using XP, windows live messenger would only have one tab and one icon in the tray on the right side.
When I recently installed Windows live messenger on my Windows 7 Pro, two tabs appeared and no icons were in the tray. I noticed that the tab on the right functions like the tray icon because if I close it, the program is terminated, whereas the tab on the left functions like a normal windows live messenger tab; ie when closed, the program is minimized.

Why is this happening? Is there any way to only have one tab.

This is a known issue with WLM if you set the program to run in compatibility mode for Vista the normal appearance should be resumed.

Windows Live Messenger - Taskbar or Notification Icon

One problem I have, is that when I click on the MSN guy icon in the system tray (even on double click), it always brings up the menu. 99% of the time when I open MSN, I'm trying to open the program, not trying to change an option.

Is there a way to change this? I tried running it in XP compatibility mode, but that didn't work.

I get the single click opens menu and double click opens application - that is running in Vista Compatibility mode. all I can suggest here is to check the mouse settings to ensure that you have the correct timings for the speed of double click. Also if you are using other than a standard mouse check any mouse software to ensure no other options are enabled