Microsoft starts forcing Messenger 8.x users to upgrade

[7Dreams]

Windows Live Messenger users with version 8.1 or 8.5 started getting an optional upgrade message on August 25. As of last night, however, Microsoft is starting to make the upgrade mandatory: users will not be able to sign in without updating to version 14.0.8089.726. These upgrades become compulsory so as to stop users from using older insecure versions that have various vulnerabilities such as those discussed in the Microsoft Security Advisory (973882). Many forget just how old these versions are: Windows Live Messenger 8.1 was released in January 2007 while version 8.5 was released in November 2007.

Redmond notes that the upgrade process will take several weeks to be completed since it is being rolled out to customers over the course of several weeks. Thus, users with older versions may not have yet been forced to upgrade, but they will eventually. In June 2009, Microsoft revealed that Windows Live Messenger has about 330 million active users each month; it's no wonder these forced upgrades are spread out over several weeks. Those who want to upgrade now can do so by downloading the latest version from download.live.com/messenger.

Two days ago, some users starting experiencing technical issues while sending IMs over the Windows Live Messenger network. Redmond did not disclose if this had something to do with the forced upgrades. Coincidence or not, the issue was fixed in under 15 minutes, Microsoft said.

Next up, 14.x users
In early October, all customers using version 14.0 (but not the latest 14.0.8089 release) will start getting an optional upgrade message. Later that month, they will also be required to upgrade their version of Windows Live Messenger and will not be able to sign in to the client without doing so.

Wave 3 (or version 14) of Windows Live Essentials, the suite that includes Messenger, was released in January 2009 (Messenger was at build 14.0.8050.1202). The suite was updated again in February 2009 (Messenger build 14.0.8064.206) and in August 2009 (Messenger build 14.0.8089.0726). Therefore, there are two 14.0 builds that Microsoft is planning next month to force users to upgrade from.

Source: Microsoft starts forcing Messenger 8.x users to upgrade - Ars Technica

 

[Gaschamber]

Kinda lame, i hate the new version, WHERE'S OUR RIGHT OF CHOICE?

 

[7Dreams]

How? The Newer Version Is Better!

 

[shadowstriker07]

is there any other way to log in Windows Messenger 8 without updating to 2009 because we dont like it..... truly ym messenger is better than this...

 

[TGSoldier]

I see nothing wrong with Live 2009.. I've upgraded since it was released...

Although I have been hearing about alot of users getting problems while installing it...

 

[swarfega]

I think 9 is an improvement over 8.

 

[Slimy]

I think 9 is an improvement over 8.

But we're at 14 now

 

[Lebon14]

I also think that 2009 is better than the version before.

 

[7Dreams]

ok to summarize... The Newest Version Is Always Better! FTW

 

[salicaceae]

ok to summarize... The Newest Version Is Always Better! FTW

Correction: not when the **** keeps throwing you out and logging you out constantly -_-'

 

[shadowstriker07]

yeah.. we all know it..

but don't do they had to forced update their messenger... unlike other messengers .... specially some people around here seems like back from the start on how to use this messenger...

don't just think for urself think also for others... because not all people knows how to use these things...

 

[Tews]

Would anyone like some cheese to go along with that whine??

 

[jfar]

I'l just have the Whine if you dont mind,

and the latest version is the best IMO.

 

[jfar]

This probably would be a nicer way, for them to ask you to change.

The Windows Live Messenger Team is committed to delivering a safe and secure instant messaging experience to its users. In order to do this, they are asking anyone who is still on Windows Live Messenger versions 8.1, 8.5 and 14.0 to upgrade to the newest version of Windows Live Messenger. This can be done today via download.live.com.
Over the course of the next few months, there will be a phased approach to get everyone updated to the latest Windows Live Messenger release.

 

[Corpsecrank]

From a different view it becomes hard for developers to keep supporting multiple versions. Not only that but users refusing to accept change and move to newer versions holds everything back.

This is why I am glad classic start menu is gone in 7 even if there is a way to bring it back the fact it is not there is good. I still see way to many people hanging on to the old menu and there is no reason for it.

 

[swarfega]

They are frightened of change. Even if the change is better.

 

[7Dreams]

Its Like People Supporting Cassettes Today.