This step-by-step article describes how to install Microsoft MSN Messenger Service version 3.5 for Exchange 2000 on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows XP.
The messenger client that is included with the RTM version of Windows XP is Windows Messenger version 4.0. That version of the messenger client can be used only to connect to a Microsoft Network (MSN) server; you cannot use it to connect to a server running Exchange 2000. When you try to install MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000 on a computer that is running Windows XP, you receive the following error message:
Installation cannot be completed because there is a newer version of MSN Messenger Service already on your computer.
Required Hardware and Software
- Microsoft Windows XP Professional
- MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000
Installing the Exchange 2000 Version of MSN Messenger
To install the Exchange 2000 version of MSN Messenger, you need to disable Windows Messenger first, and then install MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000.
Temporarily Disable Windows Messenger
- If Windows Messenger is running, click Sign Out on the File menu to sign out.
- Start Windows Explorer, and then locate the Windows Messenger installation folder. Generally, Windows Messenger is installed in the system_drive:\Program Files\Messenger folder.
- Rename the Msmsgs.exe file to Msmsgs.exe.bak.
Install MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000
- Locate MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000 on the Exchange 2000 Server Setup CD-ROM or the Exchange 2000 Server Service Pack 1 (SP1) CD-ROM.
- Start Mmssetup.exe, and then follow the instructions in the wizard to finish the installation.
Determine Whether the Installation Was Successful
- Start MSN Messenger by clicking Start, clicking All Programs, and then clicking MSN Messenger.
- On the Tools menu, click Options to open the MSN Messenger configuration properties.
- Click the Accounts tab.
If "Exchange account" is displayed on the
Accounts tab, you installed the MSN Messenger Service 3.5 for Exchange 2000 successfully.
Troubleshooting
This procedure rolls your messenger client version back to MSN Messenger version 3.5. If you want to retain Windows Messenger functionality (such as the latest user interface), wait for next version of Windows Messenger.