How to Remove or Hide a Last Name from a Windows Live Profile

Summary:

• Method to remove and/or hide the user’s (Live ID or Microsoft Account) last name from being visible to the public, contacts, and/or connected social network services.

Background:

• A Windows Live ID (or Microsoft Account) requests the entry of a last name, initial or other acceptable character during the Live ID (Microsoft Account) account creation process.
• For privacy reasons (personal reasons, use of multiple Live ID/Microsoft Accounts, displayed when using the Live web services – Hotmail, SkyDrive, etc.) some may prefer to not share or broadcast their last name to the public, network contacts and/or other connected social network services
• The last name field  can be edited and an optional ‘blank’ character entered by using a common available Windows provided ‘Accessories’ application called  ‘Character Map’
• Character Map can be found on the Start Menu (All Programs/Accessories/System Tools)

How To:

1. Logon to the respective Live ID’s Profile (at http://profile.live.com)

2. On the Profile home page click on Details (or Edit Details)

3. Click on the Edit field adjacent to the user name

4. Select and clear the last name field

5. Open Character Map (in a separate window) and select the ‘Arial’ character mode

6. Scroll down to and click on the character named ‘U+202A: Left to Right Embedding’ to cue (place the focus) on the ‘U+202A’ character in ‘Character Map’, then click the ‘Select’ button

7. Click ‘Copy’ to place the character on the Windows Clipboard

9. Paste the contents of the clipboard to the ‘Last Name’ field then click on Save to finalize the changes.

10. Once ‘Saved’ you will return to your Profile home page allowing verification of the change.

(Two examples below)

  [after the facelift]

Comments:

• Changing your name will impact all places your name appears when using Windows Live (Profile, Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger, SkyDrive) and/or transmitted to other social connected services.
• Changing your name will also impact the name that appears on Windows 8 (Microsoft Account Windows logon name)

Revisions:

October 31, 2011: Publish as ‘Draft’ Date

March 15, 2012: Republish Draft after testing on Windows 8 (Consumer Preview)

April 23, 2012: Original Publish Date

How To Install Windows Live Essentials 2011

Summary:

Overview and explanation of the Windows Live Essentials 2011 installer’s choices for installing all or selective Windows Live Essentials 2011 applications and optional components on Vista Sp2, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 Sp2 R2 and Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Installation Process and Choices:

The Windows Live Essentials 2011 (WLE 2011) installer will first notify that is it ‘preparing to install’

Once preparation is complete the installer will provide two installation choices:

1. “Install all of Windows Live Essentials“  = Install ‘Everything’ (a minimum of 8 to a maximum of 12 applications and optional programs)
2. “Choose which programs you want to install” = User option to selectively install 1 or more items (Custom mode)

If comfortable with Microsoft’s’ recommendation to ‘Install all’ select the first option, allow the installer to finish until completion and begin using one or more of any application (fyi – upon completion Windows Live Messenger will automatically be loaded)

On the other hand if preferring the ability to decide which applications will be installed (since many users may not need or want the full compliment of included applications) then select the second option ‘Choose the programs you want to install’.

It is extremely important to note that even when choosing the second option all programs are ‘pre-checked’ to be installed (i.e. you must ‘Opt-Out’ of any application or it will be installed).  The graphic below contains additional text added by this writer reiterating the need to ‘Uncheck’ any program in order to prevent installation.

An example of a more typical selection of the six primary WLE 2011 application programs (Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, and Mesh) is shown below (at least one program must be chosen).

Once the ‘Install’ button is clicked the installation process will provide a ‘completion status’ until ‘Done!’

 

 

 

 

Once the installation is ‘Done!’, click the Close Button, Shutdown/Restart (even if not prompted) and start using any of the installed Windows Live Essentials 2011 programs.

Comments:

• The Outlook Connector Pack includes the Outlook Hotmail Connector and the Windows Live Messenger Provider for the Outlook Social Connector. The latter is only installed if the Outlook Social Connector is already installed.
• The Outlook Social Connector is included in Office 2010 and available (as a download) for Outlook 2003/2007.
• Windows Live Downloads – link to obtain the latest WLE 2011 installer (full or web version)
• Windows Live Essentials 2011 Version Numbers – link itemizing version numbers for WLE 2011 individual applicationprograms
• WLE 2011 requires Vista Sp2, Windows 7, Windows Server 2008 Sp2 R2 or Windows 8 Consumer Preview.
• WLE 2011 can also be installed on Windows 8 Consumer Preview though prior to installation it is highly recommended to  first enable .NET 3.5 (includes 2.0, 3.0 and 3.5) in Windows 8 Consumer Preview. To enable .NET 3.5  see:  Installing the .NET Framework 3.5 on Windows 8 Consumer Preview 
• This blog article was written due to the large number of questions (always welcomed) received via E-mail and Instant Messaging regarding the applicability/compatibility of installing WLE 2011 as a supplement and/or alternative to the current available Windows 8 Consumer Preview ‘Apps’. Also special thanks to Amber for providing the MSDN Windows 8 .NET 3.5 install link.

Revisions:

March 27, 2012: Original Publish Date

Windows Live Essentials 2011 QFE3 Released

Summary:

Windows Live Essentials 2011 QFE3 was released on March 20, 2012. The QFE3 build version is the fourth update to the Windows Live Essentials 2011 (WLE 2011) suite of programs since initial release.

Links:

• Windows Team/Windows Experience Blog Notice for WLE 2011 QFE3
• Windows Live Download Links (Full version and Web Version installers on Microsoft Servers)
• Windows Live Essentials Application Version Numbers

Comments:

• From the Windows Team/Windows Experience Blog

<Quoted Print>
“Today, we released an update for Windows Live Essentials 2011 in all 48 languages.
This minor release includes numerous updates across all of the programs in the Essential package, including Windows Live Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Family Safety, Writer, and Mesh.” In the coming weeks, customers on Windows Vista SP2 and Windows 7 will receive a notification prompting them to upgrade to the new version. Since this release contains critical fixes for the Essentials package, in a few months, the update will become required for all eligible customers.”

• A ‘change log or details of the included updates was not made available by the Windows Live Team or the Windows Team though as in the past  ’under-the-hood’ related changes for stability, reliability, better integration and robustness across the WLE 2011 suite of applications, integration with the cloud (e.g. Hotmail, SkyDrive, connected or available 3rd party social services) and Windows 8 and/or IE10 would be expected.
• Rudi R (Microsoft Anwsers Forum Moderator) provided some ‘Additional details’ in an unlikely-hard-to-find place (Microsoft Answers/Messenger Forum-April 3, 2012) on the included changes in WLE 2011 QFE3.  (Click ‘Additional details’ for a snapshot of the Microsoft Answers information).
• Consistent with past practice no significant changes to useability features are really noticeable though users may notice during signon to Windows Live Messenger an additional option to register your pc as a Trusted PC. (Trusted PC is an account managment tool/Security Proof to aid account recovery/Password Reset). Imo, it would be prudent to understand and use Trusted PC if your pc is a private/not shared pc.
• The Windows Live Installer is version 15.4.3555.0308

 

Revisions:
March 20, 2012: Original Draft date
March 21, 2012: Original Publish date
March 22, 2012: Updated to include links (Notice, Download and Version Numbers)
April 11, 2012: Updated to include references to QFE3 changes (Microsoft Answers) and ‘Trusted PC’

 

Windows Live ID – Linked Live ID’s Feature Disabled

Effective Aug 17, 2011 this article is no longer applicable due to the Windows Live Team re-enabling the ability to create Linked Live IDs.

• Re-enabling creation of Linked IDs  ( <– click for additional details)

August 17, 2011:

“Today we are beginning to re-enable the ability to create new Linked IDs. This
change is rolling out in the next couple days and should be complete this week”

 

Summary:

• The ability to link multiple Live IDs was recently disabled
• The option to link Live ID’s has been removed from the Options section in the user account page.
• This feature appears to have been disabled a few weeks ago (est. July 13, 2011)

Notification:

(as of July 26, 2011)

• No formal announcement from the Windows Live Team
• Windows Live Solution Center personnel are aware of the feature being disabled
• A Windows Live Solution Center ‘Sticky’ was not available

Reference:

Windows Live Solution Center (WLSC) replies from Live Support personnel (see 2 responses below)

Reply on July 13th

Reply on July 26th

Comments:

1. Information regarding a formal announcement from the Live Team is unknown at this time
2. Availability of ‘New documentation’ noted in the July 26 WLSC reply is also unknown at this time
3. Existing Linked Live ID’s continue to function (i.e. Linking new Live ID’s are disabled)
4. Unlinking an existing Live ID and attempting to re-Link the same Live ID will fail

Revisions:

July 15, 2011: Original Published (draft)

July 26, 2011: Published and updated (after WLSC reply marked as an Answer)

Aug 17, 2011:  Added note regarding the ‘Re-enabling Creation of Linked Live IDs’

Windows Live Profile – Private Message Feature Discontinued

Summary:

• Effective April 21, 2011 the ‘Private Message’ option on a user’s (Live ID) Windows Live Profile was discontinued
• Effective May 2011 the Live Profile Private Message stand-alone page will cease to exist

Notification:

Information regarding the discontinuance of this feature and a recommendation to copy existing private messages for archival purposes are visible/accessible from the user’s Live ID Profile.

1. Windows Live Profile (when attempting to send a private message to a contact/friend)

2. Windows Live Profile Private Message page

Comments:

1. As of April 22, 2011 12:00am PST information on the above noted policy change does not appear to be present on the Windows Live Solution Center ‘Live Profile Portal’
2. This change does not appear to impact the ability for receiving permissioned ‘Comments’ (Who can contact me) to ‘Messenger Social ‘ updates on the user’s Profile
3. Contact via email, instant message, or invitation is still available provided the Live ID is permissioned accordingly.
4. This change (removal of Private Messaging in the web user interface) coincides with the removal of the ability to create and/or reply to ‘Notes’ on a Windows Live Profile. For more detailed information on the  ‘Notes’ see this related article ‘Windows Live Profile – Notes Discontinued

Revisions:

April 22, 2011: Original Published (draft)

April 23, 2011: Published and updated comments to add link for ‘Windows Live Profile – Noted Discontinued’

Windows Live Profile – Notes Feature Discontinued

Summary:

• Effective April 21, 2011 the ‘Notes’ option on a user’s (Live ID) Windows Live Profile was discontinued
• Effective May 2011 the Live Profile Notes stand-alone page will cease to exist

Notification:

Information regarding the discontinuance of this feature and a recommendation to copy existing notes for archival purposes are visible/accessible from the user’s Live ID Profile

1. Live ID Profile Home page

2. Live ID Profile Notes page

Comments:

1. As of April 22, 2011 12:00am PST information on the above noted policy change does not appear to be present on the Windows Live Solution Center ‘Live Profile Portal’
2. This change does not appear to impact the ability for receiving permissioned ‘Comments’ (Who can contact me) to ‘Messenger Social ‘ updates on the user’s Profile
3. Contact via email, instant message, or invitation is still available provided the Live ID is permissioned accordingly

Revisions:

April 22, 2011: Original Published Date

Windows Live Essentials 2011 Application Version Numbers

Summary:

• Version numbers for the Windows Live Essentials 2011 latest release – QFE3 (Mar 20, 2012)
• Version numbers for the Windows Live Essentials 2011 QFE2 (July 7, 2011)
• Version numbers for the Windows Live Essentials 2011 – QFE1 (Dec 1, 2010)
• Version numbers for the Windows Live Essentials 2011 Initial release – Gold (Sept 30, 2010)

Version Numbers:

• Windows Live Essentials (QFE3) – Released to the web (RTW) on Mar 20, 2012

 1.   Windows Live Essentials Installer  –  15.4.3555.0308

- required to update any Live Essential application

- as of Mar 20, 2012 this version replaces the earlier QFE2 version

2.   Windows Live Mail  –  15.4.3555.0308

3.   Windows Live Messenger  –  15.4.3555.308

4.   Windows Live Photo Gallery  –  15.4.3555.308

5.   Windows Live Movie Maker  –  15.4.3555.0308

6.   Windows Live Mesh  –  15.4.3555.308

7.   Windows Live Writer  –  15.4.3555.308

8.  Windows Live Mesh Active X Control for Remote Connections – 15.4.5722.2

9. Outlook Hotmail Connector* – 14.0.5118.5000 (Outlook updates to 14.0.6106.5001)

10.  Outlook Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger* – 14.0.5120.5000

  * Items (9.) and (10.) are part of the Outlook Connector Pack option in the WLE installer and offered (pre-checked to install) if Outlook is present

• Windows Live Essentials 2011 (QFE2) – Released to the web (RTW) on July 7, 2011

1.   Windows Live Installer  –  15.4.3538.513  (required to update any Live Essential application) – (replaced by above QFE3)

2.   Windows Live Mail  –  15.4.3538.0513
3.   Windows Live Messenger  –  15.4.3538.513
4.   Windows Live Photo Gallery  –  15.4.3538.513
5.   Windows Live Movie Maker  –  15.4.3538.0513
6.   Windows Live Mesh  –  15.4.3538.0513
7.   Windows Live Writer  –  15.4.3538.513
8.   Bing Toolbar  –  7.0.619.0
9.   Windows Live Mesh Active X Control for Remote Connections  -  15.4.5722.2
10.  Outlook Hotmail Connector  (32 bit/64 bit)  -  14.0.5117.500

Other related or available (but not included) ’social’ applications:
11. Outlook Social Connector (32/64 bit) -  14.0.5130.5000 or later upgrade via Microsoft Update or Office prompt
12. Outlook Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger -  14.0.5120.5000

Notes: (Re: Items 10, 11, 12)
10. Only available via the WLE QFE2 installer if Outlook is installed
- if Outlook is installed the WLE QFE2 installer default will be checked (Yes, install)
11. Not included in WLE QFE2 Installer
- Included with Office 2010 (not installed by default, requires user installation and Outlook)
- Not included in Outlook 03/07 requires download and manual install
- Does not require Outlook Hotmail Connector
12. Not included in WLE QFE2 Installer
- Requires download and manual install
- Can only be installed if Outlook and the Social Connector are already installed
- Once installed requires Live ID setup/connect (Username/PW)
- Does not require Outlook Hotmail Connector

See ‘Additional Information’ section below for comments on the Office Hotmail Connector, Social Connector and Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger

• Windows Live Essentials 2011 (QFE1) – Released to the web (RTW) on Dec 1, 2010

1.   Windows Live Installer – 15.4.3502.922
2.   Windows Live Mail – 15.4.3508.1109
3.   Windows Live Messenger – 15.4.3508.1109
4.   Windows Live Photo Gallery – 15.4.3508.1109
5.   Windows Live Movie Maker – 15.4.3508.1109
6.   Windows Live Mesh – 15.4.3502.0922
7.   Windows Live Writer – 15.4.3508.1109
8.   Bing Toolbar –  6.3.2322.0
9.   Microsoft Silverlight – 4.0.51204.0 (latest version via Windows Update Dec 2010)
10. Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 (32 bit) – installs as 14.0.5117.5000
11. Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 (64 bit) – installs as 14.0.5118.5000
12. Microsoft Outlook Social Connector (32/64 bit) – 14.0.4761.1000
- 14.0.5120.5000 via KB 2289116 during install
13. Microsoft Outlook Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger – 14.0.5120.5000

• The ‘Outlook Hotmail Connector’ is included with the Windows Live Essentials Installer
• The ‘Outlook Social Connector’ is not included in the Windows Live Essentials Installer.  Version numbers for the ‘Outlook Social Connector’  are included for reference only.
• See ‘Additional Information’ section below for comments on the Office Hotmail Connector, Social Connector and Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger

• Windows Live Essentials 2011 (Initial release) – Released to the web(RTW) on Sept 30, 2010

1.   Windows Live Installer – 15.4.3502.922
2.   Windows Live Mail – 15.4.3502.0922
3.   Windows Live Messenger – 15.4.3502.922
4.   Windows Live Photo Gallery – 15.4.3502.922
5.   Windows Live Movie Maker – 15.4.3502.0922
6.   Windows Live Mesh – 15.4.3502.0922
7.   Windows Live Writer – 15.4.3502.922
8.   Bing Toolbar –  6.3.2322.0
9.   Microsoft Silverlight – 4.0.50917.0 (4.0.51204.0 via Windows Update Dec 2010)
10. Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 (32 bit) – installs as 14.0.5117.5000
11. Microsoft Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 (64 bit) – installs as 14.0.5118.5000
12. Microsoft Outlook Social Connector (32/64 bit)  – 14.0.4761.1000
- updated to 14.0.5120.5000 during install or via Microsoft Update KB 2289116
13. Microsoft Outlook Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger – 14.0.5120.5000

Additional Information:

• The Outlook Hotmail Connector can be deselected during the Windows Live Essentials installation process
• The Outlook Hotmail Connector is only installed by the Windows Live Essentials Installer if Office Outlook 2003/2007/2010 is currently installed
• The Outlook Social Connector (32 or 64 bit) is included with Office 2010 (32 or 64 bit Office versions).
• Outlook Social Connector (32 bit)  must be installed manually for use with Outlook 2003/2007 and also independent of the Windows Live Essentials Installer
• The Outlook Social Connector Provider for Windows Live Messenger can only installed if the Outlook Social Connector is currently installed

Revisions:

Oct 15, 2010: Original Draft Date
Dec 8, 2010:  Updated draft version for QFE1 Release and optional application build numbers
Jan 10, 2011: Original Published Date
July 8, 2011: Updated for QFE2 Release

Mar 20, 2012: Updated for QFE3 Release

Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 Beta

Note: Windows Live Wave 4 Beta (Windows Live Essentials 2011 Beta)  is no longer available since the release of the initial public version as of Sept 30, 2010. The ‘Download’ link below is now redirected to a blog entry with links for the current available production versions (2011 QFE2 and 2009 QFE3).

Summary:

• Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 beta was announced on June 23, 2010
• Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 beta will be  was available on June 24, 2010
• Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 beta includes Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, Sync, Family Safety, and Bing Bar
• Requires Vista or Windows 7 (i.e. XP is not compatible) – See full System Requirements Table below
• Initial language availability – English, French, Dutch, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, and Spanish

Reference:

• Windows Live Team Blog – Announcing the new Windows Live Essentials beta!

http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/06/23/announcing-the-new-windows-live-essentials-beta.aspx

• Download location – Windows Live Downloads  (this link now redirects to downloads for the current versions)

 —>  http://liveunplugged.wordpress.com/category/windows-live-downloads/

• The Field Guide Live Unplugged – Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 Announced

System Requirements:

Component	Requirement
Operating System	Operating System One of the following: Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions) Windows Vista with Service Pack 2 Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit editions) Windows Server 2008 Note: Windows XP is not supported in Wave 4
Processor	For Windows Vista or Windows 7: 1.6 GHz or higher
Memory	Vista or Windows 7: 1GB of RAM or higher
Resolution	Minimum 1024 x 576
Internet Connection	Internet functionality requires dial-up or broadband internet access (provided separately). Local or long-distance charges may apply.
Browser	Internet Explorer 7 or Internet Explorer 8.
Graphics or Video Card	Windows Live requires a video card that supports DirectX 9.0 or higher, and Shader Model 2.0 or higher.
Prerequisite Software	These components are required and will be downloaded and installed if they’re not already on your computer: Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0 or higher*

Comments:

1. Bookmark the Windows Live Team blog(or subscribe to the RSS feed) for information on changes to expected availability
2. See the blog article referenced above ‘Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 Announced’ for links to additional documentation
3. The entire suite of Windows Live Essential Products uses the Ribbon Interface(UI)
4. Snapshots of the Ribbon UI in Windows Live Mail can be viewed here: –> Windows Live Mail Wave 4 – Ribbon GUI

Revisions:

June 23, 2010: Original Publish Date

January 28, 2012: Removed defunct tags, updated tags, Updated ‘Download’ links to redirect to the current available versions.

Windows Live Essentials – Wave 4 Announced

Summary:

• Windows Live Essentials Wave 4 was announced earlier today (June 2, 2010)
• Windows Live Essentials includes Windows Live Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, Sync, Family Safety, and Bing Bar

Reference:

1. Windows Team Blog – Inside Windows Live  “Preview of the new Windows Live Essentials”
2. Windows Live Essentials - Home Page (Messenger, PhotoGallery, Movie Maker)
3. Windows Live Essentials – Other Programs (Mail, Writer, Mesh, Messenger Companion, Family Safety)

Revisions:

June 2, 2010: Original Publish Date

January 28, 2012: Updated content, links, tags

 

Windows Live Essentials 2009 Application Version Numbers

Summary:

• Latest Version numbers as of May 12, 2010
• Last planned update for Windows Live Essentials 2009 (Wave 3)
• Last version to support Windows XP
• This version is also referred to as Windows Live Essentials 2009 QFE3

1. Windows Live Installer – 14.0.8117.416
2. Windows Live Mail – 14.0.8117.0416
3. Windows Live Messenger – 14.0.8117.416
4. Windows Live Photo Gallery – 14.0.8117.416
5. Windows Live Writer – 14.0.8117.416
6. Windows Live Movie Maker – 14.0.8117.0416
7. Windows Live Toolbar – 14.00.8117.0416
8. Windows Live Family Safety – 14.0.8118.0427
9. Microsoft Office Live Add-in 1.3 – 2.0.2313.0
10. Microsoft Office Outlook Connector – 12.0.6423.1000 *

* FYI: As of Sept 8, 2010, if version 12 of the Outlook Connector is (was) installed, Office Outlook (2003, 2007, and 2010) will prompt to upgrade to the latest available Outlook Hotmail Connector Version 14,1   32 bit or   64-bit version. The 64 bit version of the Outlook Hotmail Connector is only applicable (and will be installed) if Office/Outlook 2010(not Windows)  is the 64bit version.

The Outlook Hotmail Connector Version 14.1 will show as build 14.0.5117.5000 (32 bit) or 14.0.5118.5000 (64 bit)  when viewed in Outlook’s  ‘About Outlook Hotmail Connector’

• For Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010 (32-bit)
  Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 for Outlook 2003, 2007 and 2010 32-bit
• For Outlook 2010 (64-bit):
  Outlook Hotmail Connector 14.1 for Outlook 2010 64-bit

 Additional Detailed Information:

1. Windows Live Messenger Microsoft  MVP Jonathan Kay’s blog
Installing/Uninstalling Windows Live 2009 (Wave 3) QFE 3 applications

2. Windows Live Team Blog
Inside Windows Live
http://windowsteamblog.com/windows_live/b/windowslive/archive/2010/05/12/minor-update-to-essentials-released-today.aspx

3.  Regarding Windows Live Essentials 2009 Version (Wave 3) information referenced on the Windows Live Team Blog

a.  This is the last planned update
b.  This is the  last version that supports Windows XP
c.  Support will continue for the ‘foreseeable future’

• The ’foreseeable future’ does not mean in perpetuity and may/may not indicate until XP’s Extended Support ceases in April 2014.

Notes:

1. For Windows Live Essentials 2011 version numbers see –>  ‘Windows Live Essentials 2011 Application Version Numbers’
2. Links (for Microsoft servers) to download the latest full version installer and web version installer for both Windows Live Essentials 2011 and 2009 builds are available here: –>  ‘Windows Live Downloads’

Revisions:

April 1, 2008: Original Published Date
Feb 15, 2009: Updated for latest build released Feb 12, 2009
Aug 18, 2009: Updated for latest build released Aug 18, 2009
May 12, 2010: Updated for last Wave 3 build released; last version supporting Windows XP
Sept 8, 2010: Updated with information on the Outlook Hotmail Connector Version 14.1
Feb 20, 2011: Added reference in Summary to QFE3,; added ’Notes’ section with links to related material

Windows Live Essentials Availability

Summary:

1. Windows Live Essentials Version 2009 programs

• Mail
• Messenger
• Photo Gallery
• Writer
• Movie Maker (only availale on Vista or Windows 7)
• Family Safety
• Toolbar

2. Optional Programs

• Office Outlook Connector(version 12.1)
• Office Outlook Hotmail Connector beta(version 14 – use with 32bit and 64bit Office Outlook 2010 beta)
• Office Live Add-in
• Microsoft Silverlight

3.  Links for the Release Notes, System Requirements, English Language Full and Web Installer version(s)and comments/suggestions.

Links:

Release Notes  (recommended reading)

• http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-release-notes

System Requirements (recommended reading)

• http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials-system-requirements

Full Version Installer (my preference) – English Language version

• http://g.live.com/1rewlive3/en/wlsetup-all.exe

Web Version Installer– English Language Version

• http://g.live.com/1rewlive3/en/wlsetup-web.exe

Note: To obtain the installer in another language(ensure you copy the above link, paste in your browser address bar, and then replace the ‘en’ specifier with your specific language code

Comments/Suggestions:

1. Read the Release Notes

2. Ensure your system meets the System requirements

3. Always Backup your mail, contacts and account settings before installing new/updated software

• How to Backup Windows Live Mail Accounts, Contacts and Messages

4.  ***Use*** the Full Version installer(my preference, yours may differ)

Revision:

Dec 15, 2008: Original Published Date

Jan 10, 2009:  Beta term removed from title(full release versions as of Jan 7, 2009); Movie Maker still a beta

Feb 15, 2009:  Revised due to update to Live Essential programs and new build numbers released on Feb 12, 2009

July 20, 2009: Corrections for typo and punctuation

Sept 1, 2009:  Updated for Windows Live Movie Maker public availability on Aug 18, 2009

March 12, 2010:  Added Outlook Hotmail Connector beta version 14 (recommended for use with Outlook 2010)

Jan 28, 2012: Updated links, content and tags

Windows Live to Discontinue My.Live.com

Summary:

Effective March 15, 2010 the Windows Live Platform will discontinue use of and access to My.Live.com

Users of My.Live.com will be temporarily redirected to My MSN (http://my.msn.com) eventually the redirect will fail yielding a ’Page Not Found’ or ‘Cannot Display’ error (editor note Jan 2011 - redirect now fails)

Settings, Feeds, Gadgets/Modules will ***not*** be migrated to My MSN

Reference:

While still available to see the notification use your browser to navigate to http://my.live.com

Here’s the same notice in text form

<qp>

Thank you for using My.live.com. On March 15, 2010, My.live.com will be discontinued and all users redirected to My MSN. Please note that your settings, feeds and gadgets will not be migrated to MyMSN. To make MyMSN your homepage today, click here.

</qp>

Comments:

The most noticeable differences will be:

1. Advertisements – MyMSN has ‘ads’,  unlike My.Live.com which does/did not
- An MSN Premium primary member account or member sub-account(created by the primary) is capable of an ad free MyMSN page

2. Different MyMSN modules(text and graphic) are available for customizing the page
- Modules on My.Live.com were referred to as ‘Gadgets’

3. RSS Feeds Modules always show the first feed line item entry with contents expanded(thanks to LarryB. for pointing this out)

4. One can have up to five pages on My MSN (My.Live.com permitted many more – as a test I added 15)

5. Some common and different navigational links at the top of the page (see below graphics)

-  i.e. Links to Hotmail and MSN remain;  though Home(home.live.com) are removed

• My Live Links:

• MY MSN Links:

Revisions:

January 26, 2010: Original Publish Date

January 28, 2010: Updated Comments section(Module vs Gadgets, Feeds, and Maximum pages allowed)

January 29, 2010: Excluded Hotmail Plus account and replaced with Msn Premium primary or secondary account(s) as a requirement for an ad-free page

January 15, 2011: Updated to reflect failure of redirection from my.live.com

January 29, 2012:  Removed defunct Tags, Added new Tags

Windows Live Applications MSI Installation Files

 

MSI Files – What are they ?

An msi file is an installation file that contains all the necessary components to install an application.

A typical msi file contains the application installation package, an information and data stream, internal and external source files, and may also include additional *.cab files required for the installation.

 

Windows Live Msi Files:

Windows Live applications files are currently not available for direct download but for most Live programs an msi file for the respective Live application is placed on the machine in a hidden folder during installation.  The msi files can be used for installation or reinstallation on the same machine and also copied for use on another machine or saved for archival purposes.

 

Finding them in Windows:

The following instructions are for Windows Vista (the location is the same for XP)

1. To view hidden folders

   Open Windows Explorer
      – On the Menu bar, click in sequence on Tools/Folder Options/View

   Scroll to these two items and verify that
    -  ‘Show Hidden Files/Folders’ is enabled(i.e. checked; toggled on)
    -  ‘Hide Protected Operating System Files’  is disabled

2. Use Windows Explorer to navigate to this location

   C:\Program Files\Common Files\WindowsLiveInstaller\MsiSources

3. Upon inspection it obvious the filenames are not exactly descriptive of the application(s).
    – e.g. Windows Live Mail =  Install_{184E7118-0295-43C4-B72C-1D54AA75AAF7}.msi

4. The following table provides the conversion.

Application	Installer Package	File Size, Kb
Live Mail	Install_{184E7118-0295-43C4-B72C-1D54AA75AAF7}.msi	12,733
Live Messenger	Install_{508CE775-4BA4-4748-82DF-FE28DA9F03B0}.msi	16,766
Live Photo Gallery	Install_{257E440F-781F-459B-9A68-A0872B80C1D6}.msi	9,800
Live Writer	Install_{9176251A-4CC1-4DDB-B343-B487195EB397}.msi	4,556
Live Toolbar	Install_{D5A145FC-D00C-4F1A-9119-EB4D9D659750}.msi	1,527
Live Sign In Assistant	Install_{AFA4E5FD-ED70-4D92-99D0-162FD56DC986}.msi	639

5. The msi file after copying to another location for archiving or later use can be renamed(e.g. LiveMail.msi)

 

Revisions:

Dec 08, 2007: Original Published Date

May 23, 2008: Windows Live Tags Added

 

Windows Live Tags: Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Writer, Toolbar, How-To, clubhouse

Windows Live Unplugged!

 Howdy,

• As of Nov. 6th 2007 Windows Live Mail exited beta testing and was released for public use for Vista and Windows XPSP2.
• The content below provides information on Windows Live Mail and other Live applications

 

What: (Version Numbers for the 2008 released applications  as of Nov-6-2007)

 

Windows Live Application	Released Build Number
Windows Live Mail	12.0.1606
Windows Live Messenger	8.5.1302.1018
Windows Live Photo Gallery	12.0.1308.1023
Windows Live Writer	12.0.1366.1026
Windows Live Sign-In Assistant	4.200.514.2

 

Where: (Hot Links for additional information – Overview. Features, System Requirements, and Download)

1.  
   1. Windows Live Mail
   2. Windows Live Messenger
   3. Windows Live Photo Gallery
   4. Windows Live Writer
   5. Windows Live Sign-In Assistant – included in Windows Live Mail or Live Messenger or the unified installer
   6. Get Live – Unified Installer for multiple applications (Get.Live.Com)

• Note: The ‘Get Live’ link, once loaded, has an option to choose which application(s) to install and will also be the portal for future released Live applications

 

Additional information:

• Windows Live Team blog on the release and other features included in Windows Live Mail
• Wikipedia’s Overview of Windows Live Mail
• Future updates(security and version) for Windows Live Mail and Live Applications will be deployed via Microsoft Updates
  • To configure Vista or XPSP2 for Microsoft Updates see this Microsoft article

 

Subscribe to this Blog:

• Click on the Tools Icon    located at the top, upper right of this page, then select ‘Subscribe to RSS Feed’  or
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Coming soon….more Windows Live Unplugged! Hotmail, and MSN articles

    …winston/msft-mvp

Revisions:

November 22, 2007: Original Published Date

May 23, 2008: Windows Live Tags Added

Oct 29, 2010: Updated for Word Press tags

Windows Live Tags: Mail, Messenger, Photo Gallery, Writer, How-To, clubhouse