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 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

Changes for Accessing Hotmail using the WebDAV Protocol

Summary:

The WebDAV protocol will no longer be supported effective September 1, 2009   (Revised Jan. 2010 – See Revision section below)

On June 2, 2009 Microsoft announced changes impacting one of the methods to access Hotmail type accounts(Hotmail.com, Msn.com, Live.com) using ‘http’ servers/settings when using a local email client(e.g. Outlook, Outlook Express, Entourage).

Note: Accessing a Hotmail account in a browser(Internet Explorer) is not impacted by this change.

Only two remaining protocols DeltaSync and Pop3 will be available for accessing Hotmail type accounts(Hotmail.com, Live.com and Msn.com) in a local installed email client. IMAP is not an available option.

• DeltaSync uses a unique http server and will be the only http method available
• Pop3 an internet standard protocol uses the Live.com Servers (effective Feb 2009 all Hotmail accounts are capable of Pop3 access)

Windows Live Mail, the Outlook Connector(Outlook 2003, 2007, 2010) and MSN Explorer(9.6 or greater) are the only applications that support DeltaSync for Hotmail type accounts

Windows Live Mail, Outlook 2002/2003/2007/2010, Vista’s Windows Mail, Outlook Express and other third party email clients including the iPhone, iPod Touch, and Entourage all support Pop3 access 

More Information on WebDAV retirement:

The text of the full notice explaining additional details and options are available on the Windows Live Team and Hotmail Team blog

• Important info if you access Hotmail using Outlook, Outlook Express, or Entourage  (Windows Live Team)
• Continuing DAV protocol retirement  (Windows Live Hotmail Team)

Note: For accurate Pop3 configuration settings see the link below (Hotmail Accounts Pop3/Smtp Access Configuration)

What to do before Sept 1, 2009:

Option 1 –  HTTP/DeltaSync Access:

• Install Windows Live Mail(WLM) in XP, Vista or Windows 7 to use the DeltaSync server or
• Install the Outlook Connector(OLC) in Outlook 2003/2007/2010 to use the DeltaSync server or
• Install or upgrade to MSN 9.6 or later only if an MSN Premier customer and also preferring to use the provided MSN Explorer software

Option 2 – POP3 Access:

• Configure Windows Live Mail, Outlook 2002/2003/2007/2010, Vista’s Windows Mail, Outlook Express, or another third party email client for Pop3

Hotmail Accounts POP3/SMTP Access Configuration

Note:

• Backup any important messages to user created folders in your email client or copy to a Windows Explorer folder. Protect your data!!!!
• Option (1) above will retain the same synchronization that WebDAV provided with the Hotmail web interface permitting the web folders and messages to be mirrored locally(in WLM, the OLC, or MSN 9.6) and synchronized with the web interface(http://mail.live.com or http://hotmail.com) and available in both locations(local and web)
• Option (2) will not provide synchronization with the web interface(i.e. No mirrored folders or messages)
• Option (2) by design normally in most email clients will remove downloaded messages from the web server Inbox and place a copy in the Hotmail web interface’s Deleted folder (in a subfolder called POP) and retained until the POP option in the Hotmail web UI is configured to delete them thereby honoring your local client’s setting to ‘Not leave messages on the server’. To leave a message your Hotmail web UI Inbox ensure that your Pop3 email client is configured to leave messages on the server and configure the POP option in the Hotmail web UI to ‘ Do what my other program says’.

What will happen if still using WebDAV on Sept 1, 2009:

• Access to new email in your Hotmail Inbox and other folders will cease
• Attempting to synchronize with a non existent WebDAV server may or may not result in an inability to access any messages in your email client’s prior configured WebDAV Hotmail account and folders(no server, no download).

Http Servers Impacted that use the WebDAV protocol:

• Two primary servers have been in use with Outlook Express and Outlook for Hotmail.com, and Msn.com accounts when configured for sending/retrieving via the ‘to be discontinued’ WebDAV protocol

Account Type/Domain	Server Name
MSN.COM	http://oe.msn.msnmail.hotmail.com/cgi-bin/hmdata
HOTMAIL.COM	http://services.msn.com/svcs/hotmail/httpmail.asp

• Neither of above two(2) servers support the new DeltaSync protocol and both will cease to function

Known Email Client Software Impacted:

• Outlook Express and Outlook 2002 using WebDAV (neither support the newer DeltaSync protocol)
• Outlook 2003/2007 when using the WebDAV protocol without the Outlook Connector

Known Email Client Software/Method Not Impacted:

• Windows Live Mail using DeltaSync
• Windows Live Mail(WLM) using the WebDAV servers for Hotmail accounts(migrated, imported, or previously setup). This ‘safety-net’ only exists since a WLM sync will override the WebDAV http server setting and use the necessary DeltaSync http server (If this situation is present, it is recommended to reconfigure the server for DeltaSync)
• Windows Live Mail, Outlook 2002/2003/2007/2010, Vista Windows Mail, Outlook Express or other third party email client when using Pop3 settings
• Hotmail Web Interface (Live ID Login required)
• MSN Explorer 9.6 or greater (DeltaSync compliant)
• Outlook 2003/2007/2010 when using the current Outlook Connector
  • The Outlook Connector latest version is available on the Microsoft Download site.

Accounts Not Impacted:

1.Subscription/Fee-Based Accounts:

• MSn Pop3 Legacy accounts using the current POP3/SMTP server settings 
• Hotmail Plus! accounts when using the current POP3/SMTP server settings
• MSn Premium accounts using MSN Explorer software version 9.6 or later(DeltaSync Compliant)

Revisions:

April 18, 2008:  Original Published Date

April 27, 2008:  Added Sections on Known Email Clients(Impacted, Not Impacted),  Undetermined, and Accounts Not Impacted(item#2)

May 1, 2008:  Revised Section on Known Email Client Software/Method Not Impacted  for Outlook 2003/2007 when using the Outlook Connector

May 5, 2008:  WebDAV Disabling Delayed(see Windows Live Hotmail Technical Support Blog: Responding to Customer Feedback – Disabling DAV )

July 21, 2009: Updated Summary, More Info(recent notices), What ‘If’ scenarios, and corresponding links.

Oct 31, 2009: Updated to clarify that browser access(Internet Explorer) is not impacted by WebDAV deprecation

Jan 14. 2010:  Added item specifying Windows Live Mail ability to override existing WebDAV server setting and use DeltaSync server

Jan 29, 2012:  Updated to reflect Hotmail web UI (user interface) POP folder functionality; Updated download Links for the Outlook Hotmail Connector; Added Tags