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 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 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 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