First of the first, this applies on MSN Messenger of ver. 6.2, 7.0 and 7.5 & Windows Live Messenger 8.0
[To know if yours is targeted too, you can try signing in. If a notice related to upgrading appears, yet it refuse to sign in after you cancel it; yes, you are in]

The news---> http://www.infoworld.com/article/07/09/13/Microsoft-forces-Messenger-upgrade-for-security_1.html

Original source----> http://messengersays.spaces.live.com/Blog/cns!5B410F7FD930829E!29167.entry

There's an announcement lately that all MSN & WLM of those versions (stated above) MUST upgrade their accounts to Windows Live Messenger 8.1. Otherwise, they won't be able to sign in.

It states the security reasons as its main cause of action, plus a "better way" to get everyone's involvement for full protection.

Yet this decision, though vaguely, has received mixed reactions.

(And yes, My account is targeted too)

So, I wonder if any of you have been affected. Do tell me if it benefits you or otherwise.

[p/s: if this tread has already existed, my apologize in advance]

eh? i've not been affected thou'
i'm using msn ver 7.0... i think

LOL, like it would seriously make a difference...

i'm not really that bothered about having my msn messenger up-to-date thou'

i am using Windows Live Messenger 8.1 though,does not have any problem with it...why don't upgrade? I mean yeah maybe some new version does have problem and so on that why ppl don't choose to upgrade but...i am using 8.1 and so far never face any problem

meh who cares.... personally i like it... windows lives messenger... THEN..... " A Patch " your messenger and remove all the ads to your liking and tweak it to how you want it to be =) cause personally.. it does have some pretty neat features

currently using: MSN Messenger 8.1, or more precisely, i'm really using messenger plus.
No problems yet, but only thing bugging me is when i open received music or video files, the 'security' programme will delete it if i open it through the chat window (i'm not sure about other versions since it's been 3 years since my last msn old version chat.)

dont u think the new msn just look more nice ?

those security stuff are useless! lol!

lol yeah security is pretty pointless on MSN...u'd have to be an idiot to get a file from someone you don't know

It doesn't apply to me anyways I'm in Linux using GAIM :P