MSN Messenger replacement

[Shroom Man 777]

MSN needs upgrading and for some reason, my computer lacks 'ordinal 266 + dynamic link library msi.dll' or some shit and I can't upgrade my MSN Messenger, and without the upgrade I thus can't use MSN and can't chit-chat with any of you folks. So what randome altarnate realty, or other kind of IM thing, can I use to chit-chat with you dudes on MSN?

I am aware that guys leik Schuyler are using some sort of... thing that allows them to communicate simultaneously with MSN, AIM and who knows other messengers, something leik Trillian. I want it! Guys, what do I does? And where can I get this alternate IM service?

[Ryan Thunder]

I use Pidgin sometimes, though I prefer MSN out of sheer force of habit.

[Vendetta]

Mate of mine swears by Mercury Messenger.

I wasn't keen on it, a bit tractor factory in the interface department and memory hungry, but it's there.

[Oskuro]

unless you're dependent on the flashy things MSN has (and dog knows a lot of people are), I also recommend Pidgin.

You can also check this Wikipedia entry and look for the one that better matches your needs.

[Bounty]

Pidgin is good if you just want to send IM's and don't care about custom names, games and all that jazz. Beware though that it can get flaky on AIM.

If you *only* need MSN, aMSN is pretty good too. It's MSN-protocol only, but has a few of the features that Pidgin's missing and looks a lot more like ye olde Messneger.

[Solauren]

MSN needs upgrading and for some reason, my computer lacks 'ordinal 266 + dynamic link library msi.dll' or some shit and I can't upgrade my MSN Messenger

Have you considered...

Downloading the full install of MSN Messenger from Microsoft?

CHecking the FAQ/Help websites/google for this problem? I have a similiar problem installing a video game, and it turns out, one of my DLL files was just out of date/installed improperly.

[Themightytom]

you can sue Trillian
www.trillian.cc

[General Zod]

you can sue Trillian
http://www.trillian.cc

We can? Is there a class action lawsuit that I wasn't aware of?

[Ryan Thunder]

For the record, I'm trying Pidgin out now with MSN and it works pretty well.

[Joviwan]

I'm using a program called Digsby at home. It has issues with conference chats, but it handles a plethora of IM services.

[Duckie]

Pidgin is good if you just want to send IM's and don't care about custom names, games and all that jazz. Beware though that it can get flaky on AIM.

Pidgin supports custom names- they're called Aliases.

[Bluewolf]

Pidgin is a good program and can run MSN fairly well. As said don't expect flashy games or displays but for what it does, it does it well.

[Stark]

I think what Bounty means is that Pidgin doesn't work well with MSN fancy names, mood stuff, icons, etc. It works fine for me, but the account stuff is a bit strange. For many versions now, AIM has also been solid.

It's just a shame Pidgin is bare-bones, fuck-ugly and OSS'd out the ass, when Adium (exactly the same code made my not retards) is pretty, flexible, easier to use, better integration .... and only on Mac. LOL!

[OmegaChief]

My MSN too decided to cark it with the recent update, somthing about windows live commication centre crashing everytime it runs.

After browsing around for replacments I settled on Pidgin, I can echo what's been said here, it's good for a bare bones chatting to people thing, if you're looking for more you'll need somthing else though.

[Oskuro]

In my case, the lack of fancy stuff in Pidgin is something I like. I get tired of all the flashy effects people keep sendind, and I find it strangely satisfying to have pidgin tell me someone is trying something that it can't do.

But that's just my aversion to people who can't communicate coherently without a stream of emoticons.

[salm]

I´m quite happy with Trillian. The only problem i have is that i can´t send files with ICQ in connection with Trillian. But since I never do that it´s of no concern.

[Themightytom]

you can sue Trillian
http://www.trillian.cc

We can? Is there a class action lawsuit that I wasn't aware of?

against ur mom...

[Sarevok]

MSN web messenger is not too bad either for just chatting.

But knowing Shroom from our msn history he will need to send word documents and pictures. Pidgin dont work too well in my experience for that.

[General Zod]

MSN web messenger is not too bad either for just chatting.

But knowing Shroom from our msn history he will need to send word documents and pictures. Pidgin dont work too well in my experience for that.

I've never had problems sending files over Pidgin. But then again I mainly use it for AIM.

[Stark]

It used to suck shit at it, but it works now. The codebase is improving, the look and feel isn't. Because OSS = crap.

unless it's on a Mac lol

[Dralan]

Just a nice tip for you guys with old MSN that dont want to run unless you upgrade it :

( You dont really need to upgrade it )

What you can do is find the messenger.exe file. Right click it and go to properties. Run in in windows 98 or win 2000 compatibility mode. They you will never get tormented about upgrading it again and it just works. Atleast it does so here.

[Vertigo1]

I've had very good luck with Miranda IM. About the only thing you can't do is webcam related, and I don't give two shits about that anyways.