Send and receive instant messages
If you like e-mail, you'll find that instant messaging adds two important perks: the ability to see who's online at any given moment, and the option of connecting with them instantly, in real time. With Windows Messenger, you can start with basic instant messaging, and then add voice and video.
On This Page
To send an instant message with Windows Messenger:
1. | Double-click the Windows Messenger icon located in the status area on the lower right corner of your screen to start Windows Messenger. |
2. | Click on the link to sign in, type your Microsoft Passport Network e-mail address and password, and click OK. |
3. | On your contact list, double-click the name of the person you want to send a message to. 
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4. | Type your message in the box in the lower part of the window. |
5. | Click Send or press ENTER to send your message. 
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6. | Your contact will receive a pop-up box in the lower right corner of their screen, and an audible alert indicates that your contact has received a new instant message from you. When your contact clicks on the pop-up box, a Conversation window opens on the recipient's computer so that your contact can respond to your message. |
7. | When your contact responds, if you have closed the Conversation window, a pop-up box will appear on your screen. Click the box to open the Conversation window to respond. 
The status bar at the bottom of the Conversation window shows you when your contact is typing, adding to the feeling of immediate connection. The status bar also displays the date and time of the last message you received. 
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Adding people to a conversation
Suppose that you're trading messages about an upcoming event and you want to expand the conversation to include other people on your contact list who might want to go to the event as well. Up to five people can take part in a conversation in Windows Messenger.
To invite others to join your conversation
1. | In the Conversation window, click Invite Someone to this Conversation. |
2. | Click the contact's name, and then click OK. An invitation is sent to the person you indicated. |
3. | Type your message, and then click Send or press ENTER. |
Tip: You can send messages to people who aren't on your contact list, but in order to receive the messages, they must have Windows Messenger installed.
To send a message to someone not on your contact list:
1. | Click the Send button, and then click Other. |
2. | Type the person's Passport Network address (for example, an e-mail address ending in hotmail.com, passport.net, or msn.com). |
If you know that a contact has Windows Messenger, but the messages aren't going through, make sure the recipient's Windows Messenger status is set to Online.
For more information
Watch the video Instantly Communicate with Family and Friends to see a demonstration of sending and receiving instant messages. Watching the video requires that you have Windows Media Player.
Broadband: watch the video now.
Dial-up: download the video now (instructions).
Read Express yourself with emoticons to find out how to add more personality to the messages you send.
