Note This article refers to version 4.0 of Windows Messenger, which ships with Windows XP. You can now download the update to version 4.7 of Windows Messenger for Windows XP–it's free. If you are using version 4.7, learn how to use it here. Not sure which version of Windows Messenger you have? Here's how to find out. Windows Messenger lets you see at a glance whether your contacts are online and available. Likewise, your contacts can see when you are online and available. Of course, there may be times when you prefer not to be disturbed, or times when you want your contacts to know that you will be right back. Windows Messenger lets you control how your online status appears to others. You can block anyone, or everyone, from seeing when you are online. If someone adds you to his or her contact list, you receive a notice. You can block that person from ever seeing your online status and contacting you. See Figure 1 below. If you allow contacts to see your online status, you can control how your status appears to them when you are online. Three status types are automatic: | • | Not Online. Before you log on to .NET Messenger service, your contacts see your name beside a red icon beneath the Not Online heading. | | • | Online. When you log on to .NET Messenger service, your contacts see your name beside a white icon beneath the Online heading. | | • | Away. When you have not used your computer for a period of time, your contacts see a small clock on the icon and (Away) beside your name. |
However, you can force your status to appear as any option. For example you can appear to be offline—even while working online at your desk. To change your online status | • | Click on the File menu, click My Status, and then click one of the options, such as Be Right Back. See Figure 2 below.  Figure 2. Change your status. |
When you sign in, or change your status to Online, a pop–up dialog box and an audible alert informs your contacts that you are available. You can change the time period at which Windows Messenger automatically changes your status to Away. To change the Away time period | • | Click on the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Preferences tab. | | • | In the check box beside Show me as “Away” when I'm inactive for ___ minutes, you can add a check to enable, or clear the check mark to disable the automatic status change. Check the box and change the number of minutes if you prefer a longer or shorter period. See Figure 3 below. |
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