Windows Live Messenger Features

Windows Live™ Messenger for BlackBerry® smartphones allows you to chat in virtual real time with your instant messaging (IM) contacts when and where you want to – not just when you’re in front of your computer.

It has many of the same features you already use with Windows Live Messenger on your desktop, including1:

  • Fast and reliable messaging
  • Virtual real-time awareness of which of your contacts are online and ready to chat
  • The ability to customize your own status messages (e.g. ‘Back in 5 mins')
  • Access to your existing Windows Live Messenger Contact List and the ability to add, delete and block contacts
  • Emoticons to express yourself
  • Auto-login so you’re always connected
  • The ability to participate in several chats at once and to initiate and participate in multi-user chats

And with Windows Live Messenger on your BlackBerry smartphone, you can also:

  • Communicate with other Windows Live Messenger users even while using other applications on your BlackBerry device
  • New messages appearing directly in your BlackBerry smartphone Messages list

Getting Windows Live Messenger on Your BlackBerry Smartphone

If the Windows Live Messenger icon is already on your home screen after you register your BlackBerry smartphone, all you have to do is click the icon and follow the instructions to install the service2.

If you don’t see the icon on your home screen, contact your wireless service provider to find out when Windows Live Messenger will be available for your BlackBerry smartphone.

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1 Check with service provider for roaming arrangements, service plans and supported features and services. Certain features may require a minimum version of BlackBerry Enterprise Server Software, BlackBerry Desktop Software, BlackBerry Internet Service and/or BlackBerry smartphone software.

2 Your smartphone must be in an area of wireless coverage and connected to the wireless network.

Microsoft, the Windows logo, Windows Live and Windows Live Hotmail are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies All other brands, product names, company names, and trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

 

Getting Started

Once you’ve installed Windows Live™ Messenger for BlackBerry® smartphones, all you need to get started is a free .NET Passport, Windows Live, MSN or Hotmail account. If you already have one, you can use the same email address and password to sign into Windows Live Messenger on your BlackBerry device.

Need a Windows Live ID?  Create an account now!

To connect to Windows Live Messenger, first make sure your BlackBerry device is connected to a wireless network. Then:

  1. On the Home screen, click the Windows Live Messenger icon
  2. Type your .NET Passport email address and password
  3. Click Sign In

You’ll also have the option to customize your sign-in process:

  • “Save Password” stores your email address and password, so all you have to do is click Sign In.
  • "Automatic Sign-in” logs you in to the service whenever you turn on your BlackBerry device in a wireless coverage area. You don’t need to enter your email address or password, or click Sign In

How do I...?

Add a Contact:

  1. On the Windows Live Messenger screen, click Contacts
  2. Click Add a Contact
  3. In the “Email address” field, type your contact’s email address
  4. Click OK

Set my availability status:

  1. On the Windows Live Messenger screen, click the trackwheel/trackball
  2. Click My Status
  3. Select My Status and choose from several status options (such as “Out To Lunch,” “Busy” and “Be Right Back”)
  4. Click OK

Start a conversation:

  1. On the Windows Live Messenger screen, choose a contact who’s online and click their name
  2. Select Start Conversation, then type a message
  3. When you’re finished, click the trackwheel/trackball and select Send

Add an emoticon to graphically express a feeling:

  1. When you are typing a message, press the Symbol key on your BlackBerry device keypad twice
  2. Click an emoticon

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System Requirements

Before downloading Windows Live™ Messenger for your BlackBerry® smartphone, check to see that you meet the below requirements:

  • Smartphones supported: BlackBerry® 7130e, BlackBerry® 7250 and BlackBerry® 8703e from Bell Mobility, BlackBerry® 8800 from T-Mobile USA
  • 300 kB (300000 bytes) of free memory (Go to Options -> Status to find your device's free memory)
  • A Windows Live ID, MSN ID or Microsoft® Passport account (visit https://login.live.com/ on your desktop browser to sign up for a Windows Live ID)
  • BlackBerry data service
  • If your device is connected to a BlackBerry® Enterprise Server, your IT Department must have IT Policy set to allow Windows Live Messenger functionality

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Windows Live Messenger Support

Need help with Windows Live™ Messenger on your BlackBerry® smartphone? A variety of resources are available for support.

Important: Customer Support for Windows Live Messenger for BlackBerry devices is not provided by wireless service providers. Please consult the resources below for product support information.

Find the Answers

Get answers to your questions by searching the BlackBerry® Technical Solution Center

BlackBerry Support Community Forums

Get help from other users in our support community forum

Get Windows Live Messenger Support from Your BlackBerry Smartphone

A full help section is available from inside the application by pressing the Menu key on your BlackBerry smartphone (depending on your smartphone, this may be the key to the left of your trackball, or the trackwheel on the right hand side of the device).

Additional Support

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