Minimize Windows Live Messenger to the System Tray in Windows 7
Article by George Norman
On 08 Sep 2009
There are plenty of things to like in Windows Live Messenger (formerly known as MSN Messenger). If we were to name but a few things we like about Windows Live Messenger we’d have to mention the following: it comes free of charge, you can share photos with your friends, you can play games with Windows Live Messenger contacts, it is very easy to use, there are more than 50 localized versions, and there are plenty of customization options. Speaking of customization, I don’t particularly like the fact that in Windows 7, the Windows Live Messenger button does not minimize to the system tray.

The good news is that you can force Windows Live Messenger to minimize to the system tray, just like we can force Yahoo! Messenger to minimize to the system tray. But unlike Yahoo! Messenger, forcing the Windows Live Messenger taskbar button perform a vanishing act is a bit trickier. Don’t worry, it’s not too complicated. As long as you follow the details presented below you should be able to pull this off easily.

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Step 1. Shut down the Windows Live Messenger application. Right click the Windows Live Messenger icon and select Close window in the menu that appears.

Step 2. Click the Start icon in the bottom left hand corner of the screen. If you prefer to use the keyboard instead, click the Start button (it is located in the bottom left hand corner of the keyboard; easily recognizable as it bears the Microsoft logo).

Step 3. Follow this path: All Programs -> Windows Live -> Windows Live Messenger.

Step 4. Right click Windows Live Messenger -> in the menu that appears click Properties.

Step 5. The Windows Live Messenger Properties window should have appeared. Locate and click the Compatibility tab.

Step 6. Check the box next to Run this program in compatibility mode -> in the dropdown menu select Windows Vista.

Step 7. Click Apply -> Click OK and you’re done.

You can now launch Windows Live Messenger. You will notice that when you click the X button in the top right hand corner, Windows Live Messenger will hide away in the system tray – this is because the app has been tricked into using the old default behavior, not the Windows 7 behavior which permanently displays a tab in the taskbar.

Tips and Warnings
Microsoft rebranded MSN Messenger as Windows Live Messenger in 2005 when it rolled out the Windows Live set of online services that Windows Live Messenger is part of.



Tags: Microsoft, Windows, IM, Instant Messaging, Windows Live Messenger, Taskbar, System Tray
About the author: George Norman
George is a news editor.
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