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 About File Transfers and Worm Transfers...
About File Transfers and Worm Transfers...

dwergs says ( 16 Apr 2005 ):

 

Are "potentially unsafe" file the least of your worries and is MSN Messenger's blocked file extensions policy causing you a mental breakdown? Check out our FAQ on How to enable potentially unsafe file transfers again.

I've also updated our FAQ on MSN Messenger worms with a link to the W32.Kelvir Removal Tool by Symantec, which disinfects from W32.Kelvir.D, R, S, T and W (the "Looks its you" worms with a link ending with pictures.php?email=[your e-mail]). It didn't took long for worm creators to outsmart Microsoft's silly blocked file extensions strategy.

Related downloads:

>> Download File Extension Unblocker (for all versions of MSN Messenger) by wtbw

>> Download Mess Patch for MSN Messenger 7.0.0777 by Rolando et al.

>> Download W32.Kelvir Removal Tool by Symantec.



 New in Customess: Jellitons 2... the remix!
New in Customess: <b>Jellitons 2... the remix!</b>

dwergs says ( 15 Apr 2005 ):

 

EVERYBODY loves Jellitons! And guess what? Apothix has just designed a second set of Jellitons especially for CustoMess users (aka YOU)!

jellitons 2 MSN Display Pictures by apothixBe angelic, artistic, at work, bionical, censored, deep in love, furious, hungry, pimpin', showering, etc. I'm sure you'll find your state of mind or activity-of-the-moment among these twenty slick MSN Display Pictures. If not, there's always the first series you can also still import directly into MSN Messenger 7 with CustoMess.

>> Download CustoMess for absolutely free MSN Messenger 7 content!

>> Vote for graff 3D and support Apothix, creator of this set.



 Updated: Plus! Tweak! for MsgPlus! 3.52
Updated: Plus! Tweak! for MsgPlus! 3.52

Pure_BY says ( 15 Apr 2005 ):

 

Choli has updated his tweaker to make it fully compatible with the latest Messenger Plus! version (3.52).

The new version of Plus! Tweak! supports all the settings listed on the Registry Tweaks Page and is useful for editing extra settings of MsgPlus! not listed in its Preferences panel, like additional colors for floating windows, name on sign-in, background color of the Quick Icons panel, etc. ...

>> Download Plus! Tweak! for MsgPlus! 3.52



 Added: MSN Messenger oCean 3 Skin
Added: MSN Messenger oCean 3 Skin

Pure_BY says ( 14 Apr 2005 ):

 

I have just added a new MSN Messenger 7 skin by jeromebzh to our database. It is called oCean 3, and it is French. So watch out not to replace your msgslang.dll with the one shipped ;)

>> Screenshot

>> Download oCean 3 skin for MSN Messenger 7.0.0777



 Another MSN Space rewarded for linking to us!
Another MSN Space rewarded for linking to us!

dwergs says ( 14 Apr 2005 ):

 

msn spaces msn messengerSince the launch of MSN Spaces, Microsoft's free blog service, we've been asking you to put up links to Mess.be on your spaces and report it back to us.

Today it's time to reward another random "Space blogger" with a free Firebox gadget worth $38 or £20 (eg. Space Invaders 5-in-1 Plug 'n' Play, Sega Mega Drive 6-in-1 Plug 'n' Play, etc).

Congratulations, Nick Slater and thanks for linking to us from your MSN Space!


We're going to give away more Firebox gadgets and other stuff in the coming weeks (including... yes, FINALLY, the prizes for past competitions... :$) so give it a shot today: tell your blog readers why you visit Mess with MSN Messenger and put up a permanent link to us. Those of you who already entered are still eligible, so there's no need to re-apply! Of course, you're also welcome to link to us from your regular site!



 Microsoft's Security Alerts delivered to MSN Messenger
Microsoft's Security Alerts delivered to MSN Messenger

dwergs says ( 14 Apr 2005 ):

 

Microsoft is discontinuing its Security Updates e-mail from July 2005. Replacements come in the form of this RSS feed (Really Simple Syndication) and Security MSN Alerts, previously already available in certain countries. These Security MSN Alerts can be received through MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger, e-mail, or on mobile devices. Here are some links for you to check out if you want to be on the safe side:

>> Microsoft Technical Security Notifications: More information.

>> Sign up for Microsoft Security Alerts.

>> Click destination example for a Dutch alert on a recent MSN Messenger worm.

>> Security RRS Feed: More information.

>> Sign up to receive the latest Mess.be news inside MSN Messenger.

NOTE: Microsoft Security Alerts can relate to any Microsoft product, including but not limited to MSN Messenger.



 Updated again: Messenger Plus! 3.52
Updated again: Messenger Plus! 3.52

dwergs says ( 14 Apr 2005 ):

 

An important bug was found after the release of Messenger Plus! 3.51 which forced Patchou to release version 3.52 today.

Everyone is encouraged to install this latest update as it fixes some important stability issues with MSN Messenger 7. To make up for my own mistakes, I took the opportunity to fix some other stuff and optimize the way Messenger Plus! works with the Messenger 7 contact list: you can now all enjoy a nice boost of rapidity in Messenger.

BTW: If you're bored, Patchou tells you to go check the Preferences of Messenger Plus! to have something to play with...

>> Download Messenger Plus! 3.52

[Reported by: HalfDead & Graham73May]



 New virus gets round blocked extensions
New virus gets round blocked extensions

dwergs says ( 14 Apr 2005 ):

 

Virus creators have found a way to get round Microsoft's blocked file extension and .pif filtering precautions. Watch out for messages similar to "Look its you" followed by a link to malignancy.us/.../pictures.php?email=[your e-mail] or http://hydr0.net/pictures...email=[your e-mail] and whatever you do, do NOT click the link.

UPDATE: There's a hydr0.net link as well.

[Reported: Imei, Daleus, Oliver, saralk]



 Offline Messenger v2: Current state of affairs
Offline Messenger v2: Current state of affairs

dwergs says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

Offline Messenger v2, the bot that delivers "offline messages" to contacts as soon as they sign in, went public BETA last Sunday. In the meantime and after some stability issues, the first three Offmsgr (1, 2 and 3) accounts got closed because their contact lists got corrupted and unusable (select a new mirror here if you were using one of them). psyko has also added a Terms of Use with zero-tolerance towards spam and abuse.

With all that said, give Offline Messenger v2 a try!



 MSN Messenger 7.0 resources indicate paid Mobile Messaging
MSN Messenger 7.0 resources indicate paid Mobile Messaging

Rolando says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

When examining resources of a new build, one can come across images or UIFile tags which represent features that aren't yet available in MSN Messenger. For instance, images for MSN Spaces, handwriting tabs and Nudges were all included in builds that didn't actually have those features yet.

So while I was toying with UIFile 920 today, I came across a few lines of code which I noticed aren't shown yet in MSN Messenger. The code represents 3 buttons which are supposed to exist beside the "Send E-Mail" button in the Mobile Conversation Window. After tracking their string values and PNG images I was able to come up with a mockup screenshot (nothing blurry this time ;)). Judging from their texts and images, you can tell that this indicates Microsoft's future plans for MSN Messenger's Mobile Messaging feature. The buttons, "Buy Mobile Messages", "Account Balance" and "Account Information" clearly display that future versions of MSN Messenger won't include the free Mobile Messaging service it currently provides.

mobile messaging

Previous versions of MSN Messenger 7 BETA included similar menu items which appear to have been removed in version 7.0.0777. This appears to be another step in bundling MSN Messenger with paid "Premium" services. Needless to say that recipients get charged by their wireless service providers for each message sent via MSN Messenger.

On that note, ICQ still offers free unlimited mobile messaging service. So with Microsoft deciding to make Mobile Messaging a paid service, they could be jeopardizing MSN Messenger's recently-gained TOP popularity.

>> View mockup Mobile Messaging screenshot.

[Originally posted at MessengerBlog]



 Updated: MessengerDiscovery 3... for MSN Messenger 7!
Updated: MessengerDiscovery 3... for MSN Messenger 7!

dwergs says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

messenger discoveryAfter three months of anticipation by many people (and a little delay inserted by yours truly :s), I'm announcing the release of MessengerDiscovery 3, now completely compatible with MSN Messenger 7!

This version is a major milestone in MessengerDiscovery history: it has the most fun and cool improvements along with technical ones. Four major new updates:

1) Encrypted Messages: Typically MSN Messenger sends all your instant messages in plain text - that means that hackers or third parties can spy on your conversations! MessengerDiscovery 3 will automatically encrypt all your messages to other people with the addon, thus protecting your messages from prying eyes.

2) Re-designed GUI: MessengerDiscovery has grown huge in features in the last 6 months, thus bloating the GUI and making some features hard to use or find. Hence a completely re-designed GUI!

3) Re-coded Engine: ecko_complex has completely recoded the proxy engine allowing much better stability and much faster performance! (Not to mention the 20+ bug fixes).

4) Other Improvements and Features: MessengerDiscovery is more advanced and more functional than ever before, the most popular feature "imitate" has been improved for advanced users, by using the command "!imitate advanced" you get a dialog box with full control over what you imitate and who you imitate. Another cool and requested feature has also been implemented: Random Nicknames. Why have a static nickname when you can have a different one every time you log in or every minute on the minute?

>> Download MessengerDiscovery 3 (installation WITHOUT the sponsor is strongly advised).

[Reported by: Fukafly, ipab, Timmy & Alex P]



 Grab a @messengeruser.com address today!
Grab a @messengeruser.com address today!

dwergs says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

Especially for -but not limited to- Microsoft Live Communications Server 2005, Microsoft has created a new standard Passport domain: messengeruser.com.

Instead of the widespread hotmail.com ones, you can register a Passport with this domain and use it to sign into MSN Messenger! Most of us are more a Messenger user than a Hotmail user, anyway. The new domain was created March 2nd this year, so you might still be the first to grab some cool addresses!

>> Create a Messengeruser.com Passport.

[Reported by: Daniel from MSNFanatic]



 Messenger Plus! 3.51 Easter Egg
Messenger Plus! 3.51 Easter Egg

dwergs says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

Only emerged a day ago, Patchou's freshly layed easter egg in the new Messenger Plus! 3.51 is already the topic of many e-mails. I'm not going to spoil it front page so if you want to know the new secret Plus! command just click the following link:

plus! easter egg revealed >> FAQ: What is the new Messenger Plus! 3.51 Easter Egg?

plus! easter egg revealed >> Download Messenger Plus! 3.51.



 Vulnerability leads to MSN Messenger 6.2 Security Update
Vulnerability leads to MSN Messenger 6.2 Security Update

dwergs says ( 13 Apr 2005 ):

 

Like previously announced, Microsoft has released a critical security update to MSN Messenger addressing a GIF processing vulnerability that could lead to remote code execution.

MSN Messenger 7.0 FINAL users don't need to worry because only version 6.2 and 7.0 BETAs are affected. If you're not planning to make the switch to the "holy 7" yet, you can download the new secured build MSN Messenger 6.2.0208. Of course, Microsoft encourages everyone to download the final MSN Messenger 7 right away.

>> Read more: Microsoft Security Bulletin MS05-022.

>> Download MSN Messenger 6.2.0208 here.

>> Download MSN Messenger 7 FINAL.

[Thanks to: Mess.be Fanatic & )(Rockerboy for reporting]



 Microsoft, bridge the gap or lose users!
Microsoft, bridge the gap or lose users!

dwergs says ( 12 Apr 2005 ):

 

Can you imagine MSN Messenger without MSN Display Pictures, Custom Emoticons, games, webcam and audio?

"Sure," you'll answer, "just look at MSN Web Messenger!". But did you know that another Messenger client is actually even worse off?

After recompiling the Feature Comparison Table, Robert Thomson has come to the shocking conclusion that MSN Web Messenger actually has more features and a higher percentage of functionality than MSN Messenger for Mac 4.0.1, and that the online IM application comes really close to the expected functionality percentage of Microsoft .NET Messenger 5 for Mac.

This is unacceptable and discriminating towards Mac users. That's why several petitions, striving for equality between Mac and Windows versions of MSN Messenger, have originated in the Mac community. And their grand total of signatures is approaching 20000. So, did you sign already? And if yes, why don't you pass the link on to your friends, buddies and blog readers asking them to do the same?

Even if you're a Windows users and don't have any Mac user on your contact list, just be altruistic for one minute and sign the petition!



 Updated: Messenger Plus! 3.51
Updated: Messenger Plus! 3.51

dwergs says ( 12 Apr 2005 ):

 

The new version of Messenger Plus! -for those who've been cryogenically frozen for the last four years, that's the world's most popular plugin for Messenger- takes care of a couple of bugs with emotion sounds, the quick emoticons panel and startup problems alongside visual and general improvements. The most prominent changes in build 3.51.128 include:

- Alternate mode (Plus! > Preferences > General Options > Miscellaneous) for people with startup problems.
- The custom emoticon problem for the Quick Icon panel and MSN Messenger 7 has been fixed.
- Animated GIFs now look better in the Quick Icons panels.
- Sound Pack files (with a plp extension) are now associated to Messenger Plus! in the Windows shell. This means that the sound packs now have a nice Plus! icon attached to them and you can import a sound pack just by double clicking on it.
- When sending a custom sound, if the server takes some time to respond and you switch to another window, the focus is restored before the sound is actually sent to your contact (that way, the sound is properly sent).
- MSN Messenger 7 style status icons in some windows when using MSN Messenger 7.
- A /notif command has been added which opens the Notification Configuration window for a given contact.
- The /sendfile command has been fixed for the final version of MSN Messenger 7, however, no parameter is allowed for this command anymore (remember that you can use /dropfile too).
- Fixed a bug that stopped handwriting to work when a contact sent a message while drawing.
- Winks are now properly logged and formatted in the chat window.
- A new little extra has been added to the software, find it! :)

>> Download Messenger Plus! 3.51.

>> Participate in the Messenger Plus! Giveaway Contest.

[Reported by: lew]



 CustoMess launched a hundred thousand times
CustoMess launched a hundred thousand times

dwergs says ( 11 Apr 2005 ):

 

orneryboy msn display picturesGot MSN Messenger 7? Then why don't you start adding quality MSN Emoticons, MSN Display pictures and MSN Backgrounds to it instantly with our free CustoMess software?!

Since the release of its second version on March 10th, CustoMess has been launched 100 000 times and its continuously expanding free content packs have been downloaded 300 000 times. Particular public favorite is the set of Rock Paper Scissor emoticons.

>> Download CustoMess for MSN Messenger 7 (all builds).

>> NOTE: CustoMess is completely free and free from ad & spyware. All we ask you is to spread the word and get people to download it from Mess.be if they're asking where you got your cool ass emoticons from!



 Minor update to Mess Patch v7.0.0777
Minor update to Mess Patch v7.0.0777

dwergs says ( 11 Apr 2005 ):

 

Here's a slightly modified version of the latest Mess Patch (released yesterday) which takes care of the blocked file extensions correctly now.

Please also not that the Personal Message boost to 500 characters will only affect the presentation of your PM in conversation windows and mouse-over tooltips. It would seriously mess up your contacts' lists if it showed in the main window as well.

>> Download Mess Patch for MSN Messenger 7.0.0777.



 Updated: Mess Patch for MSN Messenger 7 FINAL!
Updated: <b>Mess Patch</b> for MSN Messenger 7 FINAL!

dwergs says ( 10 Apr 2005 ):

 

All your MSN Messenger are belong to you! With Mess Patch you can tweak every tiny bit of your favorite IM client. Dozens of cosmetic (eg. ad and buttons remover) as well as functional (eg. open My Display Picture dialog when clicking your Display Pic) modifications can be applied in 1-2-3 thanks to an easy step-by-step installation. Or you can add a multitude of new games, disable Nudges and Nudge protection (by the way, want to send unlimited nudges?), etc.

You see, it's the online equivalent to a Swiss pocket knife! Now what's new in this updated version for the final release of MSN Messenger 7?

- Added "Boost Personal Messages To 500 Characters" option (put your entire biography in there!);
- Added "Remove Blocked Extensions In File Transfers" option (send any kind of file again);
- Added 2 options for removing the font and backgrounds buttons in the formatting bar (some like it clean);
- Added version check for backups so that you won't restore any old backups;
- Supports for 10 different languages!

And a few options got ditched:

- Removed the (beta) tags option (clearly there is no need for it anymore).
- Removed the semi-transparent boxes option in the conversation windows.
- No more removal of the send button from the conversation windows (because it disabled sending handwritten messages).
- Title and artist swapping now works only for iTunes (sorry!).

>> Download Mess Patch for MSN Messenger 7.0.0777 (that's the final release).



 Offline Messenger going public BETA tonight!
Offline Messenger going public BETA tonight!

dwergs says ( 10 Apr 2005 ):

 

We were quite disappointed when the references to Offline Messaging in a leaked MSN Messenger 7 BETA turned out to be very limited (to mobile users). I guess we were hasty to believe the "answering machine" feature, present in competing IM software, was going to come packed with MSN Messenger 7... too bad.

So until now we were pretty much forced to use the Come-Back Message in Messenger Plus!, or appeal to Spleak. But tonight brings another alternative: Offline Messenger 2!

In a few hours everyone will be able to BETA-test the brand new MSN Messenger bot that will allow offline messaging by simply adding an address to your contact list. Since its first version released in April last year, everything has been rebuilt from scratch for stability, efficiency, and functionality.

Keep an eye on offlinemessenger.com for the BETA release and further instructions on how to use the bot.



 Updated: Custom Games Installer v1.0.10
Updated: Custom Games Installer v1.0.10

dwergs says ( 10 Apr 2005 ):

 

Did you know you can play Backgammon, Battleships, Chess, Connect4, Hangman, Memory, Mine mess, Nine Men's Morris, Reversi, Tetris and Yahtzee against your MSN Messenger contacts? All you have to do is apply Koen's Custom Games Installer, which is now fully compatible with MSN Messenger 7.0.0777 (aka MSN Messenger 7 Final).

The patch recently was listed as one of "60 Free Programs to Download" in French magazine L'Ordinateur Individuel (#170, March 2005), as you can see in this picture shared by JimmyL. Congratulations to Koen and all games.mess.be contributors!

>> Download Custom Games Installer v7.0.0777.



 MSN Photo Swap activity is now free!
MSN Photo Swap activity is now free!

zipp says ( 10 Apr 2005 ):

 

The Photo Swap activity in MSN Mesenger 7 is no longer a "paid users exclusive" feature. Maybe this is a first step with Microsoft allowing otherwise exclusive features of its popular IM Client to be accessed by regular users. Let's hope we see more like this in the future!

To access this feature, simply click the activities menu button at the top of your IM Window and hit MSN Photo Swap!

Note: This feature requires an extra Active X control to be installed on your computer.

[Reported by: XtR0n Ak3R and MoRiA]



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