How to Use an Account That's not Hotmail in MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger is one of the top-rated online chat and messaging programs available. Not only is MSN a great way to stay in contact with family and friends from around the world but it can also be a great business tool. The trouble is that you need a Hotmail email address to use it, or do you? Here’s how to use an account that is not Hotmail for your MSN Messenger.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
    
   Windows Live ID

   Begin by visiting Windows Live ID (see Resources below). This website gives you access to all MSN websites and utilities.

2. 
    
   Get started.

   Scroll down to the section titled “Use an Email Address You Already Have.” Click the link for the section that says “Get Started Now.”

3. 
    
   Enter your info.

   Type in your existing email address and choose a password. This will create a new Windows Live ID with your email address being the login.

4. 
    
   Click "Continue."

   After you have completed the registration form, scroll down and click the button marked “Continue.”

5. 
    
   Accept the terms.

   Take a moment to review the Terms of Use and the Privacy Statement. To confirm that you agree with these rules, retype your email address and click the button marked “I Accept.”

6. 
    
   Complete the sign-up process.

   Click the “Continue” button on the next page to complete the sign-up process.

7. 
    
   Confirm sign-up.

   Check the in box for the email address you used. There should be a message prompting you to click a link to confirm that you wanted to sign up for a Windows Live ID account. Follow the instructions in that email to confirm that you are the one who registered the account.

8. 
    
   Sign in to MSN messenger.

   Open either MSN Messenger or Windows Messenger. You should now be able to log in using the email address and password that you selected.

Tips & Warnings

• Although this may sound like a complicated process with a lot of steps, it is actually quite simple and can be done in just a couple of minutes.