On MSN Messenger How to Appear Offline But Be Online

Windows Live Messenger, formerly known as MSN Messenger, is a desktop software program that lets you communicate with contacts in a real-time, chat setting. The program lets you post a personalized status message, and gives you the ability to indicate whether you're busy or away from your computer. If you're online but don't want friends to be able to see you, you can also make yourself appear offline.

Instructions

Appear Offline to Everyone

1. Launch MSN Messenger.

2. Enter your email address and password associated with your MSN Messenger account, then click to open the "Sign in as" drop-down menu. Select "Appear Offline," then click "Sign in."

3. Click the arrow to the right of your display name, then select "Appear Offline" from the list.

Appear Offline to Specific Person or Group

1. Launch MSN Messenger.

2. Enter your email address and password associated with your MSN Messenger account, then click "Sign in."

3. Right-click the name of the contact or group you want to, then click "Appear offline to this contact" or "Appear offline to this group." To re-appear online to this contact or group at a later date, right-click the name of the contact or group, then click "Appear online to this contact" or "Appear online to this group."

References

• Windows Live Messenger: How Do I Appear Offline to Some People and Not Others?