This message is posted as M$ way of telling us to do this or else get lost. Upgrade your Windows Live Messenger Service! Beginning August 25, M$ have started asking customers using versions 8.1, 8.5 and 14.0 to upgrade to the newest version of Messenger. The upgrade process will take place in a phased approach over the next several weeks: First Phase, Optional (voluntary) Upgrade: The optional upgrade will happen in two stages: Starting Aug. 25, customers using versions 8.1 or 8.5 were asked to upgrade their client. Starting early Oct., all customers using versions 14.0 (but not the latest release 14.0.8089) will be asked to upgrade their client. The upgrade at this time is optional. Customers who haven’t upgraded during the optional phase will be required to do so during the second phase. Second Phase, Mandatory Upgrade: The mandatory upgrade will happen in three stages: Starting mid-Sept., all customers using Messenger 8.1 or 8.5 will be required to upgrade their version of Windows Live Messenger. Starting late Oct., all customers using Messenger 14.0 will be required to upgrade their version of Windows Live Messenger. For tthose who do not administer the upgrade will not be able to sign in to Messenger after this time. M$ link i_Xp/VistaUser