How-to: Install Microsoft Windows Live software on Windows 64bit Operating Systems

3 minute read

I’m guessing that many of you have attempted to download the latest version of Windows Live Messenger or other Windows Live Software but have been prompted with the following error:

Sorry, Windows Live programs cannot be installed on Windows Server, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition, or Windows operating systems earlier than Windows XP Service Pack 2.

You’re not alone, as I have received the same error when trying to install the latest version on Windows Server 2008 64bit.

The folks at Microsoft included support in the installer for all operating systems during the Windows Live beta(s). However when Messenger 8.5 went RTM, they removed support for all of the operating systems mentioned above. Many are outraged that Microsoft took this stance because they supported it while it was in beta, and then launch and say we don’t support it and won’t ever support it.

A special note for those of you running Messenger 8.5 Beta on Windows XP 64-bit or Windows 2003 Server: the final version of Messenger 8.5 will not install or run on your OS. We don’t want you to get stuck out in the cold so you will not receive the mandatory upgrade to the final version. However,** these operating systems won’t be supported by future Messenger versions.** You may stay on your current beta version, or to get to a more stable final version we recommend that you uninstall Messenger 8.5 and go back to Messenger 8.1. (Windows Live Messenger Blog).

Many are wishing Microsoft would remove this limitation from the Windows Live installer. For more information visit the messengergeek blog.

Luckily there is an easy work around to installing Windows Live on Windows 64bit operating systems and Windows Server operating systems if you have a 32bit windows operating system available. Just follow the steps below and you will be up and running in a few minutes with the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Writer and various other Windows Live programs.1. Download the installer on your 32bit Windows machine from https://get.live.com. Note: I used Windows XP Service pack 3.

  1. Run the Installer (WLinstaller.exe). Note: It will download and install the latest version of Windows Live onto your machine.
  2. Go to the following folder(C:\Program Files\Common Files\WindowsLiveInstaller\MsiSources or C:\Windows\System32\config\systemprofile\AppData\Local\WindowsLiveInstaller\MsiSources).
  3. Copy or email the executables of the various Windows Live programs installers to your Windows 64bit or Windows Server operating system. Below is a list of applications names that correspond to the filename (diTii.com).

Windows Live Writer

Install_{9176251A-4CC1-4DDB-B343-B487195EB397}.msi

Windows Live Messenger

Install_{508CE775-4BA4-4748-82DF-FE28DA9F03B0}.msi

Windows Live Sign-In Assistant

Install_{AFA4E5FD-ED70-4D92-99D0-162FD56DC986}.msi

Windows Live Mail

Install_{EDB619FD-4E71-403C-8E99-DFC9CF9DD345}.msi

Windows Live Toolbar

Install_{C6876FE6-A314-4628-B0D7-F3EE5E35C4B4}.msi

Install_{AA436FBD-2595-479B-8DDE-E9C36F50D99D}.msi

Finally install the above msi’s onto your machine. You should now be on the latest and greatest version of your favorite software.

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