removing windows live to install msn messenger 7.5

I am trying [ have been at it all day] to remove Windows Live so that I can go back to Msn Messenger.
I have the old 4.7 version of messenger and want to update to 7.5. But when I try to install 7.5. I get the mesage " you already have a later version of messenger and I should remove that version before I can install 7.5"
However, when I try to uninstall W/Live, it's impossible, I've been to Add/Remove etc. and the only progs I can find are:- Windows Live Sign-in assistant.....and Windows Live Upload tool , both of which
dont seem to be the prog I wish to remove.
I know that Windows Messenger is part of windows and I updated to 7.5 about a year ago, but since then my PC has crashed and the only messenger I can use is MSN 4.7 or that lousy program Windows Live, which is a load of rubbish.
I really would appreciate some help on this one.....Thanks in anticipation.....Dai

I have XP professional with SP3
Dai

[AlanE]

To remove Windows Live Messanger

System Requirements

* Windows XP or Windows Vista

Instructions

1. Press the Windows button on your keyboard, or launch the Start Menu using your cursor.
2. Select the "Run..." option.
3. In the prompted box, enter "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove".
4. Press the Enter button on your keyboard, or click "OK."
5. When you are prompted and asked to restart your computer, click "Yes."

Hope this helps

Thanks for your info, I tried it and messenger 4.7 has been removed but windows live is still there. I think I read somewhere that AMD athlon 64 does not show windows Live in the program "add /Remove" folder, but 32 does.so that could be why I cannot remove it!
I'll try anything you suggest.
Dai

within reason!!

[AlanE]

'll try anything you suggest.
within reason!!

B*mmer!! Oh well try this instead: (From Microsoft Knowledgebase http://support.microsoft.com/kb/938275

To remove and reinstall Windows Live Services, follow these steps:

1. Verify that you are logged on as a user who has administrator credentials. Then, use the appropriate method:
* For Windows Vista

Click Start
start
, type windows explorer in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
* For Windows XP

Right-click Start, and then click Explore.
2. In the navigation pane, scroll down to the Computer folder (Windows Vista), or to the My Computer folder (Windows XP).
3. Right-click the Computer folder or the My Computer folder, and then click Manage.
Note If you are a Windows Vista user, select Continue when you are prompted by the User Account Control.
4. In the left panel, expand Local Users and Groups folder, and then select Groups.
5. In the details pane, right-click Administrators, and then select Properties.
6. Examine the Member list for your user name, and then take the appropriate action:
* If your user name is not in the Member list, close all the applications, save the data, and then log off. Then, log on as a user who has administrator user rights.
* If your user name is in the Member list, go to step 7.
7. Make sure that the following applications are closed.
* Microsoft Office Outlook
* Windows Live Messenger
* Windows Live Mail
* Windows Live Writer
* Windows Live Photo Gallery
* Windows Live Family Safety Settings
* Windows Live Toolbar
8. To remove the desired Windows Live Services that are installed on the computer, follow these steps:
* For Windows Vista
1. Click Start
Start
, type programs and features in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.
2. In the list of programs, select the name of the desired Windows Live Service that you want to remove, and then click Uninstall.
3. If you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the program, click Yes. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.
4. Repeat steps b and c for each Windows Live Service that you want to remove.
5. Shut down and then start the computer.
* For Windows XP
1. Click Start, click Run, type control appwiz.cpl, and then click OK.
2. In Add or Remove Programs, click the name of the desired Windows Live Service that you want to remove, and then click Remove.
3. If you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the program, click Yes.
4. Repeat steps b and c for each Windows Live Service that you want to remove.
5. Shut down and then start the computer.
9. Reinstall the release version of Windows Live Services. To do this, follow these steps:
1. Visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://get.live.com/wl/config_all?CID=Wave2_Home-Button (http://get.live.com/wl/config_all?CID=Wave2_Home-Button)
2. Click to select the check boxes for the Windows Live Services that you want to install, and then click Install.

APPLIES TO

* Windows Live Messenger
* Windows Live Mail
* Windows Live Family Safety
* Windows Live Photo Gallery
* Windows Live Writer