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How do I sign into multiple MSN accounts in Messenger?

Question:

How do you set things up so you are signed into MSN Messenger using two
different accounts at the same time? I have an account with my new friends, but
I also have an account that I use with others that I want to talk to at the
same time.

You’re not alone. I get this question frequently. Sadly, MSN Messenger, or
it’s lesser twin Windows Messenger, simply don’t allow you to do this. At least
not directly.

But, as they say, we have ways of letting you talk.

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MSN Messenger only allows you to run one instance at a time, and that one
instance can only log in as a single user. The same is true for Windows
Messenger. The upshot is that each of these simply cannot use multiple accounts
at the same time.

At least not on their own.

And therein lies the answer.

“You can even chat with yourself, if that kind of thing
appeals to you.”

You can run MSN Messenger at the same time as Windows Messenger, and each
could be logged into a different account. Or for that matter, you could use
MSN’s web-based messenger service in addition to either, or both, of the
instant messaging applications.

Or, you could use Trillian, Gaim or perhaps other IM clients. Trillian and
Gaim are multi-protocol instant messaging clients that allow you to use a
single program to talk to MSN, AIM, Yahoo and other IM buddies. These can be
run along side the IM clients mentioned so far, so you could, for example, use
Trillian to talk using one account, and MSN Messenger to talk using
another.

And finally, Trillian actually supports multiple accounts natively. You can
configure it with two (or presumably more) MSN identities, and chat at the same
time using both.

You can even chat with yourself, if that kind of thing appeals to you.

Do this

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21 comments on “How do I sign into multiple MSN accounts in Messenger?”

  1. I stupidly hit the one user only sign in. And now the messenger starts to fast for me to sign in under my other account…how do I fix??? I’ve tried to reinstall but it still starts up like lightning and I can’t click the line fast enogh to change it…HELP!!!

    Reply
  2. The easiest (I promise you) way to run multiple MSN messengers simultaneously in my opinion without installling that polgamy crap which didn’t work, is to first:

    1.) If you do not have the latest windows installer, install that (if you run windows xp like me), I installed windows installer 3.1 (came with windows server 2003 and later versions) please go here NOW: http://www.toggle.com/lv/group/view/kl39621/Microsoft_Windows_Installer.htm
    Install it and when it’s done..

    2.) You will want to, no you have to install Windows Live Messenger Beta, go here: http://get.live.com/en-us/betas/messenger_betas
    **NOTE: You cannot install this version if you do not I repeat do not have the latest windows installer.

    3.) After Windows Live Messenger Beta is installed, log in into one your msn accounts, maximize the msn window and then go to the top and click on Plus!> Preferences…
    A window should pop up, go to the Messenger tab and check off the Allow me to connect to several accounts simultaneously. Click ok and you’re done.

    4.) Make sure you drag your Windows Live Messenger Beta on your desktop, if you haven’t done so already. Double click on the WLMB icon and happy msn-ing.

    Reply
  3. There is a software called MSNShell, please go to http://www.msnshell.com/ to download and it free.

    The software allow for multiple MSN account sign in at the same time, no limitation.
    It also have option to remove MSN ad banner.
    I’ve been using for many years.
    Try it.

    Reply
  4. Gaim is now known as Pidgin. This open source client is impressive and extremely light weight. Sadly it does not support many popular MSN features such as sending custom emoticons.

    Reply
  5. well i remember once i dounble clicked on windows live messenger and two sign in screens popped up so ive been signing into 2 msn accounts since

    Reply
  6. 1) Install msn plus
    2) when install finish launch yr msn, click on the plus! tab.
    3) select preference and options
    4) a window widown will pop out, at there select the customize! tab
    5) check the all me to connect to several account.
    6) now u can launch muti msn by simpily double click the msn exe program.

    Reply
  7. How can i use Msn messagner on two computers at the same time without being detected from the other computer . As far as i know if you sign in on one computer it notifies you on the other . How can i avoid this ?

    You can’t.

    Leo
    27-Jun-2010

    Reply
  8. hi i added msn plus and still couldnt open more than one account there was no task for me to click on in preferences & options and went into customize and there was only icons for me to change the way it looked can anyone help?

    Reply

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