Guide - Windows Live Messenger in Windows 7, reverting to the old way

This guide is for you if you answer YES to these 3 question.

1) Do you use Windows Live Messenger?

2) Do you use Windows 7?

3) Do you prefer WLM icon appearing at the traybar (near the clock) instead of the taskbar (which is a new change introduced in Windows 7)?

You might answer NO to the third question. However, at least you will be wondering why this issue comes up in the first place.
Here is why;
a) Right click menu of MSN at the traybar seems more responsive than at the taskbar. This is shown when;
 - Sometimes your Unread Inbox Message counter of your inbox seems incorrect in the Taskbar version, which so far never happens to me in the traybar version.
 - Sometimes you end up clicking the msn icon of the Taskbar version multiple times to get to the MSN main screen especially when you are doing heavy work on your PC.
b) If you use Messenger Plus, the 'More Statuses' only appear in the traybar version.
c) Other messengers are still utilizing the traybar. So, you might want to group them together.
d) Some perfectionists consider IM programs as PASSIVE programs. They believe the traybar are for PASSIVE programs while the taskbar are only for ACTIVE programs.

So, have you changed your mind? I don't mind you know. But in case you decided to say YES as well, then go on to the tutorial below. Don't worry, no patching or altering system files involved. It is the legal way. It is only that many people don't know about it.



So, how to revert it to the previous way?

Short answer -
Run Windows Live Messenger in compatibility mode for 'Windows Vista'.

Long answer/ How to - 
1) Go to your Windows Live Messenger shortcuts at the desktop or start menu. Another way is to browse directly to the main exe file at C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe.
2) Right click > Properties
3) Go to the Compatibility tab.
4) Tick the "Run this program in compatibility mode for:"
5) Select "Windows Vista" from the drop-down menu.
6) Click OK.
7) Finally, exit your WLM, and restart it back.

You may now Un-pin WLM from the taskbar if you want.

That's all thank you.

Credit: http://www.sevenforums.com