msn messenger + invisible

[stamp92]

im trying to persuade my friend to use msn messenger instead of yahoo messenger but the main grievance he has with msn messenger is that you cant log on invisibly

he basically wants that option so he can see who is online and then has the choice whether to speak to them or not. i know you can change status to appear offline but thats not the answer.

any ideas?

thanks

[Chris]

I've just browsed through all the options in MSN messenger 6 and can find nothing that would let you log on and be instantly invisible. However you can switch your status to 'appear offline' in a matter of seconds by right-clicking the MSN icon in the tray next to your taskbar clock and choosing from the menu. That's pretty close to instant. Why is your friend not happy with this?

[Steve H]

Yeah, The only thing he can do is appear offline, and just come online when he wants to talk..

Alternativly, Block all his mates, then just unblock the ones he wants to talk to.

[stamp92]

Originally posted by towny
I've just browsed through all the options in MSN messenger 6 and can find nothing that would let you log on and be instantly invisible. However you can switch your status to 'appear offline' in a matter of seconds by right-clicking the MSN icon in the tray next to your taskbar clock and choosing from the menu. That's pretty close to instant. Why is your friend not happy with this?

well i didnt understand him first of all..... i thought why doesnt he block the person if he dont wanna talk to them....but i understand him now...he wants to sign on invisible so his friends dont know he is online and he can chose who to chat to and when.

[obvious]

I found this which confirms it cant be done at the moment.

Subject: Re: logging in invisible
From: "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" <msnewsreplies@jonathankay.com> Sent: 5/10/2003 8:22:15 AM




Greetings,

Unfortunately no -- the current versions of MSN Messenger will always set you to Online when
you sign in. If you have a small(er) number of contacts, you might try blocking them before
you sign off, then they won't see you sign in, and you'd just need to unblock them after you
sign in for them to see you.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"skimmer333" <skimmer333@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:054801c316da$97771030$a301280a@phx.gbl...
> Howdy,
> Is it possible with MSN-Messenger to log in invisible, so
> i dont have to change my status straight after i log in.
> Similiar messenger progs like yahoo have this feature.
> Cheers.
>


You could always request that an option is added by going here:-
https://webresponse.one.microsoft.com/oas/public/AssistedIntro.aspx

[Martin]

Use Trillian that will let you log into MSN Invisible:) Just like Yahoo messenger. Download from this page http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/trillian/download.html

[stamp92]

thanks for your help everyone :)

[kink]

I know this is done and dusted now..... but i use Messenger Discovery.
It allows you, amongst other things, to log on with a pre-selected status.
It does lots and lots of other things too........... i like it ;)

http://www.huuf.net/prjlithium/?p=download

[Seyeklopz]

Go to tools, options, privacy tab, then check "only people on my allow list can see my status and send me messages" box. Move anyone you want to be invisible to over to the block list.

[downquark1]

Actually this is the only thing the mac version of MSN lets u do that the pc version can't.

[Seyeklopz]

That is on the PC version.

[downquark1]

That is on the PC version.
no i meant a straight log in to invisible option.

[ikthius]

I know exactly what you're looking for and it is not in msn messanger, I love this option from yahoo, I use it all the time, then appear online when I want to chat.

ik

[andygrif]

Same with me....and I also like the function that you can be always offline to some people and online to others too. Yahoo messenger is a nice bit of kit.

[Seyeklopz]

Does "Appear offline" status stay as default when you log out and log in?

[andygrif]

Yep....actaully I have it set so that I log in as invisible, then I can set a group or person I want to appear visible to (sociable bugger ain't I?) but it does work the other way around too, yes.

[greencreeper]

Block everyone. Unblock when you want to chat. Say "goodnight", then block again. You'll notice that sometimes people just "appear" online (no pop-up message) - that's because they just unblocked you.