"Sign in as Unavailable" on MSN Messenger

[SurreyGuy]

My MSN Messenger used to be set up to log me in, but show me as "Unavailable" to my friends, contacts etc in the "chat" bit.

I was recently prompted by MSN to download the latest version of said package, which I duly did.

However, although I still show as "Unavailable" on the "Chat" bit when I initially log in, within about 30 seconds, my status changes on its own to "Available" and I then have to change it manually to "Unavailable".

I've looked in every conceivable place I can think of in order to find where I can alter my settings to "Sign In As Unavailable", but I can't find it anywhere.

Please help?

[Gizmonster]

What version of Messenger are you using ??
(Click on the menu - help - about Messenger.

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks for responding Gizmonster.

It says..............

Windows Live Messenger
Version 2009 (Build 14.0.8089.726)

[Gizmonster]

I can't see it being an issue but mine says:
Windows Live Messenger
Version 2009 (Build 14.0.8117.416)

[Huderon]

I run the same version and build as you, and it's on the bit where you sign in, below your password. The default is to be available, but clicking on it gives you a drop down menu where you can choose to appear offline. I've never found a way to sign in automatically while appearing offline though.

Just feel really glad you don't hav ethe absolute latest version ... from what a friend tells me there is no easy option for appearing offline on it

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks.

Huderon - the option that you refer to is already selected as "Appear Offline". However, my problem is that when I open up any of my e-mails, that changes my status to "Available".

[Huderon]

Well in that case I have no idea what's happening. I rotinely log on to messenger appearing as offline, but accessing my emails doesn't change my messenger status at all

[SurreyGuy]

Bloomin' technology!

[Gizmonster]

Strange - I've just noticed that mine's doing the same thing on my laptop lol :(
I log in to "appear offline" - next time I look - I'm "available" .... What The Funicular ???
I'm gonna try logging on MSN on my PC upstairs later ....... watch this space .....

[Gizmonster]

Lmao at my last post - I typed "W T F " with no spaces and it came out as "What The Funicular"

[SurreyGuy]

As I said, "bloomin' technology"! :o)

[Gizmonster]

I haven't tried on my PC yet - but the problem seems to be when I open my emails.
I sign in offline and I stay offline ..... but as soon as I open my emails I appear available in less than a minute.
Hmmmmm ...... strange.
I'll try on my PC and see if I get same thing on there

[Gizmonster]

On my PC now - I've got same version of MSN as you:
Windows Live Messenger
Version 2009 (Build 14.0.8089.726)
...... and it does exactly the same thing .... it's ok until I open my emails.
I dunno if this a recent thing - or whether it's something that's been there all the time and I just never noticed.
I've no idea why it's happening and i've no idea how to fix it :(

[Huderon]

OK, so I've tried this again.

When I sign in to messenger, I do it manually, set it so I appear offline, don't have the Remember Me, Save Password and Sign in automatically buttons set.

In mail, I have set my privacy options instead of accepting the default settings. In Options/Privacy/Advanced I have Private Messages set to No one on the slider bar, so perhaps that is the difference between us - most of the rest of the options have been set to friends only as well, but it may be the private messages bit that is letting people see you on line when you are in mail.

Oh yes, and no matter how long I have mail open, my availability in messenger never changes (one of my friends chats via email instead of messenger, so mail can be open for a few hours at a time)

[SurreyGuy]

Thanks folks.

Weirdly, my "problem" didn't happen yesterday, i.e. it went back to how it used to be. Annoyingly, today the "problem" has returned!

Huderon - unless I'm not looking properly, I don't have an "Advanced" command within "Options/Privacy".