Hello Kelly,

Windows Live Messenger is the name for builds of MSN Messenger since 2006.
Windows Messenger is a stripped down version for office that can use the MS
Office Communication Server protocol AND the .NET Messenger Service but I
use it anyway.

Now backgrounds... I haven't seen them in a while. Just shove the pictures
on (drag and drop a picture onto the window. NOT in the conversation send
window which will send it to your buddy). Now emoticons. icon More...
New and add a small emoticon, name it and alias it.

Now for 8.5... You won't need it.

And here is your answer to the Outlook question, go to Add\Remove Programs,
select Windows Live Essentials and try to remove it, click the Uninstall
radio button, tick and programs you don't want, and click OK. Which will
SHOVE E'M ON THE CART (sorry, sorry).