I already had both a first name and last name in my profile. I just resaved
my profile as-is, and the problem disappeared. Thanks for the tip.

"jimimaseye" wrote:

I had EXACTLY that roblem too and tonight I have just worked out the solution.

Log on to your LIVE account (https://accountservices.msn.com/editprof.srf)
with the login address you use and after logging in, edit your profile and
ensure that you at least have a first name and last name in your profile. (I
cheated and just added the 'nickname' (desired display name) in both fields).
I didnt have his, and once I added it I stopped the problem.

Lets see how you get on.

"Kevbirder" wrote:

I have recently reinstalled Windows XP SP3 (and all other software) after a
hard disk change. Windows Messenger 4.7 was working fine for me before this.

Now whenever I start messenger I have to enter a display name. After I
enter a name I get logged on OK. I have been into the options and can change
the display name there temporarily. However at the next start it asks
again. I installed 5.1 even though I was happy with 4.7 before and the
problem persists.
So somehow it forgets the display name between each logon.

I have searched previous posts and seen this probblem come up before but
never a clear answer.