On Nov 20, 12:58*pm, Rob wrote:
For the last week, 11/15/09, Windows Messenger v 5.1.0715 has been asking the
following every time it starts up.
"Please provide a display name so you can sign in. *Do not use your e-mail
address or leave the box blank. *We now require a display name that is not
your e-mail address to protect you from e-mail virus attacks."

My display name is saved in tools/options and has been for years. *It is not
my email address! *Why now must I type it every time I sign in? *I am running
Windows XP Pro with SP3 and every update.

I am recently having the exact same problem.
I have XP Home SP3 and Windows Messenger ver 4.7.3001
I think is started after one of the recent Windows Updates.
I thought it may be KB969947 so I removed it, but Messenger still
fails.
--JimOPI