windows messenger and remote assitance

Hello,
When I try to establish a remote assistance connection, I get a message
stating I need to install a newer version of messenger, but I have the newest
version installed. I even uninstalled then reinstalled. When I go to Start,
Help & Support, Invite a friend to help....thats where it says that I dont
have windows messenger installed , there used to be names there that were off
of my contacts list to connect to.....somehow they have disappeared and it
says that Windows Messenger is not installed, when indeed it is. I have
Version 2009 (Build 14.0.8089.726) installed.
The only thing I can think of that might have changed this remote assistance
option issue through the messenger is that I had uninstalled the original
windows messenger that had came installed on my Dell Inspiron 530 when I
purchased it. What do you think is the problem?
Any help with this matter is much appreciated,
K.Rendel




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Karen