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How do I start a text chat in Windows Messenger?

Once you have added contacts to your contacts list, there are several ways to start a chat with them if they are online:

  • Double-click on the contact in your contacts list. 
  • Select the contact, then click on Send an Instant Message in the actions pane (choose Tools, Show Actions Pane if it is not displayed at the bottom of the Windows Messenger window).

    Tools, Show Actions Pane

    Contact List
     
  • Right-click on a contact and select Send an Instant Message.

    Send an Instant Message

  • Make sure the contact is selected and select Actions, Send an Instant Message. 

    Actions, Send an Instant Message

Once you start a chat, a conversation window will open.  Enter your message on the bottom portion of the window and click on Send. 

Conversation Window

Your contact will receive a pop-up alert in the lower right hand of their screen as well as an audible alert letting them know they have a message from you. 

Pop-up alert

Your contact can reply to your message by double-clicking on the pop-up window to open a conversation window. 

When your contact replies, their reply will appear on the top portion of the conversation window on your end. 

Conversation window reply

The status bar at the bottom of the conversation window will let you know when your contact is typing on the other end. 

Status Bar

 

 

 

 

 


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Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education.  Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.