Live Messenger
Windows Live Essentials
2012 Requires Windows Vista, Server 2008 or Seven.
2011 Requires Windows XP, Server 2003.
Setup switches are documented here
package xml, soon...
Windows Live Messenger 8 silent installer
1. Download the INSTALL_MESSENGER.EXE file from http://messenger.msn.com
2. Extract the .msi files with the /c option (INSTALL_MESSENGER.EXE /c) to your package directory.
3. Add the following .xml to your packages:
<package
id="livemessenger"
name="Windows Live Messenger 8.0"
revision="80081200"
priority="10">
<check type="uninstall" condition="exists" path="Windows Live Messenger" />
<install cmd='msiexec /q /i "%SOFTWARE%\Messenger\msnmsgs.msi"'>
<exit code="0" />
<exit code="3010" reboot="true" />
</install>
<remove cmd='MsiExec.exe /q /x{5BF18226-EB81-40FD-A61C-835DACFA0E89}' />
<upgrade cmd='msiexec /q /i "%SOFTWARE%\Messenger\msnmsgs.msi"'>
<exit code="0" />
<exit code="3010" reboot="true" />
</upgrade>
</package>
The revision field corresponds to the Messenger version, so for Build 8.0.0812.00 it's 80081200. It's easy to follow new versions with this revision scheme.
With version 8.5 you have to install MSN via the Microsoft Live Installer. Install Messenger on a machine and the MSI will be located in
C:\Program Files\Common Files\WindowsLiveInstaller\MsiSources
File name: Install_{508CE775-4BA4-4748-82DF-FE28DA9F03B0}.msi
Use this file to deploy to the other machines
Note: The directory and file is marked as a system and hidden file, so you have to apply the appropriate folder options to see it.