Probably already know this but, Windows LIve Essentials 2011 has just been released... NON-BETA. Either revamped or new bits, all pretty darn cool... http://explore.live.com/windows-live-essentials?os=other Enjoy!!Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues

By the way, there is, now, no more need to add Messenger Plus for the sake of (making) Tabbed Chatting (possible) since, WL Messenger 2011 does it natively (SMILE)Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues

I have a question. Since these essentials are probably the least documented features ever offered in terms of installation isses, etc..., what happens when you install the 2011 version over the previous? My wife embraced the photogallery like stink on excrement. I showed her how to use it, and she spent the next few days organizing everything, creating panoramas, fixing pictures, she just loves it and (good/bad/indifferent) thinks photogallery is the best thing about Win7, hands down. So, with the hidden originals (when you fix pics the original is stored away), and all the adjustmnets and whatnot she's made, she might consider murder (OK, a bit of hyperbole there, but close!) if I encourage her to get the new version to add features, and it ends up "breaking" her stuff. Where can someone go to research this sort of thing? There is no way I can accept "it will probably work just fine", I need to see some hardcore guarantee that this was a key feature on the target objectives chart for the developers. Any help? DAS

'DAS', I have an answer. I am not, @ all, suggesting this is gospel but, I am suggesting... When installing the Essentials group a GUI offers to choices for the various components, install or update. If the piece already exists, its underlying software is affected but, not currently existing, already created (Saved) files. You pick what you want of 'new' items & it shows what other (pior) WL items will be updated. Think of it the same as WL Messenger will indicate as & be upgraded whilst previous Contacts are not 'lost'. PG will upgrade whilst the previous Photos will remain intact. Plus, if said photos are on the HDD, such files will not suffer from a program update to a web service. Tha's my bit of help Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues

I guess what I'll do is do a handfull of manipulations using the old version on my machine, but my pics were already organized, so I don't need help there, in fact I'll have to disorganize them to see benefit in that area, then create a few new panoramas, etc, then give the upgrade a try. I'd still love to see a definitive statement, but your input does help, I just can't stand the thought of "getting in trouble" while trying to help. She's taken like a fish to water with Win7, Office 2007, and as I said, especially PhotoGallery. Of course it helped that I built her a sick-fast machine, and thanks to Win7 virtually all of her questions stopped the moment I gave her the RC version back in May 2009. Now she's something of a power-user amongst her friends, pretty rewarding to hear her providing guidance instead of requiring it herself. Thanks. DAS

Drew, Thanks first for the heads up, as you expected it works just fine so far as I can tell. The one thing I failed to test for (so far, I have several machines) is whether or not revert to original is preserved witht he upgrade, but I expect it will be. Again, thanks, I'm glad I gave it a try, the new features are nice. DAS

Nice to hear & you're welcome...glad I was of help.Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues

By the way, there is, now, no more need to add Messenger Plus for the sake of (making) Tabbed Chatting (possible) since, WL Messenger 2011 does it natively (SMILE) Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues cool, does it has screen sharing feature?CESabarre Free Tech Support Bad News: There really is no such thing as Free Tech Support. Good News: Oftentimes a simple thank you is the best form of payment!

Do you mean Remote Assistance? OR it will share photos & more, by permission from/with the other party (person) that is, also, doable. As well, Skydive is available.Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues

Any comments on WL 2011, specifically Messenger? Like it? Better than it was? I'll hold my feeling til I see yours (smile)Drew MS Partner / MS Beta Tester / Pres. Computer Issues Pres. Computer Issues