An internal build of Messenger 8.5 has leaked. It doesn't actually seem to be any different apart from it's look. Think of it currently as a skin for Messenger 8.1, albeit a very nice shiny one.

Messenger 8.5 leaked BETA with A-Patch applied

Unfortunately, it is a little tricky to install. You have to grab the install file and run that, then browser to \Program files\Windows Live\installer\ and run the installer there.

Afterwards, you need to copy the msgslang.8.5.1235.0517.dll into the \Program files\Windows Live\Messenger\ folder. Otherwise you will be stuck with the Spanish version.

Finally, to get Messenger Plus Live! to work, you need to copy the msimg32.dll file from your old MSN Messenger directory to the new \Program files\Windows Live\Messenger\ folder.

A-patch has also been updated to work with it, and sports another shiny new feature; showing a preview of what it being removed.

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