Windows Messenger (also known as MSN) is a popular chat program that comes pre-installed on Windows XP. To find the application, open the “Start” menu and go to “All Programs.” There should be an icon for Windows Messenger within this menu. Click on the icon and MSN will launch on your computer.

On the MSN window, click the login prompt. If you already have a .NET passport (such as a Hotmail or Windows Live account) enter your information on the next screen. If not, click the link in the bottom left corner that says “Get a .NET passport.”

Click the “Next” button and request a free Hotmail address. Continue to click “Next” until you are brought to the Hotmail registration website. From this window, enter your desired username and password, as well as the required personal information that Microsoft asks for. Hit “Accept once you have finished. You can now return to MSN and follow the prompts to automatically login to the application.

To add your friends and family to your chat list, click “Add a Contact” from the lower portion of the window. This will allow you to search for people you know by their MSN usernames or .NET addresses.