There are more than a few people out there that absolutely hate the 2011 version of Windows Live Essentials and wish they could go back to the 2009 version.
Well, you can – but it’s a bit of a commitment.
You can’t run both 2009 and 2011 versions of the Windows Live Essentials suite at the same time, so you have to commit to running only the 2009 software editions. This means pushing back to not only the older version of Windows Live Mail, but also Windows Live Writer, Windows Live Movie Maker, Windows Live Gallery (photos) and Windows Live Messenger.
If that commitment sounds scary, then don’t do it. But if you really-really-really want the 2009 edition of the Windows Live Essentials suite on your Windows Vista or 7, here’s how to do it:
The full local 134.85MB installer for everything in the 2009 version of Windows Live Essentials is still on Microsoft’s servers and is right here:
http://g.live.com/1rewlive3/en/wlsetup-all.exe
Live.com is obviously a Microsoft-owned domain, so the download is legitimate and direct from Microsoft.
The installer is exactly the same as if you ran it on WinXP, so it’s nothing you haven’t seen before.
Why would anyone want to revert back to the 2009 WLE version?
Mainly for the Windows Live Mail app, because Stationary is in the older version (hey, some people like it). There also isn’t any of the much-maligned “ribbon interface” in the 2009 version of WLE either.
Does it run OK in 64-bit Windows 7?
For the most part, yes. I say “for the most part” because you may encounter minor stability issues with the apps, mostly with screen redraws (ex: a font within the app may look out of place every so often). And no, there’s no threat of blue-screening with 2009 WLE.
Is it required to uninstall WLE 2011 first before installing WLE 2009?
It’s not required, but strongly recommended. You should uninstall the entire WLE 2011 suite first and reboot before installing WLE 2009.
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