Well, the point is to be able to send/receive messages from within the Media
Center application. Turns out that I've resolved my problem. I've posted a
blog entry describing my resolution:
http://spaces.msn.com/members/RandomExceptions/Blog/cns!1pS7ZY2KjD0rhkNIqLu3RbHQ!181.entry

"Support by Michael''s Web" wrote:

> Download MSN Messenger 7.5 for best results.
> --
> By Michael''s Web Support
>
>
> "Larry Fuqua" wrote:
>
> > I'm running Windows Messenger 5.1, but for some reason I can't send messages
> > out from within Media Center. If someone sends to me i will receive their
> > message, but when I try to reply the reply is never sent. So I also can't
> > initiate a conversation from within Media Center.
> >
> > If I minimze Media Center I see a corresponding messenger chat window at the
> > desktop. If I use this window to send a message, the target receives the
> > message fine.
> >
> > Any ideas on how I can resolve this issue. Same behavior on extendeer as
> > well. Which is a pain since I'd like to be able to chat with my son/daughter
> > who would be watching TV while I'm at work. They can get my message, but not
> > reply.