How to cheat my OS info

[nocturnal YL]

Windows Live Messenger is forcing me to upgrade. However, I don't meet the operating system requirement.

Operating system: Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (32-bit edition only), Windows Vista (32-bit or 64-bit editions), Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit editions), or Windows Server 2008.

I use Windows Server 2003 with no service packs. And service packs are evil - they only give a lot more useless components and false security that I never need.

Should I upgrade to Windows Server 2008 R2 (RTM's ready now) or should I continue to look for ways to try installing Messenger? Or maybe an alternative messenger that doesn't bother with OS versions?

Curse ya, most software engineerers in the world. Something's realy, REALLY wrong with the software world today.

[Fryguy64]

I presume you've tried installing it with your current OS?

[nocturnal YL]

Yes. Windows Server 2003, no service packs. Doesn't work.

I've switched to Trillion Astra now. That thing support most features of Windows Live Messenger (drawing with more than 16 colours, file transfer, GROUP file transfrer, group chat and so on).

Now people can find me on Live with my usual address, or on Astra with username "younglink".

Still, I'd like to see a solution for this later on. Who knows when the next Adobe CS comes out and I still don't want to upgrade? =P

[Johans Nidorino]

I'm using Windows Server 2003 at work, and Service Pack 2 being installed doesn't seem to make a difference. I actually managed to install Messenger 2009, but it doesn't let me log on. So I'm using Trillian as well for now

Use a different OS if you can.

EDIT: In case anybody finds it useful, here's some kind of solution.