To open the Windows Live Messenger application, first press JUMP then roll the TRACKBALL until you highlight the Instant Messaging icon in the left-hand "ring" of applications. Press or roll the TRACKBALL right to open the second-level ring of application, then highlight Windows Live Messenger. The Windows Live Messenger "splash" screen will appear on the right. The splash screen lists all your active conversations along with the contact name and the conversation number. The screen also tells you how many of your contacts are online at the time and the email address (or display name) you're currently using. You can use the conversation shortcuts ( ) to jump to a conversation from the Jump screen.

If you are out-of-network and therefore unable to connect to Windows Live Messenger, you will see an X in the radio signal area of the title bar: If you have been disconnected from the Windows Live Messenger server, you will see this icon in the title bar: