Versions 6 – 7.5 will come to an end on September 30

Yahoo will be retiring Yahoo! Messenger versions 6.0 through 7.5.

This means that if you are presently using a version of Yahoo! Messenger that is under 8.0, you will no longer be capable to sign in and use it after September 30.

If you make use of the version that is set to retire, you have a number of options for continuing to make use of Yahoo! Messenger:

Option 1: Download the most recent version for Windows

You can make use of Yahoo! Messenger 9.0 which offers enhanced security and better security from spam (info | video demo | download).

We also have a new Beta on hand, Yahoo! Messenger 10. This newest version offers enhanced video calling features, more ways to stay up with all your friends, and a new menu with the intention of makes it easy to switch languages. (info | video demo | download)

Option 2: Make use of Yahoo! Messenger for the Web

If you cannot make use of the latest version mentioned above, you can always log in to Yahoo! Messenger for the Web from any web browser. No added download or installation is required. With its web version, you can send IM’s and SMS text messages to your friend’s mobile phones for free of charge. This web version also includes anywhere archiving and it also allows you to access your message history from any computer or browser and you can try it now at http://webmessenger.yahoo.com.

Option 3: Make use of the built-in IM feature in Yahoo! Mail

Both versions of Yahoo! Mail put forward a built-in feature that lets you send as well as receive IMs. If you are using the all-new Yahoo! Mail, just click the status menu next to your name in the upper header and modify your status to “Available”. This will sign you into Yahoo! Messenger (you also have the alternative of staying invisible). IM conversations occur in separate tabs in your Mail page.

In Yahoo! Mail Classic, you will see a module on the left hand side of the page labeled “Chat & Mobile Text”. You just click on the status menu in that module to change to “Available” or Invisible and IM conversations will show up in a small box in the lower right corner of your Yahoo! Mail Classic page (however it won’t interfere with your Mail messages or using Mail).

As an alternative, there are also solutions on hand for your mobile phone. We recently launched Yahoo! Messenger for the iPhone and additionals versions are obtainable for other mobile devices.