How do I OPEN Yahoo messenger?

You can only get preferences and a variety of features with the downloaded version of Messenger (desktop, full program with many feavoice and video) The version within the mail program is a very basic one.

Try: http://messenger.yahoo.com/ (There are two parts to the installation - a preliminary download of the installer executable, and then the download itself.)

If you have made a previous unsuccessful attempt or the installation refused to install, you will need to use another technique.

Download and SAVE the program directly from the File Hippo web site. Install it only AFTER deleting through the Control Panel and completely cleaning the registry of remnants. Download the most recent version of any Yahoo Instant Messenger (highest number, top of its list) You must be operating as an Administrator to install the program.

Some firewalls have issues with installing Messenger from the Yahoo installer site, but disabling your firewall while online is VERY dangerous! Usually, by installing after downloading, the firewall will ask for permission to run the program.

If you use Internet Explorer 8 or 9 as your browser, Yahoo Messenger 10 or 11 will not work properly without updated Flash and Java programs also installed, and possibly the .NET framework update.

(Ribbit)

Source(s):

http://messenger.yahoo.com/

http://www.filehippo.com/download_yahoo_messenger (ALL versions)

http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/ (for Messenger 10+, on IE 8+)

http://java.com/en/download/index.jsp (for Messenger 10+, on IE 8+)

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/netframework (for Messenger 10+, on IE 8+)