Messenger

[shazzabell]

Is it possible for my contacts to know I'm online even when I'm not signed into MSN Messenger?

[*ALFIE*]

Depending on version you are using (use version 7.0 or 7.5), when the MSN appears before signing in, click the "Online" status to "apeear offline" then sign in. You will then see your contacts online but they will see you offline. Hope that helps and know what i am on about. :-)

[*ALFIE*]

sorry, my previous answer had nothing to do with your question !!! i mis read it..silly me !

Your contacts surely wouldn't know if you're online when you have not signed in

[shazzabell]

Thing is, my status was "appear offline", but one of my contacts was still able to send me an instant message?! Thanks anyway, *ALFIE*.

[*ALFIE*]

ohhhhhhhh..i think you might have answered "yes" by accident when you signed in to appear off line when asked if you want your status visible. maybe this ? dunno....

[potterfan3]

no, they probally had some add on or something

[stevie21]

There is another variant of Messenger (by another company) that will tell you if others are online even if they're set to "Appear Offline".

Similarly, if someone has blocked you so that you never see their status, this prog (which I can't be bothered to find or link to) will also show you their status.

Aside from Messenger, people might be able to tell that you're online by doing something like pinging your IP address (although you should have your firewall set to ignore such requests).

[oakleydoaky]

there is a program going around that claims to permit you seeing people who are blocking you. my daughter's friends downloaded it. not only did it NOT do it, it was a virus. be careful.