Since the release the initial release of Windows Live Messenger there has been a lot of confusion about how to add a contact to your buddy list. This was mainly due to the complete overhaul of the 'Add a Contact' screens present in previous MSN Messenger versions and the tight integration of Windows Live Contacts. There has also been some confusion about how to talk to Yahoo Messenger contacts from Windows Live Messenger.

So here is an official guide which outlines the steps you need to follow to add new contacts to your Messenger list. Be sure to read the 6 steps and the extra notes at the end. Click HERE to read the guide.

When you add or change a contact's information, remember that all contacts must have at least an e-mail address or a mobile phone number.

Messages sent to you by someone who is not on your contact list or allow list may be a form of junk mail or spam. You can manage your contacts in Windows Live Messenger to block spam or junk mail.

1. In the main window for Windows Live Messenger, at the top of your contact list, click the Add a Contact    button.
2. Type the instant message address in the space provided.
3. If your contact does not have Windows Live Messenger, select Type a personal invitation, and then type your message in the space that appears beneath it.
4. In the Contact, Personal, Work, and Notes sections, add any additional information, such as a nickname or birthday.
5. To keep contact information current, select the Subscribe to updates for this contact check box. To learn more about this feature, click Learn about Windows Live Contacts.
6. Click Save.

• If you are adding a Yahoo! Messenger with Voice instant message address, enter the full e-mail address.
• You may see two entries for the same contact. This can occur when you add a Messenger contact that uses both Windows Live Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger with Voice. To determine if a contact is using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice:
  • Open a conversation window in Messenger. If there is a Yahoo! Messenger with Voice icon under the contact's display picture, they are using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.
  • Hover your mouse over the contact's name in the main Messenger window. If their e-mail address is followed by Yahoo!, they are using Yahoo! Messenger with Voice.
• When you send a message to a mobile device, Messenger first sends an invitation to the mobile device contact to exchange messages with you. The mobile device contact must accept the invitation before they can receive your message.