New Version of Windows Live Writer Beta - But Beware

If you already use Windows Live Writer Beta, then you’ll be prompted to upgrade when you open it. If you don’t use Live Writer Beta, and you blog, then you really should give it a try. I’ve been using nothing but Live Writer since it’s release, and have been really happy with it. You can download the installer here.

However, I did want to point out a couple of things that you should pay attention to when you install it, or you may end up with a whole slew of programs that you may not want, and / or you’ll accidently change your search engine and home page.

First off, let’s Windows Live Writer uses the Windows Live Installer, which you may be familiar with. After running it, you’ll see the windows pictured below. What you’ll notice is that all of the applications up top, including “Toolbar Beta” and “Family Software Beta” are selected. On my computer, I already have Messenger, Photo Gallery, and Live Writer, so those are going to be updated by the installer.

You’ll probably want to double check the programs that the installer has selected, because you probably don’t want all of them.

The second sneaky thing, is that once the installer is finished, you’ll see this dialog:

So if you don’t de-select the “Set your search provider” and “Set your home page”, then your going to have it changed to Live Search and MSN.