MSN BackUp

MSN BackUp is a very easy to use program that does exactly what its name suggests: it backs up MSN Messenger data with no fuss.

Also designed to work with Windows Live Messenger, the application is extremely easy to use, mostly thanks to the fact that there are no complicated features hidden in its well-organized layout.

MSN BackUp automatically scans the system for MSN accounts once you launch it, letting you choose the one whose information you wish to back up.

It supports multiple types of content, including winks, display pictures, emoticons, backgrounds and user titles, but it cannot save messenger conversations or other private data.

Although it’s in essence a backup tool, don’t imagine that MSN BackUp comes with tons of features to scare away beginners. Since it’s only designed to work with the aforementioned user data, the application only prompts you to pick the backup folder and nothing more, so it all takes just a few seconds.

What’s more, MSN BackUp also comprises a restore utility, so it automatically detects previously created backups to easily restore winks, emoticons, backgrounds or display pictures.

There’s no help file available, but chances are that you don’t need one thanks to this user-friendly approach. Moreover, the CPU footprint is minimal and MSN BackUp works fine on all Windows versions.

It is indeed a handy piece of software, but it’s pretty clear that it needs a lot more features to back up all user details, including conversation logs and created accounts. Plus, security features for the backups and compression options could come in very handy.