Many instant messenger users utilize multiple programs to talk to their family, friends and coworkers.  This can be confusing, since many different programs to juggle contacts can lead to you forgetting who you are talking to and what program certain folks use more.  It can also bog down computer memory, make things more complicated than they need to be and can cause more trouble than good.

When Windows Live Messenger was released from the previous MSN Messenger version, it offered a new feature to add Yahoo contacts to your buddy list.  Once added, you will be able to talk to them like you would any other Windows Live contact.  However, those you are talking to on the Yahoo network may not be able to see your online status, your message status or other features exclusive to the Windows Live network.

In order to add Yahoo contacts, you will need the Yahoo-based e-mail address of said contact.  In the Find Contact box, you type in that e-mail address and click the Add button to the right.  From there, another box will pop up, and you will be asked to put the whole e-mail address in again.  Do that, then, you can add any other additional details about the Yahoo contact and finish adding them by clicking the Add Contact.

From there, once your Yahoo contact approves the addition, you will be able to see them on your contact list and vice versa.  While they may not be able to see your status all the time, they should be able to see when you are online or offline.  Other web sites that you utilize may not be able to see your status either via being online on Windows Live, but as long as your contacts can see you, that is what matters the most.