I encountered the very same problem after being asked to update to Windows Live Essentials. It is not possible to find the previous version on the official website, unfortunately, and Plus! doesn't work with the Essentials - in my computer, it displays a message: "Software not loaded." Expanding the window, it says:
"An error ocurred which prevented Messenger Plus! from loading properly. You can try loading the software or wait for an update to be available. More information and help available online: http://www.msgpluslive.net"
Essential is accursed. And we who have installed it are all damned.
... pelo postigo de quem escreve
tudo - olhos, sóis, lentes -
na vigília, nas insônias
: o universo às escâncaras ...
/ 
