Is anybody else having this problem with msn messenger?

Okay so I used the old version all summer, then I took 6 hours to sit at the computer watching to make sure the new version (the first version that lets you see display pics and change your pm and stuff) downloaded properly (my computer is really sucky and slow). Now there is there is another version. I tried to sign on today, and it said that i couldnt use this version unless I downloaded the other version. The problem is this isnt my computer (its my families, but no one else uses this program). I use msn to talk to my long distance friends, and i cant text on my phone. Is anyone else having this problem? If so did anyone get past it in any way other than just giving in to the upgrade?