Windows Live Messenger keeps changing my status from 'Appear offline' to 'Available', how do I stop that?

Question

For the past few days my Windows Live Messenger, 2011 edition, keeps randomly changing my status from 'Appears offline' to 'Available' on its own.

I would really like to find a way to stop this from happening, I'd prefer to be in control of my own status!

Does anyone out there know how I can get control of my Messenger back?

Solution 1

Now that messenger is using Skype to handle the video calling, etc. for Windows Live Messenger, your Skype and messenger status's are directly linked. If one changes, the other does as well.

Solution 2

your windows live or hotmail account is linked to your messenger, there is an option in the middle left part of the (in my case)hotmail inbox that says, sign off of messenger. That will unlink you from the messenger and your status wont change again when you sign in to your mailbox.