instant message options don't work in outlook 2003 and out..

Archived from groups: microsoft.public.windowsxp.general (More info?)

Hi. I am not sure which newsgroup to post this in, but am just looking for
a solution please. I am running outlook 2003 on a windows xp home sp2
computer. I just
downloaded MSN Messenger 7.0. After receiving an e-mail, I want to send the
person an instant message. I have under the tools, options, then other tab
selected both options under persons names. These would be enabling smart
tags and displaying online status. However, when I go to the person's name
in the from line, and click on the smart tag, the send instant message
option is grayed out, even if they are online. I looked for this in the
online support, but nothing came up. The same is true in outlook express.
I had the same problem with windows messenger as well in both above
programs. Any help is appreciated if anyone has
any information. Thanks.
Eric