If you have just installed MSN Messenger and wondering why it won’t minimize to Notification area (The area on the taskbar next to system clock), don’t worry. There is nothing wrong with your computer. This behaviour is by design. Unfortunately, for users, its intrusive and painful.
Luckily there is a workaround for this. Follow the steps below to fix this issue:

1. Go to C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger folder

2. Right click on msnmsgr file and on the pop up menu, click on Properties

3. On the next window, click on Compatibility tab

4. Check the box for “Run this program in Compatibility mode for:”

5. On the drop down box below this checkbox, select “Windows Vista”

6. Click on “Apply” and then click on “Ok”

Now launch MSN Messenger and it should minimize to taskbar. Enjoy connecting to the world with MSN.