MSN ApplicationId binary patcher for pidgin/bitlbee/etc - OBSOLETE now that pidgin/bitlbee have the correct fix - READ THE COMMENTS!

patch.py

#!/usr/bin/env python
"""
MSN ApplicationId patcher for pidgin/bitlbee/whatever
(because you're too lazy to rebuild the whole thing.)

Usage examples:

    python patch.py /usr/sbin/bitlbee
    python patch.py /usr/lib/purple-2/libmsn.so

It will output the modified file to the current directory.
Backup the original file and replace it with the new version.

If you're lucky, it will work.
If not, don't be lazy and rebuild it.
"""

import os
import sys
import mmap
import shutil

WLM_2008_ID = b"CFE80F9D-180F-4399-82AB-413F33A1FA11"   # blocked
WLM_2009_ID = b"AAD9B99B-58E6-4F23-B975-D9EC1F9EC24A"   # blocked
WLM_2012_ID = b"484AAC02-7F59-41B7-9601-772045DCC569"   # working, may be buggy
SKYPE_ID    = b"F6D2794D-501F-443A-ADBE-8F1490FF30FD"   # working, may be buggy

# "buggy" means you may show up as offline to others - test talking with a contact!

## you can try switching these around!
OLD_ID = WLM_2008_ID
NEW_ID = SKYPE_ID

## examples (remove # from the relevant lines)

## use the WLM 2012 key instead (may work better for you)
#OLD_ID = WLM_2008_ID
#NEW_ID = WLM_2012_ID

## if you want to patch an already patched binary to use 2012 instead of 2009:
#OLD_ID = WLM_2009_ID
#NEW_ID = WLM_2012_ID


def main():
    if len(sys.argv) < 2:
        print(__doc__.strip())
        return

    filename = sys.argv[1]
    out_filename = os.path.abspath(os.path.basename(filename) + ".out")

    shutil.copy(filename, out_filename)
    print("Writing to " + out_filename)

    fd = os.open(out_filename, os.O_RDWR | getattr(os, 'O_BINARY', 0))
    map = mmap.mmap(fd, 0, access=mmap.ACCESS_WRITE)

    changes = 0

    offset = map.find(OLD_ID)

    while offset != -1:
        print("Found old ID at offset: %d (0x%x)" % (offset, offset))
        map.seek(offset)
        map.write(NEW_ID)

        changes += 1

        offset = map.find(OLD_ID)

    if not changes:
        print("Not found")
    else:
        print("%s IDs changed" % changes)

if __name__ == '__main__':
    main()

This patch worked for me Win 7 with 2.10.10 for a bit. Now I've got the issue again "connection refused" to MSN. Upgraded to 2.10.11 and still having it.

Does anyone know if pidgin devs are still aware of the issue and if there is a tracking bug for it?

UPDATE: They are aware on their IRC channel.
Directs you to:
http://ismsndeadyet.com/

Seems to work by enabling HTTP method in advanced for account.

bengalih's recommendation worked for me. HTTP method works again.

I can also confirm that this latest change (select Connect via HTTP under Options) re-enables for my patched version of Adium (https://gist.github.com/dequis/77b478f35f93f64ac640#comment-1337726).

HTTP method - works for me. (australia)