You need to register any non microsoft emails for use with MSN, any version. Here:
1.) when you sign in.. look near the bottom where it says "get a .Net passport"
2.) when the thing pops up, click "next"
3.) when they ask you if you have an email. choose "yes" and press next
4.) on the next screen choose "No. i want to register my email with Passport now."
5.) when the next screen pops up just press "next"
6.) then an internet window should pop up
7.) where it says "email address" put the email you want to use as a log in to msn messenger later
8.) where it says password, you type in your password to the email. its going to be the password you login with
9.) type in the registration number check thing
10.) scroll to the middle where it says "email address" type in your email again (the one you put above)
11.) click "i agree"
12.) it should then register you as a .Net passport
13.) then when complete, you can login to msn messenger using your email even though its not hotmail.
taken from: http://ask-leo.com/c000238.html
edit: except he got the direct link 
Post edited at 9:08 am on Sep. 5, 2008 by UnusualOne
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Yes. You can use Windows Live Messenger with ANY email address. 
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