If you want to switch to the handwriting feature in Messenger, but that is failing, try the following:

1. Install Microsoft Windows Journal Viewer 1.5.
2. Restart your computer after the setup is complete.
3. Then, install the security update for Windows Journal Viewer.
4. Restart your computer again.
5. Now sign in to Messenger and try to switch to the handwriting feature in a conversation window.

Source: http://messengermaximal.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!40F43EC9BA81D814!7341.entry