Michael alerted me to the new version of Windows Live Writer this evening. I just downloaded and installed Windows Live Writer Beta 2, and I'm happy to report that the installation file was not named setup.exe.
The installation routine was unusual, however. The setup wizard dialogs appeared in the bottom, right of my desktop. I initially thought they were large windows running off the screen, but the were actually dialog sized windows, like you would expect to find centered on the screen.
I moved the first two windows in an attempt to see the whole thing, only to discover that I could already see the whole thing. I'm pretty fed up with Microsoft usability guidance lately. They appear to make up a new look and feel for every product setup and UI. This attempt at innovation was probably intended to be less intrusive, but it was disconcerting in my experience.
In addition, why must MS attempt to reset my home page and search engine in Internet Explorer? I like my home page and search engine, and they have nothing to do with the tool I'm trying to install. At the very least, these options should be unchecked by default.
Anyway, if you're reading this, it works for me.
++Alan