[noisem4ker]

MSN/Live Messenger automatically saved chat histories as nice XML files in the user's documents directory, along with received files, so no real effort had to be made for preservation.

As for SMS texts, they could be backed up at least on later Symbian OSs, with the Nokia Ovi desktop app. On Android, backup apps would be able to do it as well.

At least in theory, EU directives for data portability (the "takeout" feature) should grant access to the message history for any abiding platform.

I think all chat platforms should have the decency to offer an export option, regardless of the underlying protocol.

Recollecting my message history from all sources into a common database is definitely high up in my project backlog.

[baby]

Facebook messages are definitely lost. I downloaded backups and lots of messages have disappeared. Maybe not a problem anymore though.