With new IM capabilities now available from Windows Live Hotmail in many countries around the world*, Hotmail is ready to step up to more responsibility as MSN Web Messenger prepares to retire.

You can now chat from your Hotmail inbox or contact list, instead of going to MSN Web Messenger (http://webmessenger.msn.com/). Go directly to the Windows Live People page at http://people.live.com and log into Messenger (orange arrow in the picture below) to continue instant messaging on the web with your Messenger friends.

Instant messaging from Hotmail makes it easier to communicate and share in new ways in comparison to MSN Web Messenger. Because of integration with the Windows Live Suite, you can view presence information while reading an email and simultaneously start a chat to clarify your friend’s e-mail message. We’re pointing customers to the new web version of Messenger so that we can focus our efforts on delivering an even better IM experience.

Give it a try! We hope that you’ll enjoy Hotmail’s version of Messenger on the web.

After installing Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) Windows Live Messenger 14.0 may no longer start.

If Windows Live Messenger 14.0 was running when you installed Vista SP2 it may run until you exit the program. Once you exit Live Messenger you will not be able to start the program again. If Windows Live Messenger is installed when you installed Vista SP2, Live Messenger will not start.

This issue can occur after Windows Live Messenger detects that an operating system upgrade has been installed and then attempts to perform a repair of Live Messenger. When this occurs Live Messenger tries to use an incorrect Microsoft Installer package.

Please follow these steps below :

To resolve this issue download and re-install Windows Live Messenger:

1. Visit http://download.live.com
2. Click on the Download button

3. When the file download dialog pops up, click on Run to launch the installation wizard

4. On the "Choose the programs you want to install" window you will see Messenger under "This program will be updated"

5. Click on Install and complete the installation
6. Launch messenger and this time it should run fine

Important: Do not attempt to uninstall Windows Live Messenger before you re-install.

1.  Click the Start button on the Windows task bar.

2. Type Regedit into the search bar and press Enter.

3. At this point your screen will glaze over and Windows will ask you for permission to run this command, Click Continue and Registry Editor will open.

4. Within the Registry Editor Window, click File and then click Export as seen in the image below.

5. Enter the filename for your registry file as shown on the example below. Change Export Range to All and then click Save. Please take note of the location where you will save the registry file.

6. Give your computer a moment to complete the task and then you should have something that looks like the image below where you saved the backup.

1.  Click the Start button on the Windows task bar, and then click on Run.

2.  On the Run dialog box type in regedit.exe or just type in regedit on the Open box as on example below and then Click on the OK button.

3.  The figure below shows an example of the Registry Editor window, click to highlight My Computer on the Registry Editor window.

4.  On the Registry Editor taskbar, click on File and then select Export.

5.   After you click on Export, the Export Registry File window will appear.  Enter the filename for your registry file as shown on the example below (backupregistry_june2009), then click on the Save button to save your registry file. Please take note of the location where you will save the registry file. You can save the file on the Desktop or in My Documents.

Before installing the latest version of Windows Live Messenger, it is good to perform a clean un installation of Messenger. Choose the steps based on the Operating System type that you have.

· Windows Vista

· Windows XP

If you are receiving any error during Installation or un installation, please contact support at http://support.live.com and choose Windows live Installer for further support.

The list below provides you the most common Audio/Video related errors that you may encounter when you are trying to initiate a voice chat / video call using Windows Live Messenger. Click on the link that matches to the error code or symptom that you are receiving.

· Your Webcam Device is not Detected by Windows Live Messenger

·You Cannot Establish a Webcam Conversation in Windows Live Messenger

 If you are receiving another error code that is not listed below, please contact Windows Live Messenger support with the exact error code that you are receiving so that they can assist you.

The error code 80048820 in Windows Live Messenger is triggered by a number of causes. Listed below are the steps that can help you resolve the error:

1. Verify that the Date and Time Settings on the computer are correct. 

1.1 Windows Vista:
   1.1.a.  Click Start , type date and time in the Start Search box, and then click Date and Time in the Programs list. 
   1.1.b.  Make sure that the date and time settings are configured to use the current date, time, and year, and then click OK. 

1.2. Windows XP:
   1.2.a.  Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 
   1.2.b.  Click Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options, and then click Date and Time. 
   1.2.c.  Click the Date & Time tab. 
   1.2.d.  Make sure that the date and time settings are configured to use the current date, time, and year, and then click OK. 

2.  Adjust your Microsoft Internet Explorer security settings:

2.a.  Start Internet Explorer. 
2.b.  On the Tools menu, click Internet Options, and then click the Advanced tab. 
2.c.  In the Security section, make sure that the following check boxes are set correctly:
    • Clear the Check for server certificate revocation check box. 
    • Select the Use SSL 2.0 check box. 
    • Select the Use SSL 3.0 check box. 
2.d.  Click OK to close the window. 

3.  Reregister the SSL security libraries.

Note: After each command is executed successfully, you will receive a "DllRegisterServer succeeded" message. Wait until you receive this message before you run the next command.

    3.1. To register the SSL security libraries, run the following commands in Windows XP: Click Start, click run, type the following commands, and then press OK.

• REGSVR32 softpub.dll 
• REGSVR32 wintrust.dll 
• REGSVR32 initpki.dll 
• REGSVR32 Rsaenh.dll 
• REGSVR32 Mssip32.dll 
• REGSVR32 Cryptdlg.dll 
• REGSVR32 Dssenh.dll 
• REGSVR32 Gpkcsp.dll 
• REGSVR32 Slbcsp.dll 
• REGSVR32 Sccbase.dll 

    3.2. To reregister the SSL security libraries in Windows Vista, follow these steps:

3.2.a.  Click Start , click All Programs, click Accessories, click Run, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
%windir%\system32\regsvr32 softpub.dll 
3.2.b.  Click Start , click All Programs, click Accessories, click Run, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
%windir%\system32\Regsvr32 wintrust.dll 
3.2.c.  Click Start , click All Programs, click Accessories, click Run, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
%windir%\system32\REGSVR32 initpki.dll  

4.  Scan for and remove any viruses on the computer:

• If you have antivirus software installed, contact the manufacturer for information about how to update the signature files and remove viruses. 
• If you do not have antivirus software installed, you can use Windows live Safety Scanner. For more information, visit the following Web site:
http://safety.live.com/

Additionally, visit the following Web site, and then follow the steps to help protect the computer from viruses:
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/default.mspx

5.  Check your firewall and router settings to make sure that port 443 is open to give access to secure Web sites. If your firewall is set to scan port 443, contact the firewall vendor. Or, verify that your firewall documentation explains how to check this and disable if this is happening.

6.  Clear the proxy settings in Windows Live Messenger to establish a direct connection to the Messenger service. To do this, follow these steps:

a.  Start Windows Internet Explorer. 
b.  On the Tools menu, click Internet Options. 
c.  Click the Connections tab, and then click LAN settings. 
d.  Click to clear the Automatically detect settings check box. 
e.  Click OK two times. 

7.  If you are using a router, try to disconnect (bypass) the router and connect directly to the Internet, and then try to sign in again. 

8.  Verify that Internet Explorer is not set to Work Offline. To do this, follow these steps:

8.a.  Open Internet Explorer. 
8.b.  On the File menu, clear the Work Offline option. 

9. Clear the entry in the Hosts file.

9.a.  To clear the entry in the Hosts file, use one of the following methods: 

    • For Windows XP , click Start, click Run, type %windir%\system32\drivers\etc , and then click OK. 
    • For Windows Vista, click Start , click All Programs, click Accessories, click Run, type %windir%\system32\drivers\etc , and then click OK. 

9.b.  In the Microsoft Windows Explorer folder window that opens, look for the Hosts file. 
9.c.  Right-click the Hosts file, click Open with, and then click Notepad. 
9.d.  Delete any entries that relate to the passport.com domain, such as Loginnet.passport.com, Messenger.Hotmail.com, LoginMSNIA.passport.com, Login.passport.com, or gateway.messenger.hotmail.com. 
9.e.  Save and then close the Hosts file. 
9.f.  Try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger. 

10. Clear the DNS resolver cache.

    10.1. To resolve the DNS resolver cache on a Windows Vista-based computer, follow these steps:

10.1.a.  Click Start , click All Programs, click Accessories, and then right-click Command Prompt. 
10.1.b.  Click Run as administrator.

If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue. 

10.1.c.  At the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns , and then press ENTER. This command flushes all the DNS entries that have been cached. 
10.1.d.  Try to sign in to MSN Messenger. 

    10.2. To resolve the DNS resolver cache on a Windows XP-based computer, follow these steps:

10.2.a.  Click Start, click Run, type cmd , and then click OK. 
10.2.b.  At the command prompt, type ipconfig /flushdns , and then press ENTER. This command flushes all the DNS entries that have been cached. 
10.2.c.  Try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger. 

When you try to start a webcam conversation in Windows Live Messenger, you may receive the following error message:
“Your conversation cannot begin because your camera is currently in use or not plugged in. Make sure your camera is available and try again.”

To resolve this, follow these steps:

1.  Make sure that the webcam is connected to the computer. 

2.  Close all programs that may be using the webcam. 

3.  Restart your computer. 

4.  Make sure that your system and your webcam meet the requirements for Windows Live Messenger.

System requirements
• Windows XP operating system or higher 
• A dial-up, cable, or DSL Internet connection with a speed of 56 kilobits per second (Kbps) or faster 

Webcam requirements
• The webcam must support DirectShow 6.0 and later. 
• A USB webcam or another video source.

Note: Video sources such as digital cameras and video cameras may not work correctly with the webcam feature. FireWire-based cameras may work, but they are not supported. 

• A Windows Driver Model (WDM) driver or a Video for Windows (VFW) driver. 

5.  Re-install the webcam. For information about how to re-install the webcam, contact the webcam manufacturer. 

6.  If you are using a webcam that uses a USB connection, and you have more than one USB device on your computer, unplug all USB devices that are not required for a webcam session. 

7.  Select your webcam as the video source by using the Audio and Video Setup wizard on the Tools menu. To select the webcam that Windows Live Messenger uses, follow these steps:

7.a.  Start Windows Live Messenger. 
7.b.  Press Alt on the keyboard. Click Tools, then click Audio and Video Setup.
7.c.  Follow the directions in the wizard to select and configure the audio and video devices. 

If you encounter an error and you have a McAfee Site Advisor, please refer to our related article: http://messenger-support.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8B3F39C76A8B853F!14323.entry

1. Remove Windows Live Messenger from the computer.

1.a. Beside the time and date of your computer, right-click the Windows Live Messenger icon, and then click Exit.

1.b. Click Start, type programs and features in the Start Search box, and then click Programs and Features in the Programs list.

1.c. In the list of currently installed programs, select Windows Live Messenger or Windows Live Essentials, and then click Uninstall.

1.d. If you are prompted to confirm that you want to remove the program, click Yes. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Allow.

2. Remove the temporary files and folders from the computer.

2.a. Click Start, type cleanmgr in the text box, and then press ENTER.

2.b. In the Disk Cleanup Options window, click My Files only.

2.c. On the Disk Cleanup tab, make sure that only the following options are selected:

- Downloaded Program Files

- Temporary Internet Files

- Temporary files

- Hibernation File Cleaner

- Setup Log Files

- Recycle Bin

- Thumbnails

2.d. Confirm deletion of files, and then run the Disk Cleanup utility.

2.e. If you encounter problems removing the temporary files and folders, proceed to the next steps.

3. Delete Windows Live Messenger related cache files.

3.a. Change the Windows Explorer settings.

3.a.i. Right click Start (Window icon), and then click Explore to open Windows Explorer.

3.a.ii. On the Organize menu, click Folder and Search Options.

3.a.iii. Click the View tab.

3.a.iv. In the Advanced settings list, select Show hidden files and folders under Hidden Files and Folders.

3.a.v. Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.

3.a.vi. Click OK to close the Folder Options window.

 

3.b. The following commands delete files that are used when you sign in and files that are related to the Contacts Cache folders.

3.b.i. Click Start, copy and paste this message in the Start Search box %USERPROFILE%\AppData\Local\Microsoft\ and then press Enter. Delete the Windows Live Contacts folder.

3.b.ii. Click Start, copy and paste this message in the Start Search box %userprofile%\ and the press Enter. Delete the Contacts folder.

 

4. Delete the Windows Live Messenger-associated registry keys.

IMPORTANT: The following steps contain information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up, and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up the Windows Registry please refer to this article.

For information how to restore, and edit the registry, visit the following website:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986 

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

4.a. Click Start, type CMD in the Start Search box and then press ENTER to open the command window.

4.b. Copy and paste the following commands exactly as they appear below. Press ENTER after typing each command to execute the command.

Note: In some case you may encounter the error that the key does not exist, move to the next command and execute it.

REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Messenger' /f

REG DELETE HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger /f

REG DELETE HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger /f

REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Communications Clients\Shared" /f

REG DELETE HKCU\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL /f

5. Restart the computer.

6. Install a fresh copy of the program. You may download it from:

http://download.live.com/messenger

1. Remove Windows Live Messenger from the computer.

1.a. Beside the time and date of your computer, right-click the Windows Live Messenger icon then click Exit.

1.b. Click Start, click Run, type control appwiz.cpl and then click OK.

1.c. In the list of currently installed programs, select Windows Live Essentials or Windows Live Messenger, and then click Remove.

1.d. If you are prompted to confirm, click Yes.

2. Remove the temporary files and folders from the computer.

2.a. Click Start, click Run, type cleanmgr and then click OK.

2.b. If you are prompted, click C: in the Select the drive you want to clean up list, and then click OK.

NOTES:

- If you partitioned the hard disk, the CleanMgr utility prompts you to select a drive.

- The Disk Cleanup utility displays how much disk space can be freed.

- This process can take several minutes.

2.c. On the Disk Cleanup tab, make sure that only the following options are selected:

- Downloaded Program Files

- Temporary Internet Files

- Temporary files

- Temporary Offline Files

- Offline Files

2.d. Click OK two times.

2.e. If you encounter problems removing the temporary files and folders, proceed to the next steps.

3. Delete Windows Live Messenger related cache files.

3.a. Change the Windows Explorer settings.

   3.a.i. Right-click Start, and then click Explore to open Windows Explorer.

   3.a.ii. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.

   3.a.iii. Click the View tab.

   3.a.iv. In the Advanced settings list, select Show hidden files and folders under Hidden Files and Folders.

   3.a.v. Click to clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box .

   3.a.vi. Click OK to close the Folder Options window.

 

3.b. The following commands delete files that are used when you sign in and files that are related to the Contacts Cache folders.

   3.b.i. Click Start, click Run, copy and paste this message %USERPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\ and then press Enter. Delete the IdentityCRL folder.

   3.b.ii. Click Start, click Run, copy and paste this message %ALLUSERSPROFILE%\Application Data\Microsoft\ and then press Enter. Delete the IdentityCRL folder.

   3.b.iii. Click Start, click Run, copy and paste this message %USERPROFILE%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\ and then press Enter. Delete the Windows Live Contacts folder.

   3.b.iv. Click Start, click Run, copy and paste this message %USERPROFILE%\ and then press Enter. Delete the Contacts folder.

 

4. Delete the Windows Live Messenger-associated registry keys.

IMPORTANT: The following steps contain information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up, and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up the Windows Registry, please refer to this article.

For information how to restore, and edit the registry, visit the following website:

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

4.a. Click Start, click Run, type CMD and then click OK to open the command window.

4.b. Copy and paste the following commands exactly as they appear below. Press ENTER after typing each command to execute the command.

Note: In some case you may encounter the error that the key does not exist, please proceed to the next command.

REG DELETE "HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Messenger' /f

REG DELETE HKLM\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger /f

REG DELETE HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger /f

REG DELETE "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows Live\Communications Clients\Shared" /f

REG DELETE HKCU\Software\Microsoft\IdentityCRL /f

5. Restart the computer.

6. Install a fresh copy of the program. You may download it from:

http://download.live.com/messenger

When you try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger, you receive the following error message:

810003c1: We were unable to sign you in to the .NET Messenger Service.

Microsoft has discontinued providing Instant Messenger services in certain countries subject to United States sanctions.  Details of these sanctions are available from the United States Office of Foreign Assets Control.

If you are having difficulty establishing a video conversation with a contact in Windows Live Messenger, please try the following:

1. Make sure that your webcam device is configured properly with Windows Live Messenger by running the Audio and Video Setup…

1.a.  Start Windows Live Messenger. 
1.b.  Press Alt on the keyboard. Click Tools, then click Audio and Video Setup.
1.c.  Follow the directions in the wizard to select and configure the audio and video devices. 

If you encounter an error and you have a McAfee Site Advisor, please refer to our related article: http://messenger-support.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8B3F39C76A8B853F!14323.entry

2. Disable the QoS Packet Scheduler

2.1  For Windows XP:
2.1.a.  Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 
2.1.b.  Click Network and Internet connections, and then click Network Connections. 
2.1.c.  Under LAN or High-Speed Internet, select the Local Area Connection that has a status of Connected. 
2.1.d.  Right-click that connection and then click Properties. 
2.1.e.  Clear the QoS Packet Scheduler check box. 
2.1.f.  Click OK to save the changes and close the window. 

2.2  For Windows Vista:
2.2.a.  Click Start Pearl, type Network and Sharing Center in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. 
2.2.b.  Click Manage network connections. 
2.2.c.  Under LAN or High-Speed Internet, select the Local Area Connection that has a status of Connected. 
2.2.d.  Right-click that connection, and then click Properties. 
2.2.e.  Clear the QoS Packet Scheduler check box. 
2.2.f.  Click OK to save the changes and close the window.

3. Remove Third Party Applications

Look for any of the following: MyWebSearch Toolbar, Smiley Central, Messenger Plus, Kiwee Toolbar, Info Pen or MacroGaming SweetIM installed in your computer. These might be integrated with the Messenger but are actually third party add-ons which Microsoft did not author nor test and have been observed to cause conflicts with the Messenger program. If you have them installed, uninstall them.

3.1Windows Vista:
3.1.a. Click Start, type Control Appwiz.cpl in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER.

3.1.b. In the list of installed programs, search for any third-party toolbars, such as MyWebSearch Toolbar, Smiley Central, Messenger Plus, Kiwee Toolbar, Info Pen or MacroGaming SweetIM and then uninstall the program. 

3.1.c. Restart the computer. 

3.2Windows XP
3.2.a. Click Start, click Run, type Control Appwiz.cpl in the Open box, and then press ENTER to open the Add or Remove Programs item. 

3.2.b.  In the list of installed programs, search for any third-party toolbars, such as MyWebSearch Toolbar, Smiley Central, Messenger Plus, Kiwee Toolbar, Info Pen or MacroGaming SweetIM and then uninstall the program. 

3.2.c.  Restart the computer. 

 

4. Disable Internet Protocol security (IPSec):

4.1 Windows Vista:
4.1.a.  Click Start , and then click Control Panel. 
4.1.b.  Click System and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools. 
4.1.c.  Double-click Services. If you are prompted for an administrator password or for a confirmation, type the password, or click Continue. 
4.1.d.  Right-click IPsec Policy Agent, and then click Stop to stop the IPSec service. 
4.1.e.  If stopping the IPSec service does not resolve the issue, restart the IPSec service. To restart the IPSec service, right-click IPsec Policy Agent, and then click Start. 

4.2 Windows XP:
4.2a.  Click Start, and then click Control Panel. 
4.2.b.  Click Performance and Maintenance, and then click Administrative Tools. 
4.2.c.  Double-click Services. 
4.2.d.  Right-click IPSEC, and then click Stop to stop the IPSec service. 
4.2.e.  If stopping the IPSec service does not resolve the issue, restart the IPSec service. To restart the IPSec service, right-click IPSEC, and then click Start. 

You may be getting SPIM URL’s from a offline contact or your contacts may complain that they receive SPIM URL’s from you. You might be wondering what’s going on and how to stop receiving such URLs’.

This article would educate on what is a SPIM and how to prevent SPIM URL’s being sent or received through Messenger.

A SPIM message looks just like any other IM conversation with a link it in and will be from someone on your buddy list. DO NOT click the links unless you were expecting it or verified with you sender that they intentionally meant to send it to you.

Common topics of the SPIM URL are diet pills, photo sharing and pornography. Think for a minute to see if you friend would share these links with you? SPIM can be sent even when a computer is turned off so be alert when you receive a URL from a offline contact.

What to do if you receive SPIM ?

1. Close the message window without clicking the link.

2. Tell the sender that you received SPIM from them and suggest they follow the steps outlined in ‘What to do if people have received SPIM from you’ below.

3. It’s also good practice to:
Change your Windows Live password, also be sure to run an anti-virus and malware scan to ensure your PC is free of viruses.

What to do if people have ?

1. Change your windows live password immediately.

2. Run an anti-virus and malware scan to ensure your PC is free of viruses.

3. Warn friends that your account may have sent SPIM and they should not click on the links in these messages.

4. Change your Windows Live password to a new strong password as well as your secret question and answer regularly.

5. Always ensure that your anti-virus software is up to date. Learn more about protecting your PC.

6. Don't share your password with anyone even if they claim that they are a person of authority. 

7. Properly log out of your account after your session by clicking the "Sign Out" button.

8. If you're using a public terminal, clear your temporary Internet files (cache) and close the browser that you're using when you're ready to end your Internet session.

9. Be sure not to click "Remember my password" if you're using a public computer or if there are other people using your computer.

10. Download Internet Explorer 8 for free, which includes a phishing filter that should help protect you from dubious websites.

11. Download the latest version of Windows Live Messenger.

If you are receiving Error 8e5e05f6 when you sign into Windows Live Messenger 2009, please try the following:

1. Enable Hidden Files and Folders:

1. A. Windows XP :
1. a.i. Click on “Start”, click “My Computer”
1. a.ii. On the “Tools” menu, click on “folder options”.
1.a.iii. On the “view” tab, locate “Advanced settings” and then follow these steps:
   Check the option “Show Hidden files and folders”
   Clear the option, “Hide protected operating system files check box”.
   Clear the option, “Hide file extensions for know file types check box”.
1. a.iv. Click ok and close the window.

1.B. Windows Vista :
1.b.i. Click on “Start”, click “My Computer”
1.b.ii. In the Explorer window, click “Organize”
1.b.iii. Choose “Folder and Search Options”.
1.b.iv. In the folder options window, click on “View” tab
1.b.v. Select the option “Show hidden files and folders” click “ok”.

2. Delete Windows Live Contacts folder :

2. a. Click on “Start”; double click on “My computer”
2. b. Browse to the location

Windows XP:
C:\Documents and Settings\<Your Windows logon name>\Local settings\Application Data\Microsoft

Windows Vista:
C:\Users\<Your Windows logon name>\App Data\Local\Microsoft

2. c. Delete “Windows live contacts folder” completely.

Note: Ensure to exit Windows live Messenger from the task manager before deleting Windows live contacts cache folder, otherwise you will get an error prompting that you can’t delete the folder .

2. d. Try signing into Windows Live Messenger.

SYMPTOMS:  

- You cannot sign in to Windows Live Messenger and you are getting an error message.

- No error message found but you are unable to login to Messenger

Note:  If you do not see any error message / code in the error dialog, please click on the drop down list as shown below to get the exact error code. Note down the error code and specify it when you contact support through http://support.live.com

TROUBLESHOOTING STEPS:

Date and Time

Make sure that you have the correct date and time settings in your computer. To verify and check this, try the following:

For Windows Vista:

a. Click Start, type Date and Time in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. 

b. In the Date and Time Properties dialog box, confirm that the date and time settings are correct. Change them if this is necessary, and then click OK. 

For Windows XP:

a. Click Start, click Run, type the following command, and then press ENTER:

control timedate.cpl 

b. In the Date and Time Properties dialog box, confirm that the date and time settings are correct. Change them if this is necessary, and then click OK. 

Delete the Messenger Contacts Cache folder

For Windows Vista

1. Show (unhide) hidden files and folders:

a. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

b. In the new window, click the Organize drop-down list, and then select the Folder and Search options check box.

c. In the Folder options window, click the View tab.

d. Make sure that the Show hidden files and folders check box is selected.

e. Click Ok, and then close the window.

2. Delete the contact store:

a. Click Start, and then click Computer.

b. Locate the following folder:

C:\Users\Windows_log-on_name\Contacts\Messenger_e-mail_address

c. Delete all the files that are in this folder.

d. Locate and open the following folder:

C:\Users\Windows_log-on_name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts

e. Delete all the folders that are in this folder, including the hidden folders.

f. Close the window, and then try signing in to Windows Live Messenger. 

For Windows XP:

1. Show (unhide) hidden files and folders:

a. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

b. In the My Computer window, click Folder Options on the Tools menu.

c. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab.

d. Make sure that the Show hidden files and folders check box is selected.

e. Click Ok, and then close the window.

2. Delete the contact store:

a. Click Start, and then click My Computer.

b. Locate the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\Windows_log-on_name\Contacts\Messenger_e-mail_address

c. Delete all the files that are in this folder.

d. Locate the following folder:

C:\Documents and Settings\Windows_log-on_name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts

e. Delete all the folders, including the hidden folders, that are in this folder.

f. Close the window, and then try signing in to Windows Live Messenger.

If issue remains, make sure that Windows Live Messenger is configured through your firewall correctly. For specific information, please visit our related article at: http://messenger-support.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!8B3F39C76A8B853F!13942.entry

+ How to purchase Dynamic Display pictures in WL Messenger 14.0.

+ How do I get Display pictures, emoticons and winks for free.

• Display picture, Emoticons
• Audio/Video
• Groups
• Telefonica
  
  

1. Go to http://gallery.live.com/default.aspx?pl=2

2. Choose the item which you would like to add

3. Click OK. The item which you choose will be added in the Windows Live Messenger 14.0 as shown.

1. Sign in to Windows Live Messenger 14.0.

2. Click on Tools – Change display picture

Or

Click on the Display picture as shown below

3. In the Display picture window, click on the link which says Create a dynamic display picture.

4. A pop up message will appear “You will automatically signed into the website for this product using Windows Live ID. To continue, click OK.

6. In the Quebles window, choose Dynamic Display Pictures and choose the picture you want to purchase.

7. Click on Order now.

8. Enter your email-address eg (testemail@hotmail.com) and click on Next.

9. You can choose the payment type from the options listed below:

10. Enter your credit card information: Payment Type , Cardholder name as appears in the card, credit card Number, CVV Code, Expiration date on the card and your live id email address.

11. Once you click on Next, you will get an option to download the dynamic display picture. Click on the Download link to download the picture.

12. You can now see the dynamic display picture in your Windows Live Messenger window as show below:

Note – The same steps could be followed to purchase Emoticons and Winks.