I haven't been able to sign into my messenger for a few days. I have followed the help offered through troubleshooting. It suggested it might be my firewall or my proxy settings. Checked both and still having no luck. The only thing I have done to my pc recently is update java. Could that have anything to do with it?

As far as I know, MSN doesn't use java. I'm probably wrong though. Are you running torrent software in the background such as Limewire? That will usually stop you from signing in.

No - nothing running when I am trying to sign in.

In that case its time to hand it over to Funkypool's resident problem solver..


Some people say his eyes are fibre-optic. Others say when he talks, it sounds like a dial up connection.


All we know is.. hes called Spinner

Edited at 20:23 Sun 3/08/08 (BST)

Ok, this is usually caused by a botched messenger update. However Live messenger does use java, or rather runs small java apps (winks etc)

Best solution is to back up your contacts (Contacts menu, "save instant messaging contacts") to be sure you dont lose them, then unsinstall messenger from control panel > add/remove programs.

Reboot.

Go to http://messenger.live.com/ to get the newest version.

I always thought winks were flash, no java on messenger at all?

I get this all the time and no need to reinstall it. I sort this problem by restarting it but this may help for you;

f there are no reported problems with the Messenger servers, see if your proxy settings are correct: click "Tools" and then "Options" at your Messenger main window. In the options screen click "Connection" in the list to the left. Next, click the "Advanced Settings..." button. If you (likely) do not use a proxy server, try unchecking all the checkboxes except for the one labeled TCP and see if you can connect now. (You might have to fully close and start Messenger again before retrying to connect). If you are on a large network, the network administrator can probably tell you if you should have proxy settings in Messenger.

In Internet Explorer: click Tools, then Internet Options, select the "connections" tab. Try unchecking (if checked) "Use a proxy server for LAN" and check "Automatically detect settings".

This should enable both Internet Explorer and Messenger to automatically find the best way to connect to the internet.

If this does not work, then reinstall it..

Thanks for the advice. Just uninstalled it. Couldn't even sign in.

Do you mean you uninstalled/reinstalled and still nothing?

Try signing in on web messenger to check there isnt a problem with your account.

Other than that, the only solution i know of is a registry edit, which is obviously dangerous if you dont know exactly what you're doing!



Not sure now (not interseted enough!) but the first incarnations of Live messenger did use java for some "effects". Thats what often caused a loss of sound issue in the game.

Edited at 22:35 Sun 3/08/08 (BST)

keep at it mate, i had a similar problem where suddenly all my contacts vanished, went through the same help menu you did and all seemed fine behind the scenes,,kept unintalling and re installing and eventually i got my contacts back but using version 4 only, i think msn are having difficulties and i perservered and eventually after another uninstall then install everything is back to where it was initially.

I have no idea how or why, it just reappeared, even windlws live team couldnt help me, they did say they had a few emails refarding the loss of contacts

Edited at 22:51 Sun 3/08/08 (BST)

I'll try it again tomorrow. Stepping away from messenger before I throw the damn pc out the window lol