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When trying to access MSN Messenger I get the message, "Host files contain Windows Live Messenger related entries - may interfere with name resolution." How can this be fixed to allow access to MSN Messenger?
MSN Messenger Symptoms
In further conversations with the questioner, it turns out that this computer is used by several users, all of whom sign into the computer using the same user account. All of the users except for one can sign into Messenger without a problem, but one user consistently receives this error message. Another interesting symptom is that when signed into this particular MSN Messenger account, the CPU usage spikes to over 100 percent.
MSN Messenger vs. Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger has since been replaced by Windows Live Messenger. If you haven't already, upgrade to the latest version of Windows Live Messenger. While this may not solve the individual user's error message, it might. Plus, you'll have the latest fixes and all the bells and whistles offered by Windows Live Messenger.
Troubleshooting the Host Files Error
Since this error is specific to a single user account, it's not likely an issue with the computer's set up. While many MSN Messenger users have solved a similar error by rebooting their routers, this didn't work in this situation. Most likely, something is going on with this one user's MSN Messenger settings. Once you upgrade to Windows Live Messenger, you can run the built-in Connection Troubleshooter to see if it can solve the problem for you automatically. Do this by clicking on the Show Menu button, then click on Tools followed by Options.
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Now, click on the Connection link in the left side pane and then click on the Connection Troubleshooter's Start button. You can also click on Connection Settings > Advanced Settings to run a few diagnostic tests.
Comparing Settings
If the Connection Troubleshooter doesn't solve the problem, consider comparing every single user setting in the Options dialog with those of another user. Which settings are different? Perhaps the user's display photo is oversized and gobbling up system resources as Messenger tries to display it? Maybe the other users' Connection Settings are set up to use a proxy server and this user's account is not set up that way (or vice versa). Look for anomalies.
For example, Microsoft recommends deleting the entries under SOCKS in the Connection > Advanced Settings section as a troubleshooting step when you can't connect to Messenger.
Clear DNS Cache
Finally, try "flushing the DNS cache." Go to Start > Run and type in: cmd
Press Enter and then type: ipconfig /flushdns
Press Enter one more time.
Is your computer an Open Invitation for HACKERS? Download free version of Sparktrust Inspector to identify vulnerabilities and problems on your computer (and even your WEBSITES)!
Celeste Stewart | October 22nd, 2009
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