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Windows Live Messenger Sign In Error

Check Internet Connection and MSN Network Status

There is more than one possibility to explain your trouble signing in to Windows Live Messenger. Assuming that you have confirmed that your Internet connection is working - easily done by making sure that you can access other websites - it is also possible that the MSN website is temporarily unavailable. There is an MSN Messenger network status webpage that you can check to make sure that the site is up and running.

Check your Firewall Settings

Another cause of failed sign in attempts is a firewall blocking MSN. To test this theory, check if you can sign into MSN Web Messenger, an older, less sophisticated version of a similar program. If you are able to sign into this program, then the problem might be that your firewall settings are too high to allow Live Messenger. To remedy this you can add MSNmsgr.exe to the safe or allow list in your firewall settings.

Check Internet Security Settings

There are also Internet Security settings to check:

1. In Internet Explorer, choose Tools, then Internet Options
2. Select the Advanced tab, and then Security

• Make sure the Check For Server Certificate Revocation box is cleared
• Make sure the Use SSL 2.0 and SSL 3.9 boxes are checked

Clear your Internet Explorer Proxy Settings

If this still doesn’t resolve the issue, you should clear your proxy settings for Internet Explorer. You will need to check with your ISP or your records to enter the correct proxy settings.

1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools, then Internet Options
2. Select the tab Connections, then LAN Settings
3. Remove the check from the box to Automatically Detect Settings, then OK, and OK again

Clear your Messenger Proxy Settings

You can also clear your Messenger proxy settings:

1. In Messenger, click Tools, then Options
2. Select Connection, then Advanced Settings
3. Find the listing for SOCKS and erase the entries listed there, then OK, and OK again.

Check your Time and Date Settings

It is also possible that your computer’s time and date settings are off and are interfering with Messenger. If you are running Windows XP, click Start, and then Run. In the command box enter control timedate.cpl then OK. Confirm that the settings are correct, including the time zone, and then OK. If you run Windows Vista, click Start, then enter control timedate.cpl in the search bar and click Enter. Confirm that your settings are correct, including the time zone, and then OK.

When I try to sign into MSN I get a message that says ‘a newer version is available. You must install the newer version in order to continue. Would you like to do this now?’ And it offers yes or no but if I click no and try to sign in again it says the same thing. I am using version 8.0(Build 8.0.0812.00)

Remove your Passport Login to Turn Off Auto Login

OK - the first thing to do to troubleshoot your MSN Messenger program is to disable your Microsoft Passport login name and password so that Messenger can’t sign you in and launch itself automatically.

• Click Start to open the menu and click Control Panel
• Open User Accounts and click to choose your MSN Passport/Hotmail account name
• Look on the left hand side of your screen and find and click on the tab called Manage My Network Passwords under the Related Tasks category
• Now a window will open and display your user name and account information - click Remove

Adjust your Norton Security Settings

Some Norton Security programs feature an instant messaging feature, which might be causing your MSN Messenger problem. To check your security settings in Norton look on the right hand side of the bottom of your screen close to the clock and right click on the Norton icon to open the menu. Choose Options, then Instant Messenger, then find the MSN Instant Messenger listing and remove the check in the box that corresponds with it. Now, if the “newer version is available upgrade now” window is still open, choose NO and it should stop asking you.

Remove Old Downloads and Reinstall

MSN Messenger, like other programs, is sometimes corrupted when incomplete or flawed pieces of the program, or old installations, remain on your computer. If you have downloaded more than one version of MSN Messenger or if you would like to upgrade to the latest version of Messenger, you should first remove all other versions.

• First, close MSN Messenger by clicking the icon, then Exit
• Click the Start button to open the menu, choose Settings, then Control Panel
• Click twice on Add/Remove Programs
• Find the MSN listing(s) and then click Remove

Once you have removed any old versions of MSN Messenger you can do a clean installation of the newest version. Since 2005, MSN Messenger has been officially called Windows Live Messenger and the latest release is version 14.0, also called Windows Live Messenger 2009.

I am trying to add a friend on my MSN, but can only add him as a non instant messaging contact. I have had him before and deleted it, but now want him back on. Why can’t I instant message him?

Be patient as I go over a few points and hopefully, we will find a solution that works for you.

MSN Messenger

MSN Messenger is one of several popular instant messaging services.

How to Add Friends to MSN Messenger

The steps you need to take to add friends to MSN Messenger are rather straightforward. However, on the off chance that something was missed, I’ll present the necessary steps here.

1. First, sign in to your MSN Messenger account using your email and personal password.
2. Click on the button in the upper left-hand corner. It should be green in color and include the word “ADD” and a white plus sign.
3. In the dialog box that pops up, type the email address of your friend. Click on “Next.”
4. The next dialog box prompts you to email the person with a message asking the individual to download MSN. Click “Next.”
5. Click on the final “Next.”

Is the Friend a Subscriber to MSN Messenger?

If you haven’t talked to your friend in a while, is it possible that they are no longer using MSN messenger. This would explain why you cannot message the person. Don’t make the assumption that the person is using MSN Messenger. Find out for sure whether he has it or not.

What is a Non Instant Messaging Contact?

A non-instant messaging contact is the designation for people who you can email but are not able to send an instant message to. If you have previously deleted contacts from your instant messaging list, you need to edit the contact label. The rules for editing vary according to the method of deletion. See below.

How to Edit Non Instant Messaging Contacts: Deleted Only

In order to edit your non instant messaging contacts, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the “Tools” option.
2. Navigate to the “Options.”
3. Navigate to “Privacy.”
4. Navigate to “Allowed List.”
5. Right click on the contact’s name.
6. Edit the information by selecting “Add to Contacts.”

How to Edit Non Instant Messaging Contacts: Deleted and Blocked

In order to edit your non instant messaging contacts that you have deleted and blocked, follow these steps:

1. Navigate to the “Tools” option.
2. Navigate to “Privacy.”
3. Navigate to “Blocked List.”
4. Right click on the contact name.
5. Select “Move to allowed list.”
6. Select “Add to contacts.

How to Edit Non-Instant Messaging Contacts through MSN Mail

In order to edit your non-instant messaging contacts through your mail, follow these steps:

1. Go to your list of mail contacts.
2. Select the contact.
3. Click on “edit.”
4. Select “use with Windows Live Messenger.”