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I am having a problem with Windows Live Messenger. This has been an issue ever since I got the PC on both Windows Vista and Windows 7. The PC is not even a month old and Windows Live Messenger installs fine. Sometimes I can access it on a rare occasion. Most of the time it is running the process tree when I look but still can’t open up the actual program. I try closing it from the Task Manager and reopening but it doesn’t help. I can click on the icons over and over and it just loads more instances of the messenger. I have no idea what’s causing this. Any ideas?

Many users have had issues with Windows Live Messenger and its predecessor MSN Messenger failing to load properly. One of the most common issues is with the router though it’s also possible that you have a bad installation on your computer. Let’s take a look at some steps you can try.

Reset the Router

The first step is to reset the router. Your router should have a reset button on it. If not an actual button, there may be a tiny hole in the back where you can insert an unbent paperclip. If your router does not have a manual way to reset it, simply unplug it from the power source and let it sit for a minute or two. Plug it back in and see if the problem resolves itself. Resetting the router has solved this issue for many Windows Live Messenger users.

Repair Windows Live Messenger

You can also try repairing your installation of Windows Live Messenger. Go to Start and type “Programs and Features” into the Search bar and then click its link under Programs (or go to Control Panel > Programs and Features). Find Windows Live Essentials in the list of installed programs and click on Uninstall/Change. Choose the Repair option and click Continue. This will repair your installation of all Windows Live Essentials programs, including Windows Live Messenger.

Update Windows

Whenever a program fails to respond as expected, it’s not a bad idea to update your operating system to take advantage of any potential “fixes” that may have been issued by Microsoft. For example, if an external program or device is known to interfere with Windows Live Messenger and Microsoft has created a patch that fixes the issue, the patch will be released as an Update. Go to Control Panel > Windows Update and check to see if any updates exist addressing this issue.

Use the System File Checker Utility

You can also try running the System File Checker which will scan your operating system for file corruption which could be interfering with your computer’s performance. Press the Windows Flag key and the ‘R’ key at the same time to open the Run dialog and then type in: sfc /scannow

Follow the prompts to allow the System File Checker to scan your computer for missing or damaged operating system files. You may need your original installation discs to replace these damaged files.

Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Live Messenger

Another option is to try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Live Messenger.

When I try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger, it does not sign in.

Windows Live Messenger, an instant messaging service, is a popular application used by a large number of people. Occasionally, problems, including sign in failures, with Windows Live Messenger occur. Perhaps the password isn’t recognized or the software is in need of an update. Since it is possible to reset your password, you should be able to fix the problem easily enough. Sometimes, sign in errors are as simple as typing the password incorrectly. Read through the strategies listed here for help in retrieving your password, resetting the password, or cleaning up. It is also possible that Windows Live Messenger has been hacked into.

Windows Live Messenger Password Problems: Tips

Although this is a long shot, try clearing out your temporary cache, stored passwords, history, cookies, and other temporary files on your browser. If an incorrect password is stuck in the computer’s memory, this is your best chance to clear it out. Navigate to the tools section of your browser to clear the temporary cache, stored passwords, and other temporary files.

Windows Live Messenger: Windows Live ID Validation Form

It is relatively simple to reset your password using the Windows Live ID Validation Form. You’ll need the secret answer that you set up when creating the account. Use this link to access the page that you need: Windows Live ID Validation Form.

Windows Live Messenger: Retrieve Password

Quite a few programs are available that are designed to allow you to retrieve your Windows Live Messenger ID. I haven’t used them, so I cannot vouch for them. If you are interested, visit this link for a review of several of them: Password Recovery Software.

Windows Live Messenger: Reset Password

If you believe that the reason why your password isn’t working is because someone has hacked into your account, you should change the password as soon as possible. Just follow this link to access the page that you need: Account Live. Even if the password isn’t working on the login page, it is possible that it will work here so it is worth a try.

Windows Live Messenger Password Problems: Spyware

It is possible that your computer has become infected with spyware or some other form of malware. Therefore, you should run a scan with a reliable, up-to-date anti-spyware/anti-virus application such as Anti-Virus PLUS. Use caution in the future when browsing the Internet and scan your computer on a regular basis. Viruses and malware are more likely if you use instant messaging frequently or download any attachments that were sent through it.

I installed Messenger today and now I can’t access my MSN email account. Help?

Flawed or Corrupt Installations

It’s possible that you have a corrupt or flawed download that is conflicting with MSN and not allowing you access to your email account or that there is a conflict between different installations of the same software. A great place to start is by cleaning your computer of all your old MSN installations and then you can reinstall clean applications. You can use Windows Add/Remove to delete the programs and then use the Windows Uninstaller to make sure everything is gone.

Disable and Remove Windows Messenger Programs

It’s possible that you have different programs installed with similar names. There are three different programs/applications that you should either uninstall or deactivate.

To remove Windows Messenger:

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Add/Remove Programs
3. Select Add/Remove Windows Components
4. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck Windows Messenger
5. Click OK, and OK again to exit
6. Allow Windows Setup to run and complete the un-installation

Now you can remove MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Add/Remove Programs
3. Scroll to find and select:
   1. MSN Messenger
   2. Windows Live Essentials - the listing for Live Messenger
4. Click Remove
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the un-installation

There is another feature called Windows Messenger Service that can be safely disabled, but probably isn’t part of your problem:

1. Right click My Computer and choose Manage
2. Click the + to open the Services and Applications section
3. Choose Services
4. Find and double click Messenger
5. A dialog box will open, beside Startup Type, choose Disable
6. Click Stop, then OK and OK again to exit

Download and Run Windows Cleanup Uninstaller

Follow this link and download and install the Windows Cleanup Uninstaller. This tool will make sure that all traces of your installations are gone. If you aren’t prompted to, reboot your computer to allow all these changes to take effect.

Run Windows Updates and Reinstall Windows Live Messenger

Now, before you reinstall Windows Live Messenger, open your web browser, like Internet Explorer and go to Windows Updates. Run the updater and make sure that your operating system is up to date for optimal performance. Once your system is ready, go to MSN and try to sign in to your Windows Live Mail account. Once you’re sure this problem is resolved, you should have the green light to download and install a new version of Windows Live Messenger. Good luck!!

My Windows Live Messenger is not working very well. I can’t send instant messages. Can you help me?

One of the suggested solutions should fix this problem for you. Read through and try the ones that you haven’t yet used. Reboot your computer after each potential fix.

Windows Live Messenger Updates

Missing updates is often one of the reasons behind problems with instant messaging. Have you turned your update feature on to “automatic?” If not, do you visit the website in search of updates on a regular basis? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then visit the website and install any current updates that are available. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue for you.

Windows Live Messenger and Browser Updates

The next step is to update your Web browser. While some of the changes that are made might not affect your use of the instant messaging feature, it is possible that the latest change has made a difference.

Windows Live Messenger and Security Settings

It’s important to check the security settings on your Web browser whenever an update takes place. Occasionally these settings will change once an update is installed. Adjust these settings if they have been reset to a restrictive or high level.

Windows Live Messenger and Stored Internet Cache

Computer systems and Web browsing tend to become quirky at times. When this happens, it is best to clear the Internet cache, cookies, history, etc and start from scratch. You’ll need to enter the “Tools” area of your browser to do so. This step varies depending on the browser that you are using. For example, if you have Internet Explorer 7.0, go to Tools > Internet Options and click the Delete button under the Browsing History section.

Windows Live Messenger and Spyware

Spyware is notorious for upsetting the functioning of any number of applications on a computer including instant messengers. In fact, version 8.1 of Windows Live Messenger is noted for having security vulnerabilities. If that is the version you are using and if you have accepted webcam or video chats, it is even more likely that your instant messenger might be infected. If you have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, use it to scan your computer for problems. If you haven’t updated this application for a while, you might want to do so before running it. If you don’t already have an application, Anti-Virus-PLUS is an excellent program.

Verify Windows Live ID Validation Form

Take the time to verify your Windows Live ID. It only takes a few moments and if it does the trick, it will be well worth it.

Change Windows Live Messenger Password

Problems with instant messaging through Windows Live Messenger have also been resolved simply by changing the password. If none of the above solutions have worked for you, try changing your password, reboot, and see if that works.