offline when online

I feel bad about this, since I like MSN, but I've had to
install Yahoo IM to have communications between two
computers, both on DSL, both running WinXP Pro.

Worse, now I have to recommend it to an entire
organization. I'm thinking TRILLIAN, using the Yahoo or
ICQ backbone. I wish I could use the Microsoft, though.
It's always been fine before. This has been an
intractable problem though, and it's probably easy to fix
for someone.


>-----Original Message-----
>I have a critical need for Windows messenger, but there
>is a big problem. The most important contact always
>shows up offline, even though I know he is online. I've
>even gotten on my bicycle and ridden 6 miles to verify
>when right-clicking on the little Messenger Man in the
>systray that he is "ONLINE". However, when I go back to
>my computer, he shows up as offline. We're both using
>Windows Messenger, Windows XP on consistent, broadband
>connections. What gives?
>
>Any help will be greatly...
>
>Nittacci
>.
>