Can't sign in to Windows Messenger

[Natalie]

I have had Windows messenger for a while now. I did have
it set up with a hotmail account; however, I started
having problems signing in. It would say the username or
password was incorrect; however, since it was auto sign
in, I knew that wasn't the problem. So I went in and
just decided to use messenger with my regular e-mail
account. Got that verified and for about two to three
weeks have had no problems. Then all of the sudden
today, I have the same problem. It says the username or
password or incorrect. I know this is not the case. Any
advice!??

Thanks

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Nataile,

Here are some suggestions you might want to try/check then:
1. The date on your computer needs to be set properly -- double click the clock verify that
the time and date are set.
2. If you use a firewall (like ZoneAlarm, Norton Internet Security etc. ), it's possible
that Messenger doesn't have the correct rights to access the Internet. You may need to
re/add Messenger to the allowed list of programs in your firewall if this is the case.
3. If you disabled your firewall in the past, it still may be blocking Messenger -- try
restarting it and see if that helps the situation. You also might try uninstalling an
installed firewall, to verify that it isn't causing a problem (even if it is disabled).
4. Check your IE Security settings -- open Internet Explorer, click the Tools menu, then
Internet Options, then Advanced tab, scroll to the Security section, and verify that "Check
for server certificate revocation" is unchecked. Also verify that 'Use SSL 2.0' and Use SSL
3.0' is checked, then click OK.
5. Click Start, then Run, and enter the following:
regsvr32 softpub.dll
then click OK
6. Check your IE Internet Zone and cookie settings -- Open Internet Explorer, click the
Tools menu, then Internet Options, then click the Delete Files button, and when that's
complete click the Delete Cookies button. Then, click the Security tab, click Internet
(should already be selected), click the Default Level button, and then click OK.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com