Shoutbox

I have the latest version of Windows Live Messenger installed on my brand new computer. It would sign in for the first couple of days and now it doesn't for some weird reason. I get the infamous error 81000306: We were unable to sign u into windows live messenger. Possible because of a problem with the service or your internet connection. I have DSL directly hooked up to my comp, no router. the windows firewall is turned off but i do have norton internet security. I checked the config of the norton firewall and made sure messenger has full access. When I do a connection troubleshoot it tells me that my gateway appears to be offline. How is this possible if I can browse the internet? PLS hlp...

First try this, written by Jonathan Kay. Make sure you do each step correctly. Also try the suggestion below.

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 your password information is not saved, verify that you are typing it in with the
correct case (uppercase or lowercase).
3. Change your password @ http://memberservicesnet.passport.com/memberservice.srf to
something smaller (under 10-12 characters), then try signing in again.
4. 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, especially since you
upgraded. You may need to re/add Messenger to the allowed list of programs in your firewall
if this is the case.
5. 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).
6. Clear your IE cache and cookies -- 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.
7. 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.
8. Click Start, then Run, and enter the following:
regsvr32 softpub.dll
then click OK
and do the same for the following:
regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll
9. If using MSN Messenger 7, click the Tools menu, then Options, then Connection category,
click the Advanced Settings button, uncheck all the options, click OK twice and then try
again.

http://usenet.p2preactor.com/index-t-1506390.html

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Go to Start, run, then type "regedit"

Navigate to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\microsoft\MSNMessenger\Policies

Delete the key "contacts.msn.com"

Then, try launching Windows Live Messenger again.

Source: Troubleshooting Error 81000306

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