Shoutbox

So I went to log on MSN and was forced to update. I hate updating to new versions of crap cause this always happens.
So I update Messenger. Try to log on. Nothing happens and it returns to the sign in page. I try logging in again only to meet the "Windows live has encountered a problem and needs to close...."
This is giving me such a headache. I have tried several solutions and nothing works. Does anyone have an idea of a real fix or some way of using an older version of messenger without the useless update?

REASON FOR UPGRADE

All users using old versions of Windows Live Messenger (8.1 and 8.5) are being upgraded due to a security issue. This has been fixed in the latest 2009 version.

FIXING THE PROBLEM

ADD-ONS: The "Windows Live Messenger has encountered a problem and needs to close" error means its crashed. This could be because of incompatible add-ons you may have had in the older version which are not compatible with the new version. This can include programs like Smileys Central, SweetIM, MyWebSearch etc. Remove them all from Add/Remove Programs, including Messenger Plus! Live (just to be sure), then try. Follow these instructions carefully.

IE: According to this, add-ons for Internet Explorer such as Webfetti can also cause Messenger to crash. You can remove this from Add/Remove Programs.

FIREWALL: Programs on your PC could be conflicting with Messenger, such as a Firewall, because it doesn't recognise the new version and therefore block it. Try disabling it and any others that could be conflicting, then try again.

SCAN: Scan your computer with an anti-virus and anti-spyware programs, because your computer could be infected, stopping Messenger from working.

CONNECTION: Have you tried the Connection Troubleshooter? Go to Tools -> Options -> Connection tab and click Start.

In the Connections tab, click the Advanced Settings button and make sure that none of the text boxes have anything in them. Then try clicking the Test button on TCP and HTTP to see if they can connect properly.

ADOBE FLASH:

quote:

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If you are using Windows Vista, you may encounter crashes if you don’t have the latest version of Adobe Flash installed. You can install the latest version of Adobe Flash at http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/download/download....Flash&promoid=BIOW. [SOURCE]

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If you've tried everything above and still having problems, let me know.

Tried everything. Still not working. Hate MSN. Hate it so much.

I'm out of ideas then, sorry.

Alternatives:
http://www.pidgin.im
http://www.amsn-project.net
http://www.miranda-im.com

Online alternatives:
http://www.ebuddy.com
http://www.meebo.com
http://www.iloveim.com

Have you tried completely uninstalling and re-installing the Windows Live Suite, with restarts inbetween?

Yup. Tried it all