Shoutbox

We need to know what OS you're using. If you're looking for diagnostic help, more information is better.

Here's a step by step diagnostic approach for Vista and W7:
1.) Click on Start Menu.
2.) Search for "eve" (OR locate Event Viewer under programs) and launch the Event Viewer.
3.) In the resulting window, the left hand pane has several categories. Select "Windows Logs" and then "Application" from the drop down.
4.) In the center pane double click on "Application".
5.) Search for the error event that pertains to your problem and record the event ID#.

I'm willing to bet money that the Event ID is either 78 or 33.

An event with ID 78 will have the following wording:
"Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe". Error in manifest or policy file "" on line. A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active. Conflicting components are: <HERE IS WHERE THE COMPONENTS ARE LISTED>"

If you have an event with ID 33:
"Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe". Dependent Assembly <ASSEMBLY IS MENTIONED HERE> could not be found. Please use sxstrace.exe for detailed diagnosis."

If you can establish what the Event ID is and what file(s) in the Winsxs folder are giving your MSN grief, I might be able to help.

Cheers.