I too have the same problem. I have Windows XP, signed on as administrator, have the latest MSN and Messenger Plus I use avast antivirus. I have tried the alternate mode in plus too but this failed as well. The only thing I could guess at is adaware or/and ad-watch (component of adaware) it seems after I have used ad-watch the next I reboot plus is missing. It's starting to get annoying and as Messenger Plus is supposed to be free of spyware/malware I find it confusing why ad-watch could interfere. I don't want to uninstall Messenger Plus as I have a good laugh with it but at the same time I won't stop using ad-watch so I might have to ditch the plus. Any ideas?