Shoutbox

I had the same problem and just found the solution:

Basically the problem is a flaulty 'MessageLog.xsl' file in the chat-log-files directory which might have been kept from an old version of Messenger. Once you delete it and try to view history inside Messenger it will generate a new 'MessageLog.xsl' file

SOLUTION:

1. Delete the 'MessageLog.xsl' file that is automatically generated in whichever folder contains your message log files.
(you can find this  folder by looking at step 2)

2. go to messenger
Tools => Options and click on the Messages Tab
At the bottom where it says Message History tick at least the first box of the 2 that are there (Automatically keep a history of my conversations)
Now where it says 'Save my conversations in this folder:' change it to the folder with your saved chat logs.
Click Apply and OK

Now RIGHT-click on any contact with which you have a message sitory.
Select from the dropdown menu
View => Message History
A MSN window should appear showing you your chat history (only if you have one)

The history should work now both inside MSN and by opening XML chat log files individually with Internet Explorer or Firefox.

PS: I am using Windows Live Messenger v8.5 and I had this problem for a while because I had saved my chat log folder from a long time back so I could format my PC