Possible solution to your problem given by Windows Live Messenger Technical Support (Larry):
Error 81000323, the probable reason why you get this message are Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger are running on a Windows XP-based computer, and both the Messenger programs are set to sign in to the Microsoft .NET Messenger service automatically. Other possible reason why you encountered this issue is you are signed in to the .NET Messenger service with the same e-mail address on more than one computer or you are signed in to MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger and to Windows Messenger with the same Microsoft .NET Passport. When MSN Messenger starts, it signs you out of Windows Messenger. Another possible reason could be:
- You are signed in to the Messenger service through a third-party instant messaging client, such as Trillian, with the same e-mail address that you use to sign in to MSN Messenger.
The troubleshooting steps for this issue are rather long. First we need to determine whether both Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger are running when you receive the error message. We also need to determine if both programs may be configured to start when Windows XP starts. For the detailed troubleshooting steps, please refer to the instructions below:
1. Determine whether both MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger are running when you receive the error message.
- To determine whether Windows Messenger is running, use one of the following methods:
-- If Windows Messenger is running, a green buddy icon appears in the notification area. If you point to an icon in the notification area for several seconds, a message appears that identifies the program that the icon represents.
-- If you are using Windows Messenger, follow these steps to determine whether Windows Messenger is running:
a. Click "Start," click "Run," type "Taskmgr", and then click "OK."
b. On the "Processes" tab, look for "Msmsgs.exe" in the "Image Name" column.
- To determine whether MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger is running, use the following method:
-- If MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger is running, a green buddy icon appears in the notification area. If you point to an icon in the notification area for several seconds, a message appears that identifies the program that the icon represents.
Note: You can sign in to the .NET Messenger service by using both MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger at the same time, but you cannot sign in to both Messenger programs with the same Passport Network account.
For example, you can sign in to MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger with one Passport Network account, and then you can sign in to Windows Messenger with a different e-mail address. However, if you sign in to both Messenger programs with the same e-mail address, the first program that you signed in to automatically signs you out.
-- If both Messenger programs are not running, see the "If the computer is not running Windows XP, or the computer is running only one Messenger program" section.
2. If the computer is running MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger and Windows Messenger, both programs may be configured to start when Windows XP starts. Additionally, Windows Messenger can be started by another program, such as Microsoft Outlook Express or Microsoft Outlook. If this occurs, you may receive an error message. To resolve this problem, use one of the following methods:
- Select the Messenger program that you want Microsoft Windows to start, and remove the integration between Windows Messenger and Outlook Express or Outlook. To do this, use the one of following methods:
-- To run Windows Messenger and to disable Windows Live Messenger or MSN Messenger, follow these steps:
a. Click "Start," click "All Programs," and then click "Windows Messenger" or "Windows Live Messenger."
b. On the "Tools" menu, click "Options."
c. On the "Preferences" tab, select the "Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts" check box.
d. Select the "Allow Windows Messenger to run in the background" check box, and then click "OK."
e. On the "File" menu, click "Close."
f. Click "Start," click "All Programs," and then click "MSN Messenger" or "Windows Live Messenger."
g. On the "Tools" menu, click "Options."
h. Click "General," clear the "Automatically run Messenger when I log on to Windows" check box, and then click "OK."
i. On the "File" menu, click "Close."
-- To run MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger and to disable Windows Messenger, follow these steps:
a. Click "Start," click "All Programs," and then click "MSN Messenger" or "Messenger Beta."
b. On the "Tools" menu, click "Options."
c. Click "General," select the "Automatically run Messenger when I log on to Windows" check box, and then click "OK."
d. On the "File" menu, click "Close."
e. Click "Start," click "All Programs," and then click "Windows Messenger."
f. On the "Tools" menu click "Options."
g. On the "Preferences" tab clear the "Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts" check box.
h. Clear the "Allow Windows Messenger to run in the background" check box, and then click "OK."
i. On the "File" menu, click "Close."
- Prevent Windows Messenger from starting when Outlook Express or Outlook starts. To do this, use the method for your browser.
-- Outlook Express
a. On the "Tools" menu, click "Options."
b. On the "General" tab, select the "Automatically log on to Windows Messenger" check box.
c. Click "OK."
-- Outlook
a. On the "Tools" menu, click "Options."
b. On the "Other" tab, click the "Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook" check box.
c. Click "OK."
- Clear the automatic sign-in credentials.
-- MSN Messenger 7.5 or Windows Live Messenger
a. If you are signed in to Messenger, click "Sign out" on the "File" menu.
b. In the MSN Messenger sign-in window, clear the "Sign me in automatically" check box.
-- MSN Messenger 7.0 and earlier versions
a. Click "Start," click "Run," type "Control keymgr.dll," and then press ENTER.
b. In the "Stored User Names and Passwords" dialog box, select "Passport.Net* (Passport)."
c. Click "Remove."
d. Click "Close."
3. If you have third-party client software, such as Trillian, that is also using your e-mail address to sign in to the .NET Messenger service, turn off automatic sign-in to the .NET Messenger service through this client or remove this e-mail address from the third-party client identities list.
If the computer is not running Windows XP, or if the computer is running only one Messenger program but you receive an error message, you may be signed in to Messenger on another computer. You may receive the error message if you have set up another computer to automatically sign you in. To resolve this problem, change or reset your Passport Network account password. This step will ensure that you are not automatically signed in to the .NET Messenger service on the other computer.
1. To change the password that is associated with your Passport Network account, follow these steps:
a. Visit
http://login.live.com.
b. Click "Credentials," and then click "Change your password."
c. Type your old password.
d. Type your new password, and then retype it. As you type your password, the strength gauge will show you how strong or weak your password is.
e. Click "Continue". If your password is not strong you will have the opportunity to change by clicking "Create a stronger password now."
f. Click "Done."
2. To reset a Passport Network password that you cannot remember, follow these steps:
a. Visit
http://login.live.com.
b. Click "Forgot your password?."
c. Enter your e-mail address and match the characters in the picture. The number of characters in the picture is printed below the picture.
d. Click "Continue."
e. Select how you want to reset your password.
f. Provide the requested information to reset your password.
I hope these steps resolve your concern with Windows Live Messenger.
For additional information regarding Windows Live Messenger and some basic how to steps, go to the Help menu of Windows Live Messenger and click on Help Topics or simply press F1 on Windows Live Messenger main window or in any Windows Live Messenger conversation window.
3 ways to search for more information in Pane Help:
a. Click on a relevant link.
b. Click on the link that says View all topics.
c. Type your entry in the search box and press Enter or click on the arrow button.
If you need further assistance, you may contact us at
http://support.live.com.
Sincerely,
Larry
Windows Live Messenger Technical Support