Shoutbox

OK, now I get it working...
What I did was so "violent":

1. Uninstall MSN Messenger.
   
2. If there is msiexec.exe left in your process (I don't know why but Windows X's installer seems not to exit properly), kill it.
   
3. Locate HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MSNMessenger and delete the whole subkey
   
4. Locate HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger, as well delete the whole subkey
   
5. Locate Application Data\Microsoft, and delete the whole MSN Messenger directory.
   
6. Install and sign in.

Yep that means all your Messenger settings, including Display Pictures, Backgrounds, Custom Emoticons...etc WILL VANISH.

I bet that not every of the steps above is necessary but you may just try it...