Thanks for the follow up Matty.
I unchecked the other connection type settings and tried to connect again. Nothing. I even ran the Test Connection Settings options and was told the problem *may be* my Zone Alarm settings.
I removed the messenger entries and launched messenger again. Still no connection.
NOTE: I uninstalled Messenger Plus and MSN Messenger 7.0 [build 7.0.09813] and ran RegCleaner to remove all of the old entries. I then reinstalled
only MSN Messenger and tried to connect again.
The problem is MSN Messenger and
NOT Messenger Plus.
I'm going to see if I can find a workaround for this crappy version of MSN Messenger. I'll be sure to share what I find out (if anything).
Thanks again.
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UPDATE: Here's the ticket. If ANYONE is using Zone Alarm with Web Filtering, you need to TURN OFF the web filtering option.
Zone Alarm settings ARE the culprit.
Installation of MSN Messenger 7 and Messenger Plus IS SUCCESSFUL!!! 
