Shoutbox

Possible fixes include, but are not limited to:

1. Make sure your Windows system time is correct.
   
   
2. Reregister softpub.dll using the command regsvr32.exe:
   In Windows: Start > Run > regsvr32 softpub.dll
   
   
3. Remove any Internet Explorer proxy server settings:
   In Internet Explorer: Tools > Internet Options > Connections > LAN Settings... > Untick "Use a proxy server for your LAN"

(note: close Messenger completely before doing anything)