The latest versions of popular instant messaging software like MSN Messenger have suffered from problems related to the connectivity of the internet. MSN connection problems indicate issues with connectivity and most users find it difficult to go online. The problems and issues of MSN Messenger are identified with error codes. The MSN connection error codes are accompanied with messages which explains the issues that are encountered. The MSN connection problems can sometimes be unique to a particular version of MSN Messenger but they can be solved. It is recommended you check the status of your internet connection before trying to solve the issues.

MSN Connection Problems

Connection problems have become very common with the newer versions of MSN/WLM. These can be caused by a number of things. Before continuing further, try the following:

• Test your connection - make sure that the right wires are plugged in and that you are connected to the internet while signing in to MSN Messenger
• Ensure that you have entered the right username and password. The password field is case sensitive so check that Caps Lock is not on
• Click Troubleshoot when prompted. This will take a few minutes to review your settings and try to fix the problem

If problems persist, the solution may be listed below.

Error Codes

Most of the error codes that you can come across are explained in Messenger's online help http://messenger.msn.com/Help/#LQ2

Other errors are distinct to a particular version of the program but can also be solved.

Error code 0x80072ee6

Note: This has been tested in Internet Explorer browser

a) Go in the browser's menu bar and select "Tools"
b) Choose "Internet Options" from the list
c) Delete the Cookies and clear the History folder and "Apply"
d) Open the Start menu and type into Command Prompt: regsvr32 MSXML3.dll
e) Restart your system to configure the changes

Error code 81000377

An error message will display "You cannot use Messenger at this time because your contact list is not available. Please try again later. Click Help to learn more about your contact list. 81000377".
This problem can be related to the MSN Messenger servers. You should test out the status of the .NET servers. If no problem is detected after the check is complete, it could be related to your internet connection. Ensure that you can still connect to other websites.

Error code 0x80072efd / 80072ee7

Before you try to fix anything on your system, ensure that the source of the problem does not come from a failure in MSN Messenger's servers. Follow this link in the UK or this one in the US. It could also be related to an authentication problem coming from the servers. In this case, check the availability of the service by connecting to http://webmessenger.msn.com/?mkt=uk-uk.

If the service page does not load and the screen displays "Service Unavailable", the problem comes from MSN servers. To solve:

a) Open Windows Live Messenger
b) Select "Tools" on the menu bar
c) Go to "Connections" in the left menu
d) Uncheck the box labeled "I am using a proxy server"
e) Sign out and open messenger again

Make sure that your browser supports a 128 Bit Encryption. In Internet Explorer:
a) Click "Tools"
b) Open "Internet Options"
c) Go to "Connections" section and open "LAN Settings"
d) Check the box labeled "Automatically detect settings"
e) Click "OK"

If you still cannot connect to Messenger, check if your proxy settings have not been activated. To solve this in MSN Messenger:

a) Select "Tools" in the menu bar
b) Go to "Options"
c) Select "Connection" in the left menu
d) Open "Advanced settings"
e) The field for "HTTP proxy" server must remain empty.
If this does not solve the problem, you might have an unauthorized version of the program on your system. Try to work it out by uninstalling your current MSN Messenger version and installing the newest free version at http://www.msn.uk

Error code 80048820

This error code is very common on the 7.5 version of MSN. This can be due to:

• The system clock being set to an incorrect time/date
• An unregistered softpub.dll
• Firewall problems

To solve this:
a) Set your system clock in your taskbar to the right time/date
b) Register your softpub.dll by going to Start > Run and typing regsvr32.exe softpub.dll
c) Try to sign in to MSN messenger again

Error code 8007277b

Your firewall settings could be the source of this problem:
a) Ensure that you have installed the latest version of MSN Messenger
b) Adjust your firewall settings before signing in again

UNICOWS.DLL Error Code

Some users face this problem while downloading MSN Messenger. Here is a way to solve it:

• Download UNICOWS.DLL from this link: http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?unicows
• Save it to your hard drive in the same folder as MSN Messenger
  • Note: The location of these folders is important
• Download MSN messenger again (version 7.0 BETA) and add a shortcut in MSN Messenger directory.
• If you receive an error message, make sure that a proxy has not been activated:
  • Select "Tools" in the menu bar
  • Go to "Options"
  • Select "Connection" in the left menu
  • Open "Advanced settings"
  • Ensure that the field for "HTTP proxy" server remains empty.

Other error codes

Solutions for other error codes are listed in this link http://www.msghelp.net/printthread.php?tid=59774

Hint:If you still cannot connect from your MSN/WLM program, try connecting from a browser-based messaging service. This document entitled « MSN Connection Problems » from Kioskea.net (en.kioskea.net) is made available under the Creative Commons license. You can copy, modify copies of this page, under the conditions stipulated by the licence, as this note appears clearly.