MSN Connection Problems

Connection problems have become very common with the newer versions of MSN/WLM. Many users are now coming across error code messages that justify this problem.

Connectivity issues can arise from a number of factors that you should first consider before trying to fix them further. Before you attempt anything, I will recommend you to:

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

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) Go on the start menu and 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 messenger servers. Hence, you should test out the status of the .NET servers. If no problem is detected after check is complete, it can be related to your net 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 the link http://messenger.msn.com/Status.aspx?mkt=uk-uk or http://messenger.msn.com/Status.aspx?mkt=us-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 yourself 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 this in:

MSN Messenger:

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:
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 for “Options”
c) Select “Connection” in the left menu
d) Open “Advanced settings”
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:
1. The system clock set to an incorrect time/date
2. An unregistered softpub.dll
3. Firewall problems
To solve this:
a) Set your system clock in your taskbar to the right time/date
b) Register your softpub.dll by copying regsvr32.exe softpub.dll in the “Run” command of the Start menu
c) Then try to sign in to MSN messenger again

Error code 8007277b

Your firewall settings could be the source of this problem. Then:
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:
1. Download UNICOWS.DLL from the link http://www.dll-files.com/dllindex/dll-files.shtml?unicows
2. Save it in My Computer on your local disk C:
3. As the files do not have the same path directory as the Messenger program, this might be the cause of the problem. Hence go to “My Computer” and “Program Files”, browse the “Messenger” folder and paste in the three files from the UNICOWS.DLL downloaded.

4. Download MSN messenger again (version 7.0 BETA) and add a shortcut in MSN Messenger directory.
5. However, you will not be able to connect due to your firewall settings and an error message will pop up as you will try to sign in. Make sure that a proxy has not been activated:
a) Select “Tools” in the menu bar
b) Go for “Options”
c) Select “Connection” in the left menu
d) 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.