Can't add contacts on Windows Live Messenger

[Kacen]

Okay I have Windows Live Messenger and I've been having this weird problem.

I'm not able to add certain people. This has happened with two people already. For one thing they add me but I can't add them, they can message me but when I click add it does nothing. I can still talk to them but its very irritating.

Adding people on Windows Live Messenger is very complicated and confusing but I've just about had it with this problem.

Anyone know what could be wrong? I've even gone onto the older MSN and the person is added on my account when I log in through that which is weird.

[princeG]

This might not be the solution, but it is worth to try:

Delete your Contacts Cache folder...

You will lose nothing with this. The only thing which you might notice is a slightly longer delay in logging in the next time you start up Messenger (since the cache list needs to be rebuilt).

In order to do this you first need to make sure you can see hidden files and system files in Windows Explorer:
Start Windows Explorer (or press <WIN>+<E> for quick shortcut)
Go to Tools > Folder Options > View tab
in the Advanced Settings list, tick "Show hidden files and folders"
in that same Advanced Settings list, untick "Hide extensions for known file types"
Press Ok.


To delete your cached directories:
With Windows Explorer, navigate to:
C:\Documents and Settings\your_windows_login\Contacts\your_msn_mail

Delete the entire subdirectory named your_msn_mail.

Now navigate to the folder:
C:\Documents and Settings\your_windows_login\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts\your_msn_mail

Delete the entire subdirectory named your_msn_mail.

[princeG]

Another possible solution:

Delete you handshaking policy cache:
Exit Messenger completely (this means right clicking the Messenger tray icon and choosing Exit).

Open your registry editor (Start > Run > regedit.exe) and navigate to:
for Messenger 8.0: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\MSNMessenger
for Messenger 8.1: HKCU\Software\Microsoft\WindowsLive\Communications Client

Once there, you must remove the following subkeys:
for Messenger 8.0: Policies
for Messenger 8.1: Shared

Close your registry editor and restart Messenger.

[Kacen]

I tried the suggestion in your first post and now I can't log on to my Windows Live account... *sweatdrop*

[princeG]

Try the second solution, it worked for someone else.

[Kacen]

I cannot find anything called "Policies" in that directory in regedit.exe

[princeG]

Go to HKCU\Software\Microsoft\WindowsLive\Communications Client

Once there, you must remove the following subkeys:
Shared

This is where you need to go. I have Windows Live Messenger as well and I had to locate Shared, not Policies.

[Kacen]

I don't have that ether... *sweatdrop*

And I know it is Windows Live.

And after I did that first fix I still can't get on Windows Live anymore...

[Kacen]

Nvm. I figured it out. I had to go and delete policies in HKEY_CURRENT_USER. I went into the wrong one before. And yes everything is fixed now, thanks!

[kawascream]

Second Solution Worked For Me Too!!! Top Stuff Guys!!

Might Be Worth Making This A Sticky Thread Or Something :-)