Windows Live Messenger crashes after Sign in without any error

[elite]

I will post my problem literally :

1 - I accidentally updated to the latest WLM (which is the one with the security patch). I was on 14.0.8064 patched VIA A-patch and integrated with MGS Plus Live.

2 - Since I updated to the latest one, I wanted also to patch that too. I patched it, then I tried to sign in. When I sign in, it just crashes without any error.

3 - I uninstalled it (WLM and MGS Plus Live), then installed the 14.0.8064, but still the problem persists. I then thought that it might be a problem with the files that don't get deleted with the regular installed. I deleted the folders VIA Windows Live Messenger Deep Clean, and Zap messenger. I reinstalled 14.0.8064, and still the same problem.

4 - At that moment, I thought to use an older version. Since older versions don't work anymore, I used the reshack trick (changing the product version to the latest one) to make them work. I managed to enter my hotmail, but the contact list were gone. Then, I tried to delete the contact folders, but still the problem persists.

5 - After trying all of this, I thought that there is actually traces left behind WLM that Zap messenger and the Deep Clean one didn't delete. Thus, I downloaded CC Cleaner and Revo uninstaller to actually delete all of WLM related files (with MGS Plus Live traces). Everything from registry to user files were gone.

6 - I reinstalled WLM 14.0.8064. Unfortunately, the problem didn't go away. At that moment, I became desperate and wanted to see the thoughts of you.

Don't tell me that you should upgrade to the latest one, because my brother has the 14.0.8064 version and it is working perfectly fine.

I am currently using Windows Messenger or Meebo to sign in. The contact list is there and working.

[patndoris]

That's a lot of installing, uninstalling, 3rd party programs and cleaning you've done! I'm sure it's very frustrating.

If I read correctly, you are now using version 14.0.8064 again, and your contact list is now missing. You are probably unable to add any contacts in Windows Live Messenger directly either. This is a known issue occurring in a small subset of users. MS is aware of the issue. In the mean time, the only reliable solution is to use Meebo or another web based application, or Windows Messenger - as you are already aware.

Have you made any other changes to your system besides those related to this problem and do you have a valid restore point from before you did the accidental upgrade? If so, just let me know. Don't try to restore yet - I want to consider the implications a little more and get a couple of 2nd opinions before going down that path.

[elite]

Actually, I am using only Windows Messenger and Meebo. As I said, the newer (14.0.8064 and above) WLM are crashing after sign in, while older (8.5) is running but contact list is gone).

Sadly, I don't have a restore point, and I thought of a Windows reinstall. Repairing the copy of Windows on my PC, but I will do it later if I am obliged. Thanks for the reply anyways patndoris. I have always seen you helping other people out in other threads (VIA google). XD

[patndoris]

Did you try Windows Cleanup Utility? If you want to try it I'd suggest taking out anything related to the whole Live Essentials package and re-installing it all from scratch. I'm not terribly hopeful that it will help. Usually Zap Messenger and/or RevoUninstaller do the trick.

I would also suggest removing anything you can find with regard to both Plus! and A-Patch and do not reinstall them until we see if we can get you working. I'd use RevoUninstaller on them if you can so that you can get registry entries out easily.

Reboot the machine after all the removals. You can download the old version of WLM (and it should still work) from Filehippo. To the best of my knowledge, 14.0.8064 will still login without issue. I have heard of people still installing 8.5 successfully right now. So there is no need to try and trick the system just yet - do not change the version number.

After you install WLM try to sign in normally again and let me know what happens before you add any 3rd party programs back into the mix.

Can you please tell me if you are on XP, Vista or Windows 7? And if you are on XP or Vista which service pack you have installed? Also, can I assume you are the administrator on this machine?

[elite]

I am on XP Service Pack 3. I am the administrator of the machine. Yeah, I tried to remove everything. From the addons to the 3rd party programs, etc... But with no luck. I want to add that when the problem started at the the beginning, I tried to recover the MSN with the A-patch, but my work was in vain. Revo Uninstaller displays nothing. There is no software or a program related to WLM installed. I also tried removing IE, but it wasn't beneficial.

Do you recommend that I should download it from Filehippo as a standalone? I have the full offline version of the WLM with all the features. But, I usually pick only to install the WLM (14.0.8064 the one you recommended).

[patndoris]

I'm not sure we will be successful but if you are up for a try let's see what we get...

Install old version 8.5.1302 from Filehippo. DO NOT install any other 3rd party patches to it.

See if it will let you login successfully. If so, please advise if your contact list is there and ok.

If it wants you to upgrade - don't - stop and let me know.

[elite]

I am going to update to windows 7 soon, so I guess that should solve the problem once and for all.

[patndoris]

Yes, since XP to Windows 7 is not an upgrade, but a full install it should take care of the issue.

If you have any trouble let us know and I'll cross my fingers for you!!

[whatnext]

I had the same problem the day before, my windows live messenger crashes after signing in. I searched for the dozens of
forums and I applied the instructions, unfortunately none of them worked. I tried zapmessenger, deep cleaner, I uninstalled
and reinstalled it dozens of times, hopeless.. I tried registry cleaners, antivirus scanning, antimalware programs, I
installed MSN 8.1 by changing its version to the latest MSN 9 with resourcehacker ( it worked in a friend's situation) didn't
work too. I read in one of the forums that Acer notebooks have incompatibility with messenger and crash, so I installed Acer
MSN patch, as you can guess it didn't work as in nightmares. I did uninstallation by revo uninstaller, nope... I also read
that Adobe flash player has incompatibility with MSN 9 I upgraded it to the latest version, useless...At last I created a new
computer user session in control panel and I switched on new session, surprizingly it worked. I didn't stop fixing the
problem. I understood that it was neither a driver incompatibility nor a virus problem. I was suspected of registry problem
with my session.
Here is my solution: I scanned my system with System Cleaner 5 at first, then I opened system control then startup manager I
unchecked Adobe's ( also its dlls) entries and others that I was suspected of. I am proudly saying that It worked (: I am
using MSN 9 now. I hope I am helpful, enjoy!

[patndoris]

In general, I try not to suggest programs that require a user spend money to purchase. System Cleaner is NOT free. There is a 15-day free trial. There are plenty of programs out there that are completely free that can accomplish the same tasks.

It is not surprising that an incompatibility could exist between two programs. "Adobe" and it's dll's encompass a wide range of products (not just Flash). Each machine is unique and it's certainly possible a particular configuration utilizing some Adobe product/dll caused your issue. I'm glad you were able to pinpoint and resolve the issue.

I have not seen any suggestion that Adobe products in general causes a login conflict with WLM unless Adobe Flash is out of date. Even if disabled at startup, WLM will call the .dll files it needs anyway. But I can't think of any reason disabling Adobe at startup isn't worth a shot if nothing else has worked. Thanks for sharing your solution!!