There have been many users having problems signing in for the last few days. Reports claim that Windows Live Messenger doesn’t complete the sign in process, instead just sitting there with the messenger sign in buddies continuing to spin until you cancel. One of the most likely causes is this month’s round of security updates for Windows.
Among all the posts for help in the newsgroups, Jimmymac posted (6th post down) explaining he fixed it by deleting messenger’s registry settings. Jonathan Kay created a .reg file that will automatically delete the settings for you, remove_msgrsettings.reg.
Before running the .reg file, completely exit Windows Live Messenger by right clicking the buddy icon near the clock and clicking Exit. Once you have run the file and clicked Yes, try signing in again.
One of the side effects of this solution is you will lose some customised settings, but hopefully you’ll find it’s worth it!
Leave a comment if this does or doesn’t work for you.