windows live messenger error 8000ffff

I have windows xp pro

Today I wanted to revert back to an older version of windows live to see if I could chat with just video (as the newest version integrates voice with video)

bla bla bla, long story short, after using zapmessenger and following instructions on other forums, i have done myself in.

all instructions have directed me to start by uninstalling windows live messenger by either ccleaner or control panel. thing is, its not listed there. when i try to download the latest version again for windows xp, it tells me it is already installed.

then I open it and try to sign in and i get the above error code.

when i select more info in the messenger error, it directs me to an instruction to start/stop the windows live sign in service, and set it to start/automatic. they are already there, so i stop/start again. no change.

one forum had me go and remove application data that was specific to windows live messenger, while another had me to install contacts.msi and a few more. the thing is, when i installed them, i got a message that said they were already installed.

at one point i even did a system restore, but when the system restored, messenger wouldnt even load. when i clicked on the desktop short cut, it wouldnt even run. i even opened the run box and typed it in, nothing. i even opened the task manager to see if it was loading, it wasnt.

I should also mention that when the downloader of the new version said it was already installed, i went to ccleaner and deleted the entries.

does anyone have any idea what to try next?

warmest Regards,

R

 

if you already uninstalled messenger via add/remove first or if its not listed, then use this to remove any messenger entries http://majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=4459
then use ccleaner registry to remove any reg leftovers ,then try another reinstall,zap messenger is for the windows popup applet,not for the IM program

 

ok will try that when I get home. Since I have office pro 2007 installed, should I remove it first? or just go ahead and use the tool?

R

 

That worked perfectly. I tell ya, this has always been the best forum.

Great job!

Regards,

R