Hi

When I log on to Windows Live Messenger (8.1) I almost immediately get a
8007012e error. It always logs me on only on the 2nd or 3rd attempt.

My WLM disconnects quite frequently, sometimes once every 10 minutes. It
reconnects again but obviously that's not ideal! Calls are easily dropped.

If I go to Tools > Options > Connection > Advanced > and TCP Test it always
gives me a 8007274d error. Why?? I've read elsewhere this means the target
server is refusing the connection or it's the firewall that's blocking the
traffic from getting to that server. "Try again later" doesn't work because
I get this error 24/7.

I Googled these errors and there are a lot of people who have posted the
same problem but I've found no real solution so far. I saw J Kay's
suggestions on another site so I followed them but it made no difference. I
did the following:

1. The date on your computer needs to be set properly -- double click the
clock verify that the time and date are set.
2. If your password information is not saved, verify that you are typing it
in with the correct case (uppercase or lowercase).
3. Change your password @
http://memberservicesnet.passport.com/memberservice.srf to
something smaller (under 10-12 characters), then try signing in again.
4. If you use a firewall (like ZoneAlarm, Norton Internet Security etc. ),
it's possible that Messenger doesn't have the correct rights to access the
Internet, especially since you upgraded. You may need to re/add Messenger to
the allowed list of programs in your firewall if this is the case.
5. If you disabled your firewall in the past, it still may be blocking
Messenger -- try restarting it and see if that helps the situation. You also
might try uninstalling an installed firewall, to verify that it isn't causing
a problem (even if it is disabled).
6. Clear your IE cache and cookies -- open Internet Explorer, click the
Tools menu, then Internet Options, then click the Delete Files button, and
when that's complete click the Delete Cookies button.
7. Check your IE Security settings -- open Internet Explorer, click the
Tools menu, then Internet Options, then Advanced tab, scroll to the Security
section, and verify that "Check for server certificate revocation" is
unchecked. Also verify that 'Use SSL 2.0' and Use SSL 3.0' is checked, then
click OK.
8. Click Start, then Run, and enter the following:
regsvr32 softpub.dll then click OK
and do the same for the following:
regsvr32 wintrust.dll
regsvr32 initpki.dll
9. If using MSN Messenger 7, click the Tools menu, then Options, then
Connection category, click the Advanced Settings button, uncheck all the
options, click OK twice and then try again.

After doing the above, I still get those same two errors.

I have also enabed UPnP on my NetgearDG834GT router and I've enabled UPnP in
Windows XP Pro as well (SSDP & Univ Plug and Play host services). I've reset
the router as well and re-entered the settings. I have no port forwarding
setup manually (since UPnP supposedly takes care of that).

I've disabled my Zonealarm completely for testing purposes, re-installed WLM
8.1, rebooted everything and I still get those same 2 error codes when I log
on to WLM and when I do that TCP test.



PS: Please note that WLM always worked 100% before the problem creeped in a
few weeks ago but it's difficult to pinpoint an exact time. Everyone I chat
to on WLM passes that TCP Test without any problems. No errors. So I don't
think it's the actual WLM network that is causing the problem.
Also note that I have no problem with my ADSL internet connection, I use a
other chat IM software and have no problems at all with any of them. This is
purely a WLM problem.

My biggest frustration is also finding someone knowledgeable to understand
these sort of issues because I rarely get replies to these sort of questions.
Not to mention finding someone to add to my WLM list who can help me test all
this and understand it all while they're doing it.

Mr Kay.... or anyone else familiar with these sort of issues, please help me
out! I'll really appreciate it.