Messenger Side by Side configuration

A few days ago I tried to open MSN Messenger when I recieved an error message concerning the side-by-side configuration. I did everything I could, installed patches, system restored to the earliest point I could access, yet to no avail.

Here's what I got from the Event Viewer; General:

Activation context generation failed for "C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe".Error in manifest or policy file "" on line . A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active. Conflicting components are:. Component 1: C:\Windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.4148_none_5090ab56bcba71c2.manifest. Component 2: C:\Windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.1_none_e163563597edeada.manifest.

And Details:
- System

- Provider


[ Name] SideBySide


- EventID 78


[ Qualifiers] 49409



Level 2


Task 0


Keywords 0x80000000000000

- TimeCreated


[ SystemTime] 2012-05-29T23:43:05.000Z



EventRecordID 187189


Channel Application


Computer Lenovo-PC


Security
- EventData


C:\Windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.4148_none_5090ab56bcba71c2.manifest


C:\Windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.vc90.crt_1fc8b3b9a1e18e3b_9.0.30729.1_none_e163563597edeada.manifest






C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe
I run Windows Vista 32bit, Business version. I do not have the disc; this laptop was given to me by my college and they did not provide a restore disc; they probably thought I would update by now, and the only reason I don't is I can't afford a new copy of 7.

Let me know if there's anything else you guys need.