Ok, I’ve had this problem for on 2 computers (Just in plain old MSN 6.0 without any plug-ins), and tonight it got to me, so I’ve spent most of it trying to work out how to fix it… NOW! Here’s my solution, but it might only work for Windows XP users.

Firstly, close MSN Messenger… Goto this folder on your computer…

C:Documents and Settings?????Application DataMicrosoftMSN Messenger

Where ????? is your XP Username…

Now, in that directory is folder with some number for a name. There may be several if several people use messenger on your computer… These folders store all background, display pic, and emoticon information for MSN. You should also see the infamous ConfigCache.Xml in there…

Anyway… where was I?

Ok… rename all those numbered folders with a tilda (~) in front of them… (for Back-Up Sake)

e.g. if the folder is named 12453 name it too ~12453
Ok… Step 2

START > RUN > REGEDIT.EXE

find key, My Computer > HKEY_USERS > X-X-X-XX-XXXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXXXX-XXXXXXXXX-XXXX > SOFTWARE > MICROSOFT > MSNMessenger > PerPassportSettings

You should see a folder with the same number as the directory you renamed before… rename this folder the same way…

Go up to folder MSNMessenger and find key FirstTimeUser…

Double click it, and change the HEX value from 0 to 1…

Close Registry Editor… Then, restart MSN Messenger and log in…

You’ll have to re-import your Avatars… But MSN Messenger should have re-created your numbered directory, and should remember all settings and stuff from now on…

So hope that helps… I haven’t shut my computer down yet, to properly test it… but I’ve exited Messenger several times and it passes that test 😀

So hope this works…

If it does, please visit this website

http://www.bigcheeseproductions.com/flummaxed/

’tis a computer game I’m working on, and we need publicity…

Otherwise, happy messaging…

– Daniel

Disclaimer: Editing your regestry can cause major problems if you stuff something up… so only go in there if you know what you’re doing.