Why can't I connect to .NET Messenger Service?

Why can't I connect to .NET Messenger Service?

Ask yourself these questions:

Are you sure you are connected to the Internet? If you are, and you still cannot connect to Windows Messenger, it's possible that .NET Messenger Service might be temporarily unavailable. You can check its status on the .NET Service Status (http://messenger.microsoft.com/support/serverstatus.asp) page.

Do you have a Microsoft .NET Passport? You must sign in to Windows Messenger with a .NET Passport. A .NET Passport gives you a single, convenient way to sign in to multiple Internet sites and services using one sign-in name and password.

As a Microsoft Windows XP user, you probably have a .NET Passport, but if not, you can get a .NET Passport using the .NET Passport Wizard in Windows XP (Start, Control Panel, User Accounts, Advanced tab).

Have you typed your name and password correctly? Some sign-in names are case-sensitive, and some are not. Be sure to use the same capitalization when typing your sign-in name as you did when you applied for your .NET Passport. Also, be sure to type your password correctly, because all passwords are case-sensitive.

Have you forgotten your password? If you do not know your password, go to the .NET Passport (http://www.passport.com/) site and reset it.

Is your .NET Passport working? If your .NET Passport is not recognized, try going to a .NET Passport site (www.passport.com (http://www.passport.com/) or www.hotmail.com (http://www.hotmail.com/)). Sign in, and make sure you are recognized there. If you are, the .NET Messenger Service might be temporarily unavailable. You can check its status on the .NET Service Status (http://messenger.microsoft.com/support/status.asp) page.

Is the .NET Passport you use an @hotmail.com account? If yes, is your account still active? A Hotmail account is deactivated if it is not used during the first 10 days after registering and will be deleted 30 days after that. Check to see if you can sign in to your Hotmail account at www.hotmail.com. If not, you will need to either register for a new Hotmail account at Hotmail Registration (http://hotmail.com/cgi-bin/register/) or create a .NET Passport using any e-mail address at .NET Passport Registration (http://register.passport.com/).

Are you using Windows Messenger in a corporation or through a corporate network (LAN)?

• If you are not, and you are not behind any type of firewall, but you use an Internet service provider, follow these steps: On the Tools menu, click Options, and then click the Connection tab. Clear the I use a proxy server check box.
• If you are, ask your system administrator to verify that the information listed on the Connection tab mentioned above is correct.

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