28 Jan 09 Windows Live Messenger unable to connect with error code 80040200 – solution in Windows 7
Are you unable to log in to Windows Live Messenger and getting the error code 80040200 ? If so, you may wish to try the following which worked for me on Windows 7 (beta, build 7000) with Windows Live Messenger 2009 (final build 14.0.850.1202):
DISCLAIMER: make sure you have a backup of everything before proceeding, and use this information at your own risk and peril.
I based these instructions from the official Microsoft suggestions in the Windows Messenger blog article about error 8100030d and it worked for me. Your mileage may vary. Caveat emptor.
- Make sure you have a restoreable backup of everything on your system!
- Go to Start (the Windows Logo)
- Click on Computer
- On the Organize menu, click Folder and Search Options. Click the View tab. In the Advanced settings list, select Show hidden files and folders under Hidden Files and Folders.Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box. Click OK to close the Folder Options window. This is so that you will see “hidden system folders” on the subsequent steps… Edit – added Dec 21, 2009Also, be sure that the option “Hidden files and folders” is checked to “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option.
- Navigate to your C: drive
- Go to C:\Users\Robin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts
*important* replace “Robin” with your user name that you use on your machine… if you go to users from C:\ you should see it there. - Delete the contents of the Windows Live Contacts folder
- Try restarting Windows Live Messenger. If it doesn’t work, try restarting Windows and then restarting WLM.
Again, this worked for me in Windows 7 Beta Build 7000 with the beta of Windows Live Messenger 2009 (14.0.850.1202) – a similar fix may work for you in Windows XP or Windows Vista.
Good luck!
Edit: this has incredibly become my most popular article ever, with dozens of comments and I appreciate that it’s helped out a few people. Some want to buy me a beer or other beverage… well, if ever you’re in Montreal, contact me (see top tab) or in the interim, a few bucks sent my way will go to a brunch with my boys 
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Tags: 14.0.850.1202, 80040200, 8100030d, error messages, MSN Messenger, Software, Windows 7 Beta, Windows Live Messenger
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Thanks it worked like a charm for me without a reboot! These MSN Messenger or Windows Live Messenger error messages when trying to connect are so annoying. It’s been going on for 5 years now with a new error code every 6 months!
I don’t know how you figured that out, but thanks a bunch. I am running Windows Vista 32bit and had this problem after I updated to the latest version of Messenger (on 1/31/2009). This fix worked.
Thanks Robin, it seemed like a strange way of fixing it but it worked just fine.
I’m using XP and it dosen’t show that Windows Live Contacts folder of yours, only a “Toolbar” folder…Here is my problem whan I whant to sign in it dosen’t even whant to try it just prompt the error code 80040200…but when I try with any other e-mail it sign’s in with no problem…any suggestions…?!
thx! it really worked! it was very annoying. i’ll never figure out how this thing worked out after all!
Hello! I do have the same problem, I understand a bit english , so I would really appreciate if you could publish this article in French , or make it more easier for me to undersant !! I’m so thankful in advance
Regards !!
Salut Farid. Salut Farid. Je réalise que cet article est parmi les plus populaires sur mon site, et attire des visiteurs de partout au monde. J’aimerais bien traduire l’article en français, et je vais voir ce que je peux faire. Ceci étant dis, je dois t’avouer que je suis pas mal occupé ce temps ci donc je ne peux pas te garantir quand je le ferai.
Je te propose de t’abonner au fil RSS de mon site et de me suivre sur Twitter pour savoir dès que c’est traduit en français.
Merci de visiter le site!
Thank you very much.. it worked for me…
TNX Man. It works!
hey, i have the same problem under Vista and it won’t allow me to delete some EDB file (contacts.edb) coz it says it’s in use.
HELP please!
thx
thanks, it worked for me too.
I’m from Taiwan, my messenger also has error code “80040200″, and thanks for your help, my messenger waoks very normal again!
My messenger is Microsoft Live Messenger 2009 (build 10.0.8064.206)
My system is Vista SP1
And the size of the deleted file is 312MB !!(in two MSN IDs)
OH MY GOSH! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!
this really annoying error was starting to freak me out,and all my friends suggested i buy a clearing software.
you’re a genius.
thank you so much.
Thank you soo much. I can’t believe it actually worked. I was abit apprehencive at first but i’m soo happy that i gave it a try.
TO ZOLTAN CSAKI
i had the same problem. open up task manager, go into processes, select “wlcomm.exe” or whatever the “Windows Live Communications Platform” process is… and end it.
You should then be able to delete the files and msn’ll work again
it works!! i’m curious though, how on earth do you even get the idea?
[...] From http://www.robinmajumdar.com/2009/01/28/windows-live-messenger-unable-to-connect-with-error-code-800... [...]
THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH was really starting to piss me off
I am so glad you had this fix posted out here! I was about to rip my hair out fixing it! And for others, it definitely works on Vista too!
Thanks, this worked for me also in windows 7 build 7000
Thanks. It seemed an odd way but worked after a reboot. I have Windows Vista and it occurred after updating to the new Messenger version..same as Rob Kraft commented.
Worked!!! Very nice. I just renamed the folder.
I’m not sure if that is a good idea to rename the folder instead of just deleting the contents after the error occurs.
That folder is most probably used by WLM during normal operations…
My $0.02.
I don’t know about others but I have found that this particular fix is only temporary.
After successfully applying this fix three times now (over four days)… I have determined there is a serious problem with WLM. Until MS fixes it, I will revert back to the older version.
BTW, I am using Vista 64 and WLM version 2009 (build: 14.0.8064.206).
Similar experience to Shawn. Robin’s method seems to be only a temporary fix on this computer and has to be redone periodically.
Vista Home Premium and WLM version 2009 (build: 14.0.8064.206).
Vista Home Premium and WLM version 2009 (build: 14.0.8064.206)
Same problem. Out of sleep mode, WLM will not loge me in, error code 80040200. Above solution deleting contacts folder contents works for a while, agreed there is a bug….
Thanks for sharing Viv – the sleep mode comment is interesting because in two instances where this bug recurred, it happened after coming out of sleep mode.
@Doni and others, yes, I agree that this is meant only as a temporary fix or workaround. I don’t work for Microsoft so can’t provide for a long term solution.
Considering that Microsoft support websites don’t provide a single support page with that error message, any workaround is welcome.
I confirm the problem is related to connecting after coming back from sleep mode. I have a Dell Laptop running Vista Business 32-bit and *all the times* this annoying problem has occurred were exactly on that situation.
On the other hand, I didn’t really want to delete the mentioned folder, so I tried simply killing the vlcomm.exe service and trying to reconnect. It worked like a charm!
My 2 cents!
I’ve had this problem, I have multiple live accounts. I was signed into live mail and couldn’t sign into messenger for the first time with the same account (the other accounts worked fine) so I tried signing into live mail with different accounts while trying to sign into the messenger account I had problems with. It seems to have fixed the problem so I’m assuming error 80040200 is to do with accounts across live mail and live messenger. Hope this helps.
This didnt work for me! I deleted most of it but there’s one folder called {68787849-2a65-4cd5-bcfb-db77d466361c} that won’t delte, and I’m still getting the same error message. My MSN’s been messed up or ages now and I can’t seem to find any solution to it. grrr.
Shoop, did you make sure to completely exit WLM before deleting the contents of the folder ? (Also, exit Outlook if running, and any other applications that integrate with Windows Live Messenger) ?
Was there an error message when you tried to delete that folder?
If you ctrl alt delete and go to task manager, then click on processes. End all processes to do with MSN, I had to end msnmsgr.exe and one called msncomms or something. This meant I could delete the last files as even when you exit messenger these processes remain active.
Ehh I have that error code too and I don’t understand the fix for it because I don’t have vista :/
I miss the last version of MSN to be quite honest.
Which operating system are you using? Windows XP with Service Pack 3?
I have had this problem but fixed it.
I have PC Tools Registry Mechanic 6.0.0.780 (registered copy) installed on my computer. All I did was ran that and got it to repair any errors, tried MSN and it signed straight in.
So it is obviously an error in your computers registry.
@SOLUTION, interesting but not all of us have PC Tools. Is there a log indicating exactly what was done by PC Tools to fix the problem?
just wanna say it worked like a charm…thank you very much
Thank you very much Robin
Hi,
I tried this but as some said alredy, It’s just temporal.
Give this one a try, haven’t had a problem since.
1. Go to regedit.
2. Go to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER / Software / Microsoft / Windows Live Contacts / Database
3. Under that Folder you’ll see a list of accounts that had been logged on your PC. Delete the ones with the problem. (Including the Shadow).
4. Try it out.
GL~
Brilliant this worked!!!! I tried what Robin advised but could not delete all. So I tried what Miyagui said and my MSN is working now, wonderful!!! Especially since I was becoming extremely aggravated with it!
Thanks to you both.
gentlemen the last given hint was the one that really help me out cause I wasn’t able to follow the original instructions my computer wasn’t having this specific folder after showing the Hidden Files and Folders.AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts, but in the run menu under regedit I found it quickly and yeah I just delete the user and the shadow with problems and then it was working!
thx
THANKS!! i love u mate. i’ve been trying for hours to fix my msn, until i followed the steps in your guide, and vupti, works. was tough tho since im from denmark. nice job! and thanks alot
C:\Users\Robin\AppData\Local -> %LOCALAPPDATA% . faster and safer to type %LOCALAPPDATA% to access that folder.
Thanks Dave – good point!
Worked for me in Vista to! THX
will we lose our contact lists???
Yesh – no this shouldn’t affect your list of contacts in this version of MSN / Windows Live Messenger. The contacts are stored on the MSN servers… if you want to be extra cautious, I suggest backing up your contacts 1st.
thanx heaps.
it worked!!!!!!!
like a charm!
thanks.. worked for me in vista..
Haha my username was Robin!
LOL… glad it worked for you as well. I suppose I should “charge” you for the truly personalised solution
Thanks a lot for your hint! It worked for me in wins xp too
türkçe pls…:(
Sorry, I don’t speak or write Turkish – perhaps try Google or Bing Translate ?
It’s important to have the translation done correctly – obviously – to not confuse system commands.
Translated in Turkish:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=it&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.robinmajumdar.com%2F2009%2F01%2F28%2Fwindows-live-messenger-unable-to-connect-with-error-code-80040200-solution-in-windows-7%2F&sl=en&tl=tr
Much thanks to this workaround… i just fixed my messenger with a different error where i just used windows cleanup utility and removed everything of live and the next day… bam i get this error… worked like a charm.
Oh btw it worked with my Vista Ultimate 64 bit O.S. and windows live.
k it worked i got MSN back but for some reason i cant access my documents or anything message me quick plz how do i get it back??
couldnt delete all the files, but it worked
so thanks alot dude
Hi i have tried this method but when i try to delete the files this comes up
Cannot delete contact: Accsess is denied
any suggestions?
You have to right-click on the Messenger icon in your system tray and choose to “Exit” Messenger. It’s not enough to close it. Once you do, you’ll be able to delete all the folders. Good luck!
thank you man. this worked perfectly! howd you find this out?
You’re welcome.
How did I find the solution? Simple: I experienced the problem myself… did some intensive quick searching of a few dozen sites that I typically use to debug software anomalies.
Found and tested various solutions – applied those tests on staging machines (test setups) in my environments… to finally do it on the production machines I use.
When I felt confident that it was a reasonably stable production solution, I shared my knowledge!!!
Simple!
Rob
Fantastic! Worked like a charm – Windows 7
Thank you.
For what it’s worth, I have found that it happens every time I log in to Messenger from another machine and then forcibly log myself out of the first machine. If I remember to log out of the first machine, I run into this error less often. Thought this might be useful for those of us running into this error often!
Thanks for sharing your experience, Jason.
Are they the same WLM versions on your other machines? The type of bugs you mention happen when one uses different versions of WLM on different machines for the same account.
Cheers,
Rob
it worked for me as well…
i can’t complain for the service overall. I am a heavy user of FB and I get many more errors.
Thank you so much
so happy can get backon msn 
x
I am so happy you posted this. I downloaded 4 registry cleaners before finding this. I was afraid to delete ANYTHING. But your idea sounded less threatening than messing with my registry. It worked like a charm on VISTA 64 bit. Thank you soooooooooooooo much.
You’re welcome Kellz – hmmm, careful with those registry “cleaners” – there are plenty of malware / nasty software systems that masquerade as “cleaners”.
Even if they are bonafide registry management tools, modifying the Windows registry is inherently risky.
E ipossivel dde carregar windowslive 2009
cette impossible.
Et poutant je suis instale le microsoft proficionel garantie
Err, is that Portugeuse or French, ou les deux ?
ja deixei um comentaria em portugues
e impossivel de carregar ou untalar owindows 2009
Oi Maria,
Obrigado por visitar o nosso site. Infelizmente eu não falam Português, nem alguém com o pessoal aqui.
Pelo que pude entender, você não conseguiu obter o Windows Live Messenger para funcionar adequadamente, apesar de minhas instruções?
Obrigado,
Robin
Worked – also coming out of sleep mode on Win7 Build 7100. Thanks Robin :0)
Glad it worked for you, Molly – thanks for sharing the specifics of your situation; it helps other visitors to the site – and there are many for this particular problem.
On a side note, it may not affect Windows Live Messenger users that are running on a more recent (RTM) release of Windows 7 with regards to the waking up from sleep mode situation.
I LOVE YOU MANN!!!!!!!
Hi Joel – I’m guessing that the solution worked for you as well?
Thanks for the love. I get a good amount of love from my girlfriend & family… but it’s nice to get geek love as well.
Thank you. You are a genius. This was really doing my head in!
Thanks it worked!!!
Thanks, this error was bugging me and the Messenger website was no help.
Worked perfectly, I’m on XP…
sorry robin,i am maybe stupid,my english also not so good,…i have windows 7 too,…but i dont understand with error code 80040200,how do you mean replace,replace where???you mean copy somewhere or what??
Thanks a lot for this fix
well, I’d love to say that worked but I can’t find such a path in my computer… C:\Documents and Settings\Username\Application Data is the furthest i can go, there’s nothing similar after that.
I’m using XP btw.
well, msn works already so thanks anyway =)
THANKS AL A LOT
VERY GOOD
IT IS USEFUL
Thanks Robin. It worked fine. God bless you bro
Akaash
As André I can´t find such a path (6.Go to C:\Users\Robin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts)
i my computer. I have C:\Users\Robin\AppData\Local\ but no Windows Live Contacts.
I have Windows 7 64 bits.
Gunilla
Go to C:\Users\Robin\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts
*important* replace “Robin” with your user name that you use on your machine… if you go to users from C:\ you should see it there
I couldnt find that part..
PLEASE HELP.. What do I do :S
please help please help := !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sorry for the delay, I have no one on dedicated support for my site here
(as per the SLA terms, hehe)…
Which OS (Windows 7? RTM or CTP?) and WLM version are you using ?
When trying to locate this folder, if it’s not visible be sure hidden folders are being shown. In Windows Explorer, from the top menu options go to
Organize > Folder and Search Options > View
Then make sure the “Hidden files and folders” option is checked to “Show hidden files, folders and drives” option.
Thanks a lot! Worked perfectly for me on Windows Vista. Cheers.
thanks very much. it works on 64bit wista perfect
If you can’t see the folder “Windows Live Contacts” – or AppData for that matter – be sure you have enabled Windows Explorer to show hidden files & folders in the Explorer options. See step 4 in my original post instructions.
I enabled Windows Explorer to show hidden files & folders in the Explorer options, but I still cannot see the Windows Live Contacts, what should I do?
Which operating system (XP, Windows 7, etc?) and version of MSN or Windows Live Messenger are you using ?
TY Great help. I wiped my laptop once it annoyed me that much
I cannot get this to correct. Have closed all MSN processes, exited Messenger completely, and still get a “Destination Folder Access Denied” roadblock. Any suggestions???
Do you have local “administrator” access to the computer ?
Try going to Tools | Options | Sign-un
(in Windows Live Messenger)
Make sure “Automatically run Windows Messenger when I log on to Windows” is unchecked.
Exit WLM, restart Windows and try navigating to the directory again.
There are many MSN / WLM and Windows processes and libraries associated…
Are you on Win7 or XP ? Which WLM version ?
How do you solve this problem when you are using Windows Xp, because there is no file named Windows Live Contacts?
Thanks!
thanks alot worked a treat
It worked like a Charm! U saved my behind w/ this new girl I’m chatting with, who knows she might just be the one. THANKS!
So, if you two get married, will that mean that my little MSN / Windows Live Messenger article contributed to a life lived happily ever after ?
Thanks a lot
thanks alot, stupid microsoft
OMG YOU ARE A GENIUS!!!!!!
thanks dude!
Great job – worked like a charm. I appreciate the information.
Hey Man!
Superthanks! Had this problem for 3 fukn years now, and now it works! You’re GOLD!
:/ I’m looking in my Appdata folder now and there is no Windows Live Contacts folder. Msn is still not working, and i’m still getting error code 8e5e0586. Help?
I got this error code but your solution seemed too complicated so I just restarted Windows Live Messenger and it didn’t come up again. I think the error arises mainly in laptops because people leave MSN running 24/7.
I think it has more to do with laptops having sleep mode enabled (to conserve battery capacity) since desktop owners would (in theory) leave their IM programs including WLM / MSN open all the time as well.
i had problem with the error code 80040200 i followed the steps and its fixed now!! thank you very much
Pas pu ouvrir dans Windows Live Messenger coge d’erreur 80040200 besoin de réparation pour ouvrier messenger.merci
Marcel; est-ce que t’as lu l’article en haut ? C’est en anglais, mais jugeant pas les commentaires ca semble avoir fonctionné pour pas mal de personnes
Robin; I have tried for 2.5 months and asked dozens of people and you helped me thank you. I am still holding my breath that it continues to work. I do have another problem perhaps you can fix. I have windows7/ Works 9 and can’t open old files in Works Suite 2003! Any suggestions. thank again donna
Heyy sorry but I’m totally confused, I’ve got windows XP and it won’t let me delete the contents of the windows live contacts folder. Helpppp?
I am the one who knew you could help me and you didn’t!! I am so upset- I have never been so defeated since I started using computers; I did everything you said and it works for maybe 20-30 minutes and then the sign comes up again:::error-code- 80040200 for windows 7;; sometimes just to read my e-mails I do this 8-10 times a day!!! PLEASE any other suggestions you can give mw??? donna
i cannot sign in msn now
Error code 80040200??
pls.solve this problem to me soon..
Thanks you…
patcharin
Did you read & try the suggested procedure in the article above??
quhem hamza zendeli mosht blloko msn-ja
si mun ta celi
i cannot sign in msn now
Error code 80040200??
pls.solve this problem to me soon
i cannot sign in msn can u solve please this problem , Thank
Whoa, Thanks Maaaan!! xD
error code 80040200
Very good!
Resolved at first, not precicou or restart the computer.
Thank you for the excellent tip.
Dude, Thanks so much. That was soo bloody handy, when i next get paid, i’ll make sure i’ll sen some cash.
Also my msn, wouldn’t let me change my picture and personal message. Now it changes.
Babe!
i cant seem to do anything it will log on hotmail but it wont go on no msn plz help!!!! how do i get rid of it
urgh,
i don’t understand this!
where’s the organize menu? and in my view tab,there’s no advanced settings!
it worked perfect!! thanks a lot, gracias y saludos desde Mexico funciono perfectamente..
THANK YOU SOOOOOOO MUCH – worked like a dream without a reboot and no loss to any files – you are brilliant ……………. and we love Canada!! tho live in UK
Thanks alot Robin. It worked for me!!!
Thanks alot it worked!
IT also deleted like 800MB+ .. what the.. since when msn took that much space..?!
800MB? Sounds kind of strange – but if everything was/is working fine since ; all the better!
Thanks dude – yours is the clearest i have found – used other peoples didnt work – yours worked withing a minute of reading – genius!
It works perfectly for me! thanks.
Thank you so, so much!!! I tried everything, looked at several guides on the internet, but this one was the only one that actually worked. Thanks a bunch!
Hey man this worked amazingly well. without having to restart or anything … My whole business replies on my msn and i was freaking out since it had been out for like 4 days now, really appreciate the help … I like in Ottawa so many i can buy you that bear on my often Montreal visits
Glad it worked for you.
Just a thought; when you say your business relies on your MSN… you are using MSN (Windows Live Messenger) as your primary means of communicating with business clients?
If so, you may want to try some more robust solutions (from Microsoft or others)… or at least have other computers set up to respond to your customers. Just IMHO.