>Some things you could check (thanks to Jonathan Kay - Messenger MVP):
>
>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
>
>Hope any of this helps. If not, please let me know.

That, I did it all last night before creating the thread. :)