注：常见的一种原因就是IE设置了代理！害我重装了两遍，可恶！！

Error 80048820 is a common problem with MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger, here are some ways to solve it.

Symptoms

When you start Messenger, you are unable to sign in, the following message is displayed after the sign in process is interrupted.

“Sorry, we were unable to sign you in to the MSN Messenger at this time. Please try again later.

To let us try and troubleshoot the problem, click the Troubleshoot button.”

Causes

• The system clock may be set incorrectly.
• The Dynamic Link Library (DLL) softpub.dll, may not be registered on the system.
• Internet Explorer may be using an invalid proxy server.

Resolutions

• Double click on the clock in the taskbar and make sure the system clock is set correctly.
• Register softpub.dll using the regsvr32.exe tool.
  1. Click Start, and then click Run.
  2. In the Open box, type regsvr32 softpub.dll and then click OK.
  3. Restart MSN Messenger.

  

• Remove any Internet Explorer proxy server settings
  1. In Internet Explorer, click Tools and then click Internet Options.
  2. In the Internet Options dialog box, go to the Connections tab.
  3. Click LAN Settings…
  4. Untick the Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections) checkbox.
  5. Click OK and OK again Internet Options.

  

Further Help

Update (May 12th, 2006): If you are using a router to access the internet, have a look at this article on increasing a setting called the MTU. It has worked for a few others and I am interested to see how many more people it can help.

If you are still having problems after trying the steps above, take a look at a similar post at the Messenger Support Space, it has a few additional steps like above that may help.

Still not working? Try creating a new topic about it on the Messenger support forum and get direct help from other forum users (you will need to register first). Do this instead of posting a comment here asking for more help, it is much easier to respond on the forum (and more people will see it).