My gosh! I just got that same stupid message, but asked for help over in the CompuServe Fun Online Forum where my techy friends hang out. I was in tears because I'd jumped through multiple hoops despite the migraine and ended up at a page asking for numbers which I didn't have (click that proxy server box if you are brave). The odd thing? I'm not behind the hardware firewall right now (the machine-to-be-protected isn't plugged in) and I don't even have a LAN much less a proxy server. Personally I couldn't figure out why MS wanted even MORE direct access to this computer unless it was for a nefarious reason. Anyway, don't try to sign in. By opening my standard Earthlink browser, Messenger came on just fine without my having to do anything. One of the things I hate most about MicroSoft products is their programmers' attitude that if something goes wrong, it must be our fault. :pfffft: So they write obtuse error messages about illegal operations or incorrect settings to nonexistent fields in order to make us feel like worms for daring to send an email or move a file. Carolly