Weird problem with Windows Live Messenger

[Scuzi]

I have the latest version of Windows Live Messenger and it has been working perfectly fine. However, on turning the computer on the other day, it continuously locked up on bootup. I found that the problem was caused by Messenger and removed it from the startup.

When Messenger is opened and tries to sign in, it doesn't finish signing in and after about 5 seconds it locks up Windows. I have to do a hard reset once it does this.

In an attempt to resolve the issue, I uninstalled Messenger and removed all the associated temporary files. I downloaded a new installation file and reinstalled it. It does the exact same thing. I removed it again and tried installing the new Beta. It also does the exact same thing. Tries to sign in and after about 5 seconds locks the computer up.

I have rebooted the router as well but that has not helped. I am now currently using the Windows Messenger which is built into XP Home and it is working perfectly. It's a bit basic though

So. I have no idea what started this problem and I have no idea how to fix it. It is completely random and nothing was installed, removed or updated before it decided to do this.

The OS is Windows XP Home SP2, I'm using NOD32 antivirus and there is no firewall - just running through a Netgear DSL wireless router.


Thanks

 

[Scuzi]

Nope, nothing in Event Viewer relating to it. I don't have System Restore enabled either

 

[Scuzi]

Its might be the "windows live today" information window trying to load?
I get it locking up but only for maybe about 30 seconds on first run usually until i go and disable it in the settings.

It could well be. The problem is that I can't start the program to disable the feature because if I open it, it will try to sign in automatically.