messenger programs no longer working

MrNuked

After installing various software I discovered taht i couldn;t sign in to MSN messenger/Windows Messenger, and that messages sent to me in Yahoo messenger did not reach me.
I installed security/privacy utilities for the browser, as well as other programs. I had thought it might have been because I was using a software firewall, but i turned that off and I'm still having the same problem.
Also I can't connect to the internet on my windows account any more, as it says that the password/domain was invalid when I try. I have to log in to a temporary account to connect. The messenger programs aren;t working on any account.
Does anyone know what is likely to be the problem?
(I wasn;t sure what forum to post this on.)

secret_squirrel

You'd have been better off posting either in comp -> computers or in comp -> operating systems -> windows.

to attempt to answer your question we will need more details about what you installed. Alternatively disable/unistall all the software you installed until messenger etc starts working again. Then put them back one at a time til it stops working again. Then you know which program to troubleshoot.

If you havent got many programs go into Start -> control panel -> add/remove programs and give us a list. Any more than 30 and I will switch off tho..

You sure you switched off your firewall? It would certainly give you the symptoms you describe...

MrNuked

Firewall's off alright did a port scan. Will try your other suggestion I guess. Got lots and lots of programs. Thanks.