Can't login to Windows Live Apps

[dre1x]

I am having a number of issues with Windows Live Essentials (WLE) on a Win 7 Home 64-bit system.

A few days ago everything was working fine. I am not sure if I had WLE 2011 or WLE 2012 at that time. One day, I could not sign into Windows Live Mail with my Hotmail login info. I logged into Hotmail (Outlook-web) via the web and changed my password. Still could not get to my Hotmail account via WLM.

I uninstalled WLE and installed WLE 2012 via web-installer, again I could not log into WLM. WLM would download and list my new emails, but I could not sign in to view them. Messenger would not work either, after trying to log in, I ran the troubleshooter, which gave a 'key ports' error. I tried several online recommendations with respect to IE settings, none of which worked.

I then uninstalled WLE 2012 and installed WLE 2009. This did work. It allowed me to get to my Hotmail account and view/send email. It shows my log in account, but not my profile pic. However, I still cannot log into Live Messenger 2009, it always asks for permission to update. Which, I assume is the Messenger/Skype update. I tried setting Messenger to run in Win XP SP3 compatibility mode, which is supposed to disable the update prompt, however it still asks for the update permission.

I kind of like the 'ribbon' menus of WLE 2011 and 2012, but neither of these versions seem to currently work for me.

I am at a loss as to how to proceed. I am really not interested in the hassle of upgrading, only to have the apps not function, and have to uninstall/re-install or perform a system restore. I'm getting tired of all the research and various work-arounds required to make things function. I seem to remember the first time I installed WLE, months ago, it installed and worked like it was supposed to. Although even then, I could not print from Photo Gallery, but that might be different issue.

Any advice on how to proceed, would be nice. Either to get Messenger to work in WLE 2009 or to get the various logins working in WLE 2011/12.

Thx

Updated Info:

Tried another install of WLE 2011 (version 15.4.3555.308) using web installer (standalone installer didn't work), still cannot login to Messenger or Mail.
Opening WLM prompts Win 7 UAC window, never used to.
Can receive new email, can't login to read/open, can't send email
Can't login to Messenger

Ran AV scans with MSE/Spybot/MalwareBytes (no significant issues), cleaned using CCleaner

Ran 'repair WLE 2011' from 'Programs and Features', no difference.

Updated to WE 2012 (version 16.4.3508.205)
Still cannot login to either Messenger or Mail,
UAC window NOT prompted, when opening WLM
Messenger login claims Hotmail address does not exist
Ran troubleshooter, received 'key ports' error, checked IE settings
based on other forum advice, they are correct
WLM won't receive new email, it did in WLE 2011

Uninstalled WE 2012, and restarted machine

Installed WLE 2009 (version 14.0.8117.416) using web installer
Set compatibility mode for Messenger to Win XP SP3
Messenger opens without update prompt
Mail opens, auto login, receives/sends mail

Might try to update Photo Gallery and MovieMaker, not sure if that's possible, though or even wise.

Appears as though I will be using WLE 2009 from now on. As neither WLE 2011 or WE 2012 ('NEW and IMPROVED') versions work, quite a shame.
At least, the old version functions at the basic level of allowing me to sign in!

 

[Slartybart]

Wow - a tangled web indeed.

Can you log into Outlook.com? (It 'replaced' Hotmail)

Hotmail had it's own protocol, I'm not sure it's supported in Outllook.com. edit: it is , just checked
...and messenger is gone - replaced by Skype

The way I understand it is if you had an Hotmail account, you now have an Outlook account.

So let's see if you can log into http://Outlook.com (use your exisitng Hotmail ID and PW)
then we can look at setting up the Windows client.

 

[dre1x]

Using WLE 2009, I can log into Messenger and my Hotmail account on WL Mail.

I can log into the web-based service (now referred to as Outlook) with my Hotmail credentials.
In fact this is how i changed my password when I initially experienced problems, thinking it might have been a 'hacking' issue, but that was not the case.

I cannot log into Messenger or Mail with WLE 2011 or WE 2012, seems I can only login when using WLE 2009

 

[Slartybart]

Ok, thanks

From what I understand, Messenger is no longer supported (support ended in 2013), but the service will continue for another year.
The acutal application is no longer offered with Windows Essentials having been replaced by Skype (which Ms acquired a while back)

I can help you get Window Essentials Mail 2012 up and running, but you won't have messenger. Skype is a great application and MS states that messenger contacts can be migrated.

The process involves renaming folders, running cCleaner (carefully paying attention to instructions) , restarting the machine, downloading and installing the current offline WE Mail pkg, configuring WE Mail (I'll recommend POP3 or IMAP instead of Hotmail protocol).

And along the way, I'll ask for screenshots or other information.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

It's not too difficult but it does require attention to detail. If this sounds as something you want to persue, let me know.

There was a mention of running messenger in XP mode, but I don't know where to get it (not from MS anyway)

If having messenger is a requirement, I guess you'll have to stay with what works.

 

[dre1x]

Thx, Slartybart for the reply...

Just a few more details. I was seriously considering reloading/restoring/repairing the whole system.
AMD Phenom II X4 830/8GB RAM/ATI Radeon HD 5450
Win7 Home Premium 64-bit (I have install disc as well as USB install)
Drives:
C: 750GB Win7,
Partitioned
D: 65MB System, seems to contain boot files
E: 12GB HP Recovery, was there when machine was purchased
I already installed Win7 once to get rid of HP Bloatware
G: 250GB Files
M: 300GB Files, USB External
O: 750GB Files

I seem to have several issues maybe they are all related
WLE 2011 used to work, as did WE 2012, now it doesn't
Photo Gallery, Windows Photo Viewer, Paint, Paint.net won't print, other apps will
Any program that takes me to the Win screen "How do you want to print your pictures" won't print
After fooling around with a folder icon changer, folders no longer show folder contents
can't seem to restore them to default, except one by one, and there's a lot!
Now recently can't login to WLE apps, except by using WLE 2009
I have run SFC /scannow, reports back no integrity problems, ran AV scans and RK scans

I am in the process of backing up Docs/Music/Pics/Virtual Machine Files in the event I have to repair/reload the system

I have another machine (AMD Phenom x3 8600B/4GB RAM) with a fresh Win7 Home Premium 64-bit system, it runs WE 2012 with no problems, and prints from apps that I am experiencing problems with, on the same printer!

I am aware that Messenger has been replaced with Skype. I was rather fond of the 'old' messenger, but it is not a major issue to me. I found the WLE 2009 'update prevent' procedure on another forum/blog. Also seems, there is a 'messenger reviver' app out there, to somehow use old messenger in WLE 2011/12. But mostly I want to get to my Hotmail account without problems and use the new Photo Gallery and MovieMaker apps.

Maybe a re-install is in order, gonna give it some thought overnite.

Any comments are welcome, I am certainly open to any ideas, short of a re-install.

 

[Slartybart]

Ok, thanks.

Do you have the full suite of version 2009 installed? Please post what might be affected by renaming "Windows Live" folders. As I said, I can help with Mail - any other WE/WL apps (mesh, messenger, Photo, skydrive....) I'll need a lot of info from you.

If you're backing everything up and we rename the folders then the process I'll give you should be 'safe' enough. I'm working through the process now (again -I only have Mail) trying to make it as straight forward as possible.

In between, could you open a command prompt and create a text file that contains a list of all things Live
(edit: corrected dir command to include *Live*)

cd \
dir /a /s /b > ListLive.txt
exit

cd \
dir /a /s /b *Live* > ListLive.txt
exit

Then attach (use the paperclip icon on the post menu bar) that file to a new post here. I'll compare that to my process and revise.

Do you have CCLeaner installed? You will need that as part of the process.
Direct Download: CCleaner - Standard

Pay attention during the install - do not install anything extra offered (toolbars, Chrome, etc) - just untick the checkbox next to the extra stuff before hitting next/continue.

 

[dre1x]

Yes, I have the full suite of WLE 2009 (less Family Safety)
Yes, I have CCleaner (regular user)

I ran
cd \
dir /a /s /b > ListLive.txt
exit

The resulting file was huge for a text file (24.8 MB) and it appeared to list everything in my computer
It would be way too time consuming to parse out every path that contains a file/folder that may contain Windows Live info. Unless I did something wrong.

 

[Slartybart]

You did nothing wrong - I forgot to include *Live* in the dir command. Please accept my apologies.

The commands should be
cd \
dir /a /s /b *Live* > ListLive.txt
exit

I edited and corrected my previous post so others aren't confused.

 

[dre1x]

No problem, much better (11KB), I parsed out a number of music/video files that contained 'Live'

Should I install one of the newer WLE 2011/WE 2012 installs for repair/modification, since WLE 2009 is working?

 

[dre1x]

No problem, much better (11KB), I parsed out a number of music/video files that contained 'Live'

View attachment 300438

Should I install one of the newer WLE 2011/WE 2012 installs for repair/modification, since WLE 2009 is working?

 

[Slartybart]

Not yet.

Please make a System Image that includes your user files. This will give you an easy way to restore your system back to the point you made the image.

See: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/663-backup-complete-computer-create-image-backup.html

I don't see it in the tutorial, but I think there is a dialog box that either asks about user files or presents a list that allows you to include C:\Users\ProfileName (profilename is your login id)

If I'm mistaken, go ahead and make the System Image, then you can backup your user files seperately.

When you're finished with the System Image - you can always get back to a working WLE 2009.

 

[Slartybart]

I think I have a batch file ready for you to try. This is an alpha batch file - you're the 1st. I'll post it when I hear that your system is backed up. I think that I might have confused System Image and Backup including a system image when I stated that I didn't see something in the tutorial.

Maybe I'm just tired (or the cold is affecting me). As long as the System Image was created and you've backed up your important data, I see no reason not to proceed.

I recommend that the commands in the batch file be executed by hand the first time. This gives me the chance to add parameters if needed (answer Y to UAC prompts, etc). I'll also give you an "undo" batch file that renames folders back to the original names.

Take your time, you have a working 2009.

 

[Slartybart]

I uploaded the untested batch file as a text file.

I'd like you to open an http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/783-elevated-command-prompt.html
and execute the commands by hand -one at a time

You only need to execute the move statements (others are comments or blank lines)
Please do them one at a time and let me know if there are errors. There might be one or two folders that were on my machine that were not in the list you provided - I'd still like to know about any issues or errors you get using the commands.


You can issue
dir /a:D /s /b *live*
or
dir /a:D /s /b *2009_*
at any time in command prompt to check your progress


After you're comfortable with your backups and the old WLM folders have been renamed, proceed to download a FRESH copy if the WE 2012 offline installer: Direct Download (English) from this page: How do I install Windows Essentials while offline? - Install offline

I think the best approach once WE 2012 is installed is to walk through a new configuratiion of Mail.
I suggest using the IMAP protocol instead of HTTP - you have to tick the "manually configure" checkbox
See: Windows Mail IMAP accounts: frequently asked questions

To make it easier to copy/paste in command prompt, see 4. To Enable Copy to Clipboard in: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/21874-command-prompt-copy-clipboard.html
Command Prompt editing is a bit differetn (no Ctrl-P, no Ctrl-V)
Copy -> hightlight text to be copied, hit enter
Paste - > right mouse click

 

[dre1x]

Finally took the plunge... Backed up my personal files and re-installed Win7

WLE 2011 works as it's supposed to.
Login occurs automatically, as it's supposed to.
WLMail sends/receives mail.

Photo Gallery prints, didn't before.
Windows Photo viewer prints, didn't before.
Paint.net prints, didn't before.

Seems fairly obvious something was screwed up in some basic Windows files!

 

[Slartybart]

Why did you install WE 2011?

No harm, no foul
.... but there are 'upgrade' issues going to WE 2012 that do not manifest with a fresh install of WE 2012.

If you're happy with WE 2011, stick with it - it's working!

 

[dre1x]

Update: Created restore point

Uninstalled WLE 2011
Installed WE 2012

Everything still works, Mail login, Mail send/receive
Photos print from all programs that call the window "How do you want to print your pictures" (Photo Gallery/Photo Viewer/Paint.net)

 

[Slartybart]

Cool, the one issue I recall offhand is contact categories (groups, lists, whatever name). If you don't have any then you'll probably be ok with everything else.

Remember if need be, WE can be repaired through Control Panel - Programs and Features
or
in the Start menu Search box type
wlarp

Can this thread be marked solved?