A few days ago my Windows Live Messenger 2011 was badly messed up. Each time I tried to login, it gave me an error message with  Error Code 80070422 and asked me to retry. I did, but the issue remained. Nothing happened even  after retrying.

Then I followed the error code generated by it and researched a bit. I came to know that the problem is caused by the corrupted Contacts Cache. It is one of the most common issue that occurs in Windows Live Messenger.

To fix this problem you need to follow these steps:

1. Ensure that msnmsgr.exe and wlcomm.exe is completely shut down. To do so, follow steps given below.

• Go to Task Manager (press Ctrl + Alt + Delete Key to bring up the Task Manager option).
• Go to Processes tab and look for msnmsgr.exe and wlcomm.exe programc. If running, right click on the .exe files and select End process.

2. Change the Microsoft Windows Explorer settings

• Open Computer or any Explorer Windows.
• Go to Organize and select Folder and Search options in Windows Vista or Windows 7.
• On the View tab, go the advanced settings list.
• Select Show hidden files and folders under Hidden Files and Folders.
• Clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box.
• Click Ok to close the Folder Options window.

3. Now follow these steps:

• Click on Computer.
• Browse to the location: C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live\Contacts.
• Look for the folder which has your email address For example: [email protected] and delete it.

Only delete the folder which has your email address. If you delete other items in the Contacts folder they cannot be recovered.

The problem should now be resolved. Re-launch Windows Live Messenger 2011 and try to Sign-In again.

In 99% case this will solve the issue but if you are the chosen 1%, then try the following steps:

1. Click Start and open Control Panel.

2. Open Programs and Features and then select Windows Live Messenger from the list of programs.

3. Then click on Uninstall/Change program button.

4. Select Repair all Windows Live Programs from the option list.

5. Now sit back and wait until installer complete the repairing of the programs.

6. Restart your computer and now log in again.

If the problem still persist then its better, you must completely remove the Windows Live Essential and reinstall it again!