MSN Messenger Error 80048820

Error 80048820 can occur when trying to launch and log on to the Microsoft Messenger application. When this happens, you will often be greeted by a pop-up box that says “Sorry, we were unable to sign you in to the MSN Messenger at this time. Please try again later.” In the bottom left hand corner, a numeric code is shown that tells you which error you have encountered, in this case, 80048820.

In most cases, this error is triggered because the system time or date is incorrect and needs adjusting. Other possible causes of error 80048820 include: Internet Explorer has an incorrect proxy setting, the softpub.dll file has become de-registered, or firewall problems. In order to resolve this error and stop it from happening, you can do the following:

1. Log on as an administrator and correct the computer’s clock and date so that it is showing the right time. This is the most common cause of this error, so once you have done this, try launching MSN Messenger. If this did not correct the error, move on to the following.
2. In Internet Explorer, go to the Tools menu and click Internet options. Go to the Connections tab in the pop-up box that opens and then click LAN setting. In the LAN setting box, make sure that the check box beside “Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections)” is unchecked and then check the box beside “Automatically detect settings.” Click OK through the boxes to save the settings.
3. Turn off your firewall temporarily and try to connect. If you can, then you need to adjust your settings in your firewall so that MSN Messenger is allowed access when the firewall is turned on.
4. Finally, in some cases, correcting this issue can be as easy as unplugging your modem. Removing the power source for 15 – 30 seconds from your modem resets the connection and may be all you need to get yourself back on Messenger.