Error Code 8004888D - MSN Service is temporarily unavailable

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Troubleshooting Error 8004888D - MSN Service is temporarily unavailable

Error 8004888D may not be your fault. First check the MSN Service Status, if that is working then I have other ideas of how to fix the problem.

Introduction to Error Code 8004888D

This error code, 8004888D occurs you are trying to logon to the MSN messenger service.  It occurs with version 8.x also with version 7.x.

The Symptoms you get with Error Code 8004888D

When you type your email address in the MSN Messenger logon box it takes a long time to display on screen.   Your password, in contrast, displays instantly.  When you press enter, you get error code 8004888D

The Cause of Code Error 8004888D

One possibility is that error message tells the truth - the MSN Messenger server really is down.  You could try phoning your local Microsoft Support office.  Local area numbers available from http://support.microsoft.com.

Another cause is corruption with the encryption files that MSN Messenger needs.  For example, you could have been infected with a virus, or you may have a hyperactive anti-virus or Spyware package.

The Solutions to Code Error 8004888D

• Clear out identitycrl
• Re-Register DLLS
• Rename registry key
• Check Security Settings

Clear out identitycrl

Look in your application data, specifically for files in the identitycrl\ folder.  What I would do is copy any files in these locations to a safe place.  Then delete the original files in their original location.

Instructions:
Click on Start, Run
Type '%appdata% in the Run dialog box (Start Search in Vista).

Seek out the Microsoft sub-folder, then identitycrl

%appdata%\Microsoft\identitycrl\*.*
%allusersprofile%\Application Data\Microsoft\identitycrl\*.*

Plan B

Copy to another folder, then delete:

\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts\*.*

Re-Register DLLS

You could try re-registering the dlls below.  My point is that Spyware or even a virus could have interfered with the cryptographic files need by MSN Messenger.

Instructions:
Click on Start, Run
Type the following commands in the Run dialog box (Start Search in Vista).

regsvr32 Cryptdlg.dll /s

regsvr32 Dssenh.dll /s
regsvr32 Gpkcsp.dll /s
regsvr32 Initpki.dll /s
regsvr32 Rsaenh.dll /s
regsvr32 Mssip32.dll /s
regsvr32 Msxml3.dll /s
regsvr32 Slbcsp.dll /s
regsvr32 Sccbase.dll /s
regsvr32 Softpub.dll /s
regsvr32 Wintrust.dll /s

Another symptom of the dll problem is the error 80092026 in the logs, along with a message such as:
The cryptographic operation failed due to a local security option setting.

Rename registry key

Click on Start, Run
Type 'regedit' in the Run dialog box (Start Search in Vista).
Navigate to this path:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\
SystemCertificates\TrustedPublisher
Under 'TrustedPublisher' look for 'Safer' key.
Rename the 'Safer' key (if it exists).

Now Run Windows Update.

Check Security Settings

Click on Start, Run
Type 'gpedit.msc' in the Run dialog box (Start Search in Vista).
N.B. Remember the .msc
Press enter to launch the Group Policy Editor
Click on the + next to  Computer Configuration
Click on the + next to  Windows Settings
Click on the + next to  Security Settings
Click on the + next to  Software Restriction Policies
Click on the + next to  Trusted Publishers
For 'Allow the following users to select trusted publishers' the default should be 'End users.'

General, but classic Troubleshooting Techniques

• Collect information: Write down exactly what is the problem.  Something magical happens just by the act of writing down the symptoms.
• Ask: What was the last thing that altered on your computer.  Especially with changes to anti-virus software.  Reverse it!
• Can you reproduce your problem: Occasionally trying again seems to make it work.  Else you may get a different error from 8004888D.
• Locate the ultimate source: Hardware (modem) Software, your end or MSN site.
• Phone a friend!  Seriously do your MSN mates have the same problem, if so it's the site, if not - back to the drawing board.

Summary of Error Code 8004888D

Try phoning your local Microsoft Support office.  Local area numbers available from http://support.microsoft.com.  If the MSN site is OK, you could have been infected with a virus, else you have a hyperactive Spyware program.

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Do you need extra help?

For interpreting the WSH messages check Diagnose 800 errors.

For general advice try my 7 Troubleshooting techniques

Give something back?

Would you like to help others?  If you have a good example of this error, then please email me, I will publish it with a credit to you:

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