Windows error codes can be cryptic and frustrating. Check out this guide for solving your Windows Error code 80040154 and how to keep it from happening again.

About the Error

You receive this error message when you try to sign in to Windows Live Messenger. If you attempt to uninstall and reinstall Messenger you still receive the same error code.

Prevent Windows code 80040154 from happening to you.

The error can be caused by a variety of factors however the most common issue with this error is the Microsoft XML library is corrupt. When you try to sign in Messenger is trying to access a control which is corrupt or unregistered. The solution is to re-register the DLL file.

If you are using Windows XP click on Start and then choose Run from the pop-up menu. When the Command Prompt appears enter REGSVR32 %windir%\system32\msxml3.dll and then press the Enterkey. You should receive a confirmation message that tells you the process succeeded and then you can proceed to reinstall Microsoft XML 3 by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=28494391-052b-42ff-9674-f752bdca9582&displaylang=en. When you arrive on the page scroll down and click on the msxml3.msi link. Once you click on this link you will be walked through the process of reinstallation.

If you are running the Windows Vista operating system click on Start on the main toolbar and navigate to All Programs. Choose Accessories and then right click on Command Prompt on the menu and click on Run as administrator. Enter your password if you are prompted to do so and then click on Continue. When the Command Prompt appears enter REGSVR32 %windir%\system32\msxml3.dll. You should receive a confirmation message that the file re-register succeeded and then you can proceed to reinstall Microsoft XML 3 by visiting http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details.aspx?familyid=28494391-052b-42ff-9674-f752bdca9582&displaylang=en. Once you arrive on the site scroll down the page and locate the msxml3.msi link and click on it. From there you will be stepped through the process of reinstallation. For both XP and Vista operating systems you will need to restart your PC and then try singing in to Windows Live Messenger again.

TipFor more information, please see: How to fix Messenger error #80040154