Windows Error 80048820 is experienced by Windows MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger.  The error message may display on your computer screen when you start the messenger program or attempt to log in.  The error displays as:

Sorry, we were unable to sign you in to MSN Messenger at this time.  Please try again later.” The message box will also display the error 80048820.

What Causes Windows Error 80048820?

This error can be the result of a myriad of things.  The most common causes of Windows error 80048820 are:

• The DLL file “softpub.dll” is incorrectly registered, currupt, or missing.

• Your PC system clock is incorrect - This will cause a conflict when trying to sync to the messenger server.

• Your proxy server is incorrectly configured - This may also cause other browsing issues.

How To Fix Windows Error 80048820

First, verify that the system clock is set correctly.

• Close any MSN Messenger, Windows Live Messenger, or legacy MSN Messenger applications that are running.

• Double-click the clock that is displayed at the right side of your taskbar (typically located at the bottom of the screen).

• On the Date and Time Properties tab, open the Internet Time tab.  Windows Vista users will have to click Change Date and Time Settings when the calender is displayed.

• Make sure the Automatically synchronize with an Internet time server is select.  Windows Vista users will have to click Change settings… and then check the Synchronize with an Internet time server box.

• Add time.windows.com in the Server box.  Press Update Now, then OK to close the box.

If that does not fix Windows error 80048820 you will then have to re-register softpub.dll.

• In the Start menu, select Run.

• Type regsvr32 softpub.dll and press enter.

If you still experience the error when relaunching your messenger application you will then have to check to ensure your proxy, if there is one set up, is functioning properly.  Alternatively, you could use a registry cleaner such as Registry Easy to Registry Fix to verify your DLL files.

Check your proxy by following the steps below:

• In the Internet Explorer Tools menu, click Internet Options.

• Locate the Connections tab.

• Click LAN Settings.

• Clear the check-box labeled Use a proxy server for your LAN (These settings will not apply to dial-up or VPN connections).  Then click OK to close the window.

If you have tried all of the troubleshooting options above and are still experiencing Windows error 80048820 you may want to run a registry cleaner, such as Registry Easy or Registry Fix, to ensure that you do not have any underlying system errors that are to blame.

Our top three registry cleaner programs that are proven to fix Windows registry errors:

• Registry Easy - Click to read our review.

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