If you have problems with MSN, or want to use a messenger that uses more than one chatting program..
GET TRILLIANT
http://www.download.com/3001-2150_4-10349461.html
Software Publisher's Description
Trillian is a fully featured, stand-alone, skinnable chat client that supports AIM, ICQ, MSN, Yahoo Messenger, and IRC. It provides capabilities not possible with original network clients, while supporting standard features such as audio chat, file transfers, group chats, chat rooms, buddy icons, multiple simultaneous connections to the same network, server-side contact importing, typing notification, direct connection (AIM), proxy support, encrypted messaging (AIM/ICQ), SMS support, and privacy settings.
This program is very usefull to use instead of MSN.
There's another program called: e-messenger.com but I did not like it. So i'll stick with trillian.
I suggest that you use this web-based messenger:
http://webmessenger.msn.com/