Windows Live Messenger encounters problem on startup?

Let me guess. You just updated to the latest version of Live Messenger on Windows XP (and maybe later OS versions as well) and suddenly Live Messenger fails to proceed. It crashes with the "has encountered a problem and needs to close" message. Well I had that as well. And there's a quick fix.

Let me tell you firstly what doesn't work:

• Reinstalling or repairing Live Messenger via "Add/Remove Programs" in "Control Panel" doesn't work
• Uninstalling Internet Explore 8 doesn't work
• Re-installing Internet Explorer 8 doesn't work
• Running all manner of virus checkers doesn't work.

What does work is this fix from Microsoft: http://windowslivehelp.com/solution.aspx?solutionid=17e5dddf-4156-4725-a1a5-f3a10a76e12f

Well it worked for me, anyway. If you've tried everything else then it's up to you. Another way around this problem is to disable or remove it and use another messenger.