MSN missing contacts list

Did a transfer of laptop HDD from a nx6110 to nx7010 laptop last week. I had both laptops (issued by company) since Nov 06 but the nx7010 wasn't utilize at all as the nx6110 was able to fulfill my work and personal computer usage requirement.

Last week, I decided to swap the HDD from nx6110 to nx7010. Why ? Primary reason was the standalone graphic card (ATI 9200, 32MB) WoooO! compare to the nx6110 a integrated Intel graphic card. If you are wondering what so great about that graphic ? Try playing World of Warcraft on a laptop which has integrated and a standalone graphic card. You will observe a significant difference.

Before performing the formatting, I wanted to have a backup image of the nx6110 working Operation System just in case the unexpected happens. For those who have trouble finding norton ghost or getting free backup solution, read this post : backup solution by Arconis

*note : Do remember to view your backup image first before formatting.

After the swapped, HDD format, installation, setup of software and drivers on the nx7010, I got a HELL SHOCKED, ALL MY MSN CONTACTS are GONE!!! I was like !@#%^ !! I did not backup the MSN contact or rather it did not appear in my mind as I always thought since version 7 of MSN messenger, the contact list are store online rather than local system of users.

Once again, I LOVE the Internet, did a quick search and got my solution for retrieving my MSN contact list. MSN contact list missing

Delete your Contacts cache folder

If your contact list is empty or incomplete after you upgrade to Windows Live Messenger, the cached contact list may not have updated correctly. Before you can delete your Contacts cache folder, make sure you can view your complete folder list in Windows Explorer.

View your complete folder list

On the taskbar, right-click Start, and then select Explore. Click on Tools, and then select Folder Options. In the Folder Options window, click the View tab. In the Advanced Settings list, select Show hidden files and folders, make sure Hide extensions for known file types is not selected, and then click OK. In the Windows Explorer window, click View, select Explorer Bar, and then verify that Folders is checked.

Delete your Contacts cache folder

After changing your Windows Explorer settings: On the taskbar, right-click Start, and then select Explore. In the folder list on the left-hand pane, navigate to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\Your Windows logon name\Contacts\Your Messenger email address. Delete all of the files within the folder Your Messenger email address. In the folder list on the left-hand pane, navigate to the folder C:\Documents and Settings\Your Windows logon name\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft\Windows Live Contacts\Your Messenger email address. In the Your Messenger email address folder, delete the real and shadow folders. Close Windows Explorer and try to sign in to Messenger again.