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“Authentication” error

Cannot use a limited or child’s account on MSN Games

If you previously signed up for a limited or child’s Windows Live™ ID account and are using this account to sign in with MSN Games, you will receive an authentication error message. Unfortunately, MSN Games does not support these types of accounts. You will need to sign up for a regular account.

Check the system clock

This problem usually occurs if the date or time on your system clock has been changed. To check your computer’s system clock time and date, follow these steps.

Step 1

Close any programs or windows that are open.

Step 2

Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. In Windows XP, click Start and then Control Panel.

If the Control Panel window is empty, click View all Control Panel Options in the left section of the window to show all the icons.

Step 3

Double-click Date/Time to open the Date and Time Properties window.

Step 4

Make sure the date and time match the current date and time. If the date is incorrect, click the correct date to change it. Click the drop-down arrow by the month to change the month to the correct month. Click the up or down list box arrows by the year to select the correct year.

Step 5

Click the Time Zone tab.

Step 6

Make sure the correct time zone is selected in this window. To change the current time zone, click the drop-down arrow by the current time zone and select your time zone.

Step 7

If you made any changes, click Apply.

Step 8

Click OK.

Adjust Internet Options

You may also need to clear your cookies and Windows Internet cache to correct this issue. To delete cookies and Temporary Internet Files, follow the steps below:

Step 1

Sign out of all MSN Games accounts, including MSN Messenger.

Step 2

Close all Internet browser windows and exit any e-mail programs you have open.

Step 3

Close MSN Messenger if it is open. In the System Tray on your Task Bar, you will see a MSN Messenger Icon. Right-click on this icon and click Exit.

Step 4

Make sure your Internet browser settings allow cookies, or you will not be able to sign into MSN Games. To learn how to enable these settings, view the following article.

Enable cookies in Internet Options

Step 5

Click Start, point to Settings, and click Control Panel. In Windows XP, click Start and then Control Panel.

If the Control Panel window is empty, click View all Control Panel Options in the left section of the window to show all the icons.

Step 6

Double-click Internet Options. In Windows XP, you may need to click the Network and Internet Connections icon before clicking Internet Options.

Step 7

On the General Tab in Temporary Internet Files, click Delete Cookies and then OK.

Step 8

Next, click Delete Files and then OK.

Step 9

Click OK to close Internet Options.

Step 10

Go to http://games.msn.com

Step 11

At the top of this page, click Sign In and sign into MSN Games.

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