Solved Windows Live Messenger not working

Since I upgraded to Windows 8, my Windows Live Messenger is not working. When I start it, I get a full white screen, then an error message saying the Windows Live Messenger has stopped working, and that a solution is being searched for. (Nothing ever seems to come from that search). I have uninstalled, and re-installed several times, both just Messenger and all Windows Live apps, but to no avail. When I sign in, it says I'm signed in in two places - but I can never find the other (and the message doesn't tell me when I right click on it). I'm told that it appears to my contacts as if I'm on line, and they can send me messages, which I can see and reply to - but I can't start a message sequence. Any theories?

Hi MaryB. Can't suggest how to restore Messenger, however you may have heard that it is being phased out and being replaced by Skype. So why not save yourself heartache and download the Skype for Windows 8 (New version). When you install it you have the option of using a new account or your existing Messenger account. If you have the latter including your password it will also auto-include your existing Contacts from Messenger while it installs. It's straightforward enough (use the free version) and I installed it on the 2nd day of having Windows 8 and it works perfectly.
Hope this helps.
Regards.
Yorky.