Having trouble with Windows live messenger

When i try to install it, I get this error:

Couldnt set up the installer
Check to be sure you are connected to the internet
Error: OnCatalogResult 0x8104000b
next Steps: you cannot download Windows Live programs unless you're connected to the internet

I obviously am connected to the internet and all websites are working fine.. I did a search about this error and the first result was this microsoft website: http://social.msdn.microsoft.com/Forums ... 017c52df75

And apparently, that site doesnt open.. It just doesnt load. Also, When i go to MSN's website and try to download Windows Live Messenger from there, Same thing happens the website just doesnt load after i press download.

Neither can i open up http://www.microsoft.com

Check your hosts file in notepad.

open notepad. navigate to
c:\WINDOWS\system32\drivers\etc
Use the file type dropdown to select 'All Files'
Open hosts

By default the only thing that should be in there is
127.0.0.1 localhost

Anything else should be removed unless you've added it yourself.
If you have anything else in there remove all but 127.0.0.1 and select file/save (Do not select Save As).

Nope, There's nothing else.

Im thinking its a virus because i searched for an online scanner and clicked on the TrendMicro scanner link, Same thing happened the page didnt open up.. Neither did 4-5 other online scanners so im downloading AVG at the moment.

Ahh..

Cant update AVG either. Suggestions? Im doing a scan with AVG anyway but i doubt it will be of much help as its not updated.

When you checked your hosts file, if there was a scrollbar option, make sure you scroll down. A lot of viruses will place entries in your hosts file but leave a lot of white space between localhost and their entries.

Checked, But no the hosts file is clear.

Never mind, Got rid of it.. It was a virus.

I followed the instructions over here if anyone wants to know
http://info-fanatic.blogspot.com/2008/1 ... e-and.html

and also ran AVG and SpyBot

When i run a full scan using AVG i get loads of Cookies in the search.. Every single time.. Whats the reason for that?

because just about any time you visit any internet page you pick up a tracking cookie. I prefer chocolate chips.

Lol... So its normal then? Nothing to worry about right ?