How to Download, Fix, and Update Msnauth.cnt

Last Updated: 12/01/2023
[Reading Time Required: 3.5 minutes]

CNT files such as msnauth.cnt are categorized as System (Help Contents) files. As a Help Contents file, it was created for use in Windows XP by Microsoft.

msnauth.cnt was first released for Windows XP Operating System on 10/25/2001 with Windows XP. According to our records, this release is the only version of this file offered by Microsoft.

Please see below for more detailed information, CNT file troubleshooting instructions, and free downloads of different versions of msnauth.cnt.

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File Overview


General Information
File Name: msnauth.cnt
File Extension: CNT file extension
File Type: System
Description: Help Contents
User Popularity Rating:
 
Developer and Software Information
Software Program: Windows XP
Developer: Microsoft
Software: Windows
Software Version: XP
File Details
File Size (Bytes): 173
Oldest File Date: 04/14/2008
Latest File Date: 04/14/2008


What are msnauth.cnt Error Messages?


General msnauth.cnt Runtime Errors

msnauth.cnt file errors often occur during the startup phase of Windows, but can also occur while the program is running. These types CNT errors are also known as “runtime errors” because they occur while Windows is running. Here are some of the most common msnauth.cnt runtime errors:

Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime Library

Runtime Error!

Program: C:\WINDOWS\Help\msnauth.cnt

This application has requested the Runtime to terminate it in an unusual way.
Please contact the application's support team for more information.


Most CNT errors are due to missing or corrupt files. Your msnauth.cnt file could be missing due to accidental deletion, uninstalled as a shared file of another program (shared with Windows), or deleted by a malware infection. Furthermore, msnauth.cnt file corruption could be caused from a power outage when loading Windows, system crash while loading or saving msnauth.cnt, bad sectors on your storage media (usually your primary hard drive), or malware infection. Thus, it’s critical to make sure your anti-virus is kept up-to-date and scanning regularly.



How to Fix msnauth.cnt Errors in 3 Steps (Time to complete: ~5-15 minutes)

If you're encountering one of the error messages above, follow these troubleshooting steps to resolve your msnauth.cnt issue. These troubleshooting steps are listed in the recommended order of execution.


Step 1: Restore your PC back to the latest restore point, "snapshot", or backup image before error occurred.

To begin System Restore (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. When you see the search box, type "System Restore" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the search results, find and click System Restore.
  4. Please enter the administrator password (if applicable / prompted).
  5. Follow the steps in the System Restore Wizard to choose a relevant restore point.
  6. Restore your computer to that backup image.

If the Step 1 fails to resolve the msnauth.cnt error, please proceed to the Step 2 below.

Step 2: Run SFC (System File Checker) to restore the corrupt or missing msnauth.cnt file.

System File Checker is a utility included with every Windows version that allows you scan and restore corrupted system files. Use the SFC tool to fix missing or corrupt msnauth.cnt files (Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10):

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "cmd" but DO NOT PRESS "ENTER".
  3. Press and hold "CTRL-Shift" on your keyboard while pressing "ENTER".
  4. You'll be prompted with a permission dialog box.
  5. In the box, click "YES".
  6. You should have a black screen with a blinking cursor.
  7. In that black screen, type "sfc /scannow" and hit "ENTER".
  8. SFC will begin scanning for msnauth.cnt issues and any other system file problems.
  9. Follow any on-screen commands to complete the process.

Please be aware that this scan might take a while, so please be patient while it is working.

If this Step 2 fails as well, please proceed to the Step 3 below.

sfc /scannow

Step 3: Perform a Windows Update.

When the first two steps haven't solved your issue, it might be a good idea to run Windows Update. Many msnauth.cnt error messages that are encountered can be contributed to an outdated Windows Operating System. To run Windows Update, please follow these easy steps:

  1. Hit the Windows Start button
  2. In the search box, type "Update" and press "ENTER".
  3. In the Windows Update dialog box, click "Check for Updates" (or similar button depending on your Windows version)
  4. If updates are available for download, click "Install Updates".
  5. After the update is completed, restart your PC.

If Windows Update failed to resolve the msnauth.cnt error message, please proceed to next step. Please note that this final step is recommended for advanced PC users only.



If Those Steps Fail: Download and Replace Your msnauth.cnt File (Caution: Advanced)

If none of the previous three troubleshooting steps have resolved your issue, you can try a more aggressive approach (Note: Not recommended for amateur PC users) by downloading and replacing your appropriate msnauth.cnt file version. We maintain a comprehensive database of 100% malware-free msnauth.cnt files for every applicable version of Windows. Please follow the steps below to download and properly replace you file:

  1. Locate your Windows operating system version in the list of below "Download msnauth.cnt Files".
  2. Click the appropriate "Download Now" button and download your Windows file version.
  3. Copy the file into the appropriate directory for your Windows version:

  4. Windows XP: C:\WINDOWS\Help\
  5. Restart your computer.

If this final step has failed and you're still encountering the error, you're only remaining option is to do a clean installation of Windows XP.


GEEK TIP : We must emphasize that reinstalling Windows will be a very time-consuming and advanced task to resolve msnauth.cnt problems. To avoid data loss, you must be sure that you have backed-up all of your important documents, pictures, software installers, and other personal data before beginning the process. If you are not currently backing up your data, you need to do so immediately.



Download msnauth.cnt Files (Malware-Tested 100% Clean)


CAUTION : We strongly advise against downloading and copying msnauth.cnt to your appropriate Windows system directory. Microsoft typically does not release Windows CNT files for download because they are bundled together inside of a software installer. The installer's task is to ensure that all correct verifications have been made before installing and placing msnauth.cnt and all other CNT files for Windows. An incorrectly installed CNT file may create system instability and could cause your program or operating system to stop functioning altogether. Proceed with caution.

Windows XP


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WLAN_policy_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows 7 7405 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
WLAN_policy_v1.xsd XML Schema Definition Windows Vista 6446 C:\Windows\L2Schemas\
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