Windows Messenger 5.0 hangs while on VPN

Hello.
I am running Windows Messenger 5.0.0468 on an XP Pro 2002 SP2 machine.
WM is used in a corporate environment.
While I am logged on in my office.. it works like a champ.
When I VPN in (Cisco VPN Client for Windows) via SBC DSL connection,
WM open and just hangs without displaying contacts.

What I've tried so far:
1) Followed Jonathan Kay's instructions http://messenger.jonathankay.com/problem.aspx?ID=16
(Port 3389 was already being used)
2) Disabled windows firewall
3) Disabled DSL firewall
4) Disabled both Windows & DSL Firewall
5) Looked for Trillian plug-ins (couldn't find one)
6) Banged my head on the keyboard multiple times leaving an impression
of a backwards V B N M on my forehead
7) Took a few shots of tequila

Obviously, none of these helped (except the tequila or the head
banging made forget there was a problem for a while).

Can anyone suggest something for me to try or an alternative client?

TIA
EiEiO