IMessage "Preferences" unavailable

Hello -
I have had my MacBook Pro for over a year and a half. I bought my MacBook in December of 2012.
My problem here deals with the Messages app included in the OS software.
At first I was able to log on and set up my Apple ID with no problem. Soon after, I was able to send messages to my friends. There were no problems.
After I upgraded to the Mavericks OS (I bought the MacBook under the Mountain Lion OS) the Messages app was not functional at all.
Instead of trying to describe what is going on, I will add a picture to show you my problem:
I am no longer able to click on the 'Preferences' or 'Add Account' options. The Messages app is therefore useless, and I would really like to find out if there is a solution to this.
I have read online the whole sending the 'com.apple.iChar.plist' file to the trash, but after many attempts the Messages app won't let me add an account or access the preferences option.
Is there anything I can do?
Thanks

Hi,
From Lion upwards a Reinstall is the CMD + R at Restart and downloading the OS and the Apps that come with it again.
It will install this and not touch your Users Folder(s)
Before this (iChat 5 and Earlier) can be Reinstalled from the Install Disks.
9:06 pm Friday; June 13, 2014
 iMac 2.5Ghz i5 2011 (Mavericks 10.9)
 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
 MacBookPro 2Gb (Snow Leopard 10.6.8)
 Mac OS X (10.6.8),
 Couple of iPhones and an iPad

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 G4/1GhzDual MDD (Leopard 10.5.8)
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