Problem getting sound and video w/ Messenger

[BH]

I have Windows XP (SP2) and would like to start using Windows Messenger
(4.7). I'm able to contact someone and exchange messages and files with no
difficulty via Messenger.

But when I try to initiate or accept a voice or video connection, Windows
Messenger crashes. The error message I get refers to a msmsgs.exe file.

I have turned off the msmsgs box that shows up under misconfig and rebooted,
but that made no difference.

I have updated the firmware on my D-Link 604 router, but that doesn't make a
difference. My Nortion Internet Security is open to Windows Messenger, so I
don't think that's the problem. I otherwise have no problem connecting to
the Internet, browsing, getting my e-mail etc.

Any suggestions on why the program crashes when I try to use video or voice?
Or what msmsgs.exe could have to do with it?

Thank you.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings BH,

msmsgs.exe -is- Windows Messenger.
Also, disabling it in msconfig won't do anything -- because of how MS Config works, it won't
even disable the automatic start.

What you're describing is purely a software problem -- more specifically probably with your
audio or video drivers. As a first step, you should try going through the Audio and Video
Tuning wizard by popping open the main Messenger window, clicking the Tools menu and then
Audio tuning wizard. It is possible that it is set to the wrong device and that is why it's
crashing.

Although, since that might cause it to crash, I would suggest you actually stop using Windows
Messenger 4.7, it is effectively seven years old and basically a dinosaur (relatively
speaking). Instead, you may want to try Windows Live Messenger which has far superior audio
and video capabilities (video much larger than a postage stamp size in Windows Messenger for
a start). You can grab it here:
http://get.live.com/WL/all

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation

 

[BH]

Thank you for this advice. I'll have time this weekend to give it a try and
I'll let you know how it goes. I appreciate your taking the time to try to
help.

 

[BH]

I tried Windows Live Messenger, but no luck.

I installed it and contacted someone with Messenger. Live Messenger seemed
to register my audio just fine (I don't have a camera yet, but the other
person does and regularly communicates with others). Again, we could
exchange instant messages. But when I tried to respond to his attempt to
connect with audio and to view the scene from his camera, Live Messenger
crashed -- and not only crashed, but forced me to reboot. And after I
rebooted, Live Messenger wouldn't even load. There's a software conflict
somewhere, but I don't know what it is, and I don't know how to track it
down.

Can anyone suggest a good alternative program to Windows Messenger?

Thanks much.

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi,

Well you could try using Skype for audio/video purposes:
http://www.skype.com

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation