Messenger 4.7.2009, lost functionality

[John Dodwell]

Recently I upgraded my messenger to 4.7.2009, now I have lost the ability to
have voice communications. I do not want to use system restore to roll back
the installation as I would lose other software updates. Is there a way to
uninstall the upgrade, or where can I find a copy of the previous MSN 4.7
stable version?

I have removed and re-installed my zone labs firewall, that is not the
issue. My Yahoo messenger is not problematic.

It appears that it is relative to a "fix" that Microsoft
recommended...............

Why does Microsoft release these "upgrades" if they are not fully tested.

Thank you
John Dodwell

 

[John Dodwell]

Thanks Pez, tried this but it does not work.

Do you have any idea why I (and lots of others it seems) have this sudden
problem?

I use a DLINK router D1 704 P on a broadband connection. My second PC,
without the build 2009 still works fine for voice usage. It is not the
router therefore................


Microsoft have really screwed this one up, big time. Look in the knowledge
base and there is no mention of this issue.


Anybody have any further ideas??? Is there an Microsoft MVP out there that
can throw light onto the issue?


Thanks.........

 

[Pez]

Hi John,

Have you tried un-installing the QoS Packet Scheduler?
Sometime, just disabling it does not work!!

Can you also confirm that your router has the UPnP
feature and that it's enabled? On certain router, it's
disabled by default. You may want to check out the
manufacture's web site to see if there is a new firmware
update.

If all the above fails, you may want to check the port
forwarding on your router and possible clear any mappings
that you have not configured yourself. Some old non-UPnP
routers with a fairly recent firmware update (I have
one), may allow you to perform voice/video chat even
though it does not appear to have the feature. These may
be a beta version of UPnP and hence may have bugs. Also,
try powering down the router for about 30 mins and try
voice/video chat on the PC with the 2009 build.

I understand your frustration, as it also stop working
for me about a month ago. I can't remember if was
because I upgraded to the 2009 build or if I install some
recently Windows update. However, disabling/uninstalling
the QoS Packet Scheduler worked for me and lot of other
people!

Good luck! Please keep me posted, whatever the result.

Pez

 

[John Dodwell]

Thanks Pez, still no luck after un installing the QoS packet scheduler.

My router has the latest firmware ( D-Link DI-704P) and although it is not
UPnP enabled, I followed their instructions to allow voice communications
via messenger (my PC, using XP home is set in a DMZ zone).

I have also removed all the messenger port forwardings, shut down the router
for 30 minutes etc to no avail. (While testing I shut down my Zone Labs Pro
firewall)

Any ideas who I can contact at Microsoft , I have tried sending messages to
Jonathan Kay, but he is choosing not to respond to this issue. (Maybe he
does not have a workable solution)


Thankfully I can use my Yahoo messenger for voice communications without a
problem.

 

[Pez]

Hi John,

If your router does not have UPnP support, your options
are limited and you'll have to do it by trial and error.

Check out the following link :-

http://messenger.jonathankay.com/problem.aspx?ID=17

You may want to try contacting D-link to see is a UPnP
firmware is in the works for your router. If not, your
only other option is to get a UPnP compatible router or
maybe switch to MSN Messenger (MM) 6. I believe MM 6
should work via a NAT/non-UPnP router.

Yahoo Messenger works, because it connects via a server,
hence the reason for the slight delay in voice/video
chat. This is basically how MM 6 works too, in theory!
WM tires to make a peer-to-peer connection for voice 7
video, and will fail if you try to use it via a NAT/non-
UPnP router.

I hope the above helps!

PS - When testing Windows Messenger (WM), make sure you
disable any firewall AND restart (logout and sign back
in) WM. If you don't WM may think the relevant ports are
still blocked!

Pez

 

[John Dodwell]

Thanks for your help Pez.

I still do not understand why Microsoft does not have a solution for this
issue, they screwed things up by releasing a "fix" that was obviously not
tested sufficiently. (either an upgrade to messenger or an XP fix)

I do not wish to buy a new router, just to use voice communication with
windows messenger.

Not your problem, however Microsoft have created yet another disillusioned
client. I am now reluctant to download any further updates to XP, so much
for a stable environment!

Windows Messenger 5 is supposed to be released shortly, I recommend that
everybody waits and allows it to be tested by the mass market before
downloading it, or they too will pay a penalty.............

 

[John Dodwell]

Update, have just downloaded a firmware release that incorporates UPnP
support, still can not use messenger for voice conversation.

 

[Pez]

I'm sure you've already done this numerious times, but I
suggest you do the following.

1. Uninstall QoS Packet Scheduler, if it's still
installed.
2. Disable any firewall (including ICS and ICF). (Maybe
try with Zone Alarm uninstalled)
3. Make sure UPnP is enabled on the router.
4. Sign out then sign back in into Windows Messenger
5. Try a voice/video chat.

Good luck!

BTW - What make you think the problem is at you end? The
problem could be at the other person's end and your side
may be working fine. If you and your contact can, try
voice/video chat with someone else. Also try initiating
the session from both ends.

Pez