Messenger Won't Run When Windows Starts - 30% of time

[Ronald]

I'm using Windows Messenger 4.7 with Windows XP Pro. I
have it configured to start automatically when Windows
starts. This generally works fine. But about 30% of the
time, when I start Windows, the Messenger program does
not start up.

If I try to start the program manually, also nothing
happens. I have to re-boot the system and then Messenger
starts. Not a huge deal, but slightly annoying. Any
ideas what's causing this?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Ronald,

Do you have Norton Antivirus 2003 installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging scanning"
feature to Norton Antivirus 2003, which can conflict with Messenger and cause Windows
Messenger to automatically start. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus (Right-click on the
Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray/Notification Area (by the clock), choose 'Open
Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then Instant Messenger then uncheck MSN Instant Messenger
(may also be listed as Windows Messenger) and click OK.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

 

[Guest]

Jonathan, Thanks for the suggestion. I have no antivirus
software installed. And the only programs I have
automatically configured to start when Windows starts -
other than Messenger - are:

- HotSync Manager
- Ctfmon.exe
- a printer monitor (new program; Messenger problem
existed before I installed it)

-----Original Message-----
Greetings Ronald,

Do you have Norton Antivirus 2003 installed? Norton

added a new "instant messaging scanning"

feature to Norton Antivirus 2003, which can conflict

with Messenger and cause Windows

Messenger to automatically start. To stop it, open

Norton Antivirus (Right-click on the

Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray/Notification

Area (by the clock), choose 'Open

Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then Instant

Messenger then uncheck MSN Instant Messenger