WM looks connected but it's not

[Bill W]

When I first logon using WM, I can chat and others can see
me as online. After a short while, WM apparently
disconnects. Others see me as offline but my status on my
computer says that I am online. I get no indication that
it has disconnected until I try to send a message. Only
then do I realize I'm not connected. How can I get WM to
stay connected or at least inform me when I am not connected?

 

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Bill,

The actual connection to the Messenger server that provides your online/offline status is
actually separate from your conversation windows connection. As such, a variety of scenarios
(especially if you're in some sort of corporate setting), can disrupt this connection, but
your conversation windows will still remain going (especially if you're actively typing to
someone and there's some sort of idle detection scheme in place at wherever you are). The
next time this happens you might try changing your actual status; more than likely you'll be
immediately logged off as Windows Messenger will then realize that you've been disconnected.

There is no magic registry key or anything similar that will solve this; the only real thing
I can suggest is that you could try using MSN Messenger 6.x instead, as it does support a
different way of remaining online that may be helpful:
http://messenger.msn.com/Download
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2004 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.