Saving MSN Histories

MSN Messenger, now known as Windows Live Messenger, has a feature for saving message histories. This feature is not turned on by default. If you want to save your histories, you must go into the Tools > Options menu and click on the Messages option. Once in the Messages section, find the Message History section and place a mark in “Automatically keep a history of my conversations.” Just below that, you’ll see an option labeled “Save my conversations in this folder.” Typically, you would browse to a location on your C drive and select it as the storage folder for your MSN histories. However, you want an online storage folder, so we’ll need to get creative.

Creating an Online Storage Drive

Several online storage and backup services allow you to map your online storage account as a network drive on your computer. You will need to sign up for an account with one of these services that feature “virtual network drives.” A virtual network drive appears on your computer as a drive letter just like your regular hard drive and CD drives. For example, if you had an OnlineStorageSolutions account, your computer would have a local drive letter, let’s say the “H” drive, that is mapped to your online storage account. So, instead of choosing the C drive and a subfolder to store your MSN history, you would instead choose the drive letter for your online storage account, in this example the “H” drive.

You will first need to find an online storage account that allows drive letter access. While a number of online storage services offer free personal accounts, finding one that allows uploading of files via a drive letter for free is tougher. OnlineStorageSolutions charges $19 per year for this service.

Another option is to try the free account offered at DropBox.com. DropBox offers 2 GB of free online storage. It works by synchronizing the local “DropBox” folder with your online account. In this case, you would instruct MSN Messenger to save the history file in your DropBox folder. From there, Dropbox would upload it to your online DropBox account.  

Accessing Your Saved MSN Histories

Once set up with an online virtual drive, your MSN histories will automatically be stored online where you can access them from any computer. Accessing the MSN histories will depend on the online account that you have set up for this purpose. For example, if you use DropBox, you’ll need to sign in to the DropBox.com Web site with your user name and password where you can then access your files.

Many users have had issues with Windows Live Messenger and its predecessor MSN Messenger failing to load properly. One of the most common issues is with the router though it’s also possible that you have a bad installation on your computer. Let’s take a look at some steps you can try.

Reset the Router

The first step is to reset the router. Your router should have a reset button on it. If not an actual button, there may be a tiny hole in the back where you can insert an unbent paperclip. If your router does not have a manual way to reset it, simply unplug it from the power source and let it sit for a minute or two. Plug it back in and see if the problem resolves itself. Resetting the router has solved this issue for many Windows Live Messenger users.

Repair Windows Live Messenger

You can also try repairing your installation of Windows Live Messenger. Go to Start and type “Programs and Features” into the Search bar and then click its link under Programs (or go to Control Panel > Programs and Features). Find Windows Live Essentials in the list of installed programs and click on Uninstall/Change. Choose the Repair option and click Continue. This will repair your installation of all Windows Live Essentials programs, including Windows Live Messenger.

Update Windows

Whenever a program fails to respond as expected, it’s not a bad idea to update your operating system to take advantage of any potential “fixes” that may have been issued by Microsoft. For example, if an external program or device is known to interfere with Windows Live Messenger and Microsoft has created a patch that fixes the issue, the patch will be released as an Update. Go to Control Panel > Windows Update and check to see if any updates exist addressing this issue.

Use the System File Checker Utility

You can also try running the System File Checker which will scan your operating system for file corruption which could be interfering with your computer’s performance. Press the Windows Flag key and the ‘R’ key at the same time to open the Run dialog and then type in: sfc /scannow

Follow the prompts to allow the System File Checker to scan your computer for missing or damaged operating system files. You may need your original installation discs to replace these damaged files.

Uninstall and Reinstall Windows Live Messenger

Another option is to try uninstalling and reinstalling Windows Live Messenger.

MSN Messenger Symptoms

In further conversations with the questioner, it turns out that this computer is used by several users, all of whom sign into the computer using the same user account. All of the users except for one can sign into Messenger without a problem, but one user consistently receives this error message. Another interesting symptom is that when signed into this particular MSN Messenger account, the CPU usage spikes to over 100 percent.

MSN Messenger vs. Windows Live Messenger

MSN Messenger has since been replaced by Windows Live Messenger. If you haven’t already, upgrade to the latest version of Windows Live Messenger. While this may not solve the individual user’s error message, it might. Plus, you’ll have the latest fixes and all the bells and whistles offered by Windows Live Messenger.

Troubleshooting the Host Files Error

Since this error is specific to a single user account, it’s not likely an issue with the computer’s set up. While many MSN Messenger users have solved a similar error by rebooting their routers, this didn’t work in this situation. Most likely, something is going on with this one user’s MSN Messenger settings. Once you upgrade to Windows Live Messenger, you can run the built-in Connection Troubleshooter to see if it can solve the problem for you automatically. Do this by clicking on the Show Menu button, then click on Tools followed by Options.

Now, click on the Connection link in the left side pane and then click on the Connection Troubleshooter’s Start button. You can also click on Connection Settings > Advanced Settings to run a few diagnostic tests.

Comparing Settings

If the Connection Troubleshooter doesn’t solve the problem, consider comparing every single user setting in the Options dialog with those of another user. Which settings are different? Perhaps the user’s display photo is oversized and gobbling up system resources as Messenger tries to display it? Maybe the other users’ Connection Settings are set up to use a proxy server and this user’s account is not set up that way (or vice versa). Look for anomalies.

For example, Microsoft recommends deleting the entries under SOCKS in the Connection > Advanced Settings section as a troubleshooting step when you can’t connect to Messenger.

Clear DNS Cache

Finally, try “flushing the DNS cache.” Go to Start > Run and type in: cmd

Press Enter and then type: ipconfig /flushdns

Press Enter one more time.

Work Restrictions

Since this is your wife’s work computer, it is possible that the IT department may have restricted access to MSN or even disabled the webcam. Because of this possibility, your wife may want to read up on the company’s computer usage policy to make sure that this isn’t by design. If there are no restrictions, then let’s look at other possibilities.

MSN Messenger Settings

Assuming your wife’s MSN Messenger is set up with a list of contacts, the first thing to do is look at your wife’s MSN Messenger’s settings. Launch MSN Messenger and then click the “Change Contact Layout List Layout icon. It’s the second icon next to the “Search Contacts” bar. This opens the Options screen. Once the Options screen is opened, you can change a variety of settings including alerts and nudges. First, click on Personal and make sure that “Allow others to see that I have a webcam” is marked.

Next, click on Alerts. Make sure that the option for “Display alerts when contacts come online” is marked. Once that’s selected, click on Sounds and choose a sound for “nudge” that will get your wife’s attention.

Now, click on Privacy and add yourself to the list of allowed contacts. If the box that says “Only people in my Allow List can see my status and send me messages” is marked, then you must be listed in this area or else you will automatically be blocked and your wife will never know that you are trying to contact her.

Finally, close this options box and then click on the next icon which is the “Show Menu” icon. Click Tools > Audio and Video setup. Here, you will set up the webcam. The first screen tests the speaker and microphone settings. Go ahead and click Next to open the webcam. You should see the default webcam’s image on screen. If not, click the dropdown box to find the laptop’s webcam. Click Finish once it’s set up.

Webcam Troubleshooting

Most likely, one of the above settings will do the trick and allow you and your wife to communicate via MSN and your webcams. If you think the webcam is not functioning, you may need to check it out in the Device Manager. Go to the Control Panel, click on System followed by Device Manager. Go to the Imaging Devices category and expand it. Double-click the webcam and see if any error messages show up. If you want to try updating its device driver, click the Driver tab followed by Update Driver. Follow the prompts.

Perfect for use with mobile phones, eBuddy is an online messenger that can be used with AIM, MSN, Yahoo, Facebook, MySpace, ICQ, and Gtalk. Unfortunately, errors sometimes crop up when updated versions come out, the home server has issues, and other random problems occur. The fact that it is messenger-specific error suggests that it is a problem related to the software used for Yahoo.

Failed eBuddy Login on Yahoo: Username

The first strategy to follow here is to make sure that the login that you are using is accurate. An inaccurate username for the login is the most common reason for errors showing that the messenger has failed to connect. In fact, it is an easy error to make since the different messengers have semi-different guidelines for usernames.

When signing in on eBuddy for Yahoo, you need to login using your Yahoo! email address information. Make sure that you include the portion of the email address that follows @ or the login will not work. Also, type in the complete address rather than relying on saved login usernames.

Failed eBuddy Login on Yahoo: Password

Even though you might remember your password for logging in on Yahoo, you can double check that you have the correct password by selecting the “Forgot my Password” link. Once you have gone through this process, try logging in again.

Failed eBuddy Login on Yahoo: Newest Version

Reading the chatter on the net, it appears that the latest version of the eBuddy app created a few problems for many people. The general consensus was that rolling back to the earlier version would solve the problem. It’s an option - not the best one, I agree, but it should work around the problem.

Failed eBuddy Login on Yahoo: Update Operating System

Occasionally, operating systems incorporate updates that change their protocols, interfering with previous set up such as Yahoo! Messenger. Make sure that you have the latest update for your operating system since that could be the fix that you need. One other strategy that you can try is to remove the “Acer Communication” suite patch by searching for it under “Live update>history” and locating it to uninstall it. If you can then log in to Yahoo, then you’ll know that the problem is with Microsoft and time should resolve the issue.

Failed eBuddy Login on Yahoo: Yahoo Servers

Occasionally, Yahoo! updates its servers and connectivity issues such as the one you are describing occur. I understand that a Yahoo has recently upgraded their servers and might still be doing so. If this is the case, then this is the reason why you are receiving the error message. It is possible that a patch for this problem might be needed or simply the passage of time for all of the upgrades to take effect. My suggestion is to keep trying to connect.

Why Retrieve Old Yahoo Text Chat?

In some instances, people wish that they could recover an old Yahoo Chat text. Perhaps they want to review the information it offered. Or maybe they enjoyed a joke or humorous comment that it contained. For whatever reason, sometimes it is nice to be able to recover an old Yahoo text chat.

How to Retrieve an Old Yahoo Text Chat: dexrex

Although I have not used dexrex and I cannot vouch for its usefulness, I did come across it on the Internet. This application is designed to retrieve old chat texts from your old instant messenger conversations. They have a motto or tagline that states that they will save one message at a time. It is supposed to work with a whole slew of instant messenger services including AIM, Skype, Jabber, Google Talk, and Windows Live. If you opt for this route, you will need to sign in using your Yahoo! ID as well as your personal password. You’ll also have to download and install a file that will do the work of retrieving your old Yahoo text chats. It’s a painless process and you get all the instructions you need. It can’t hurt to try. This application allows you to store your old chats in a dexrex account, but to do so, you need to have Java installed on your computer.

How to Retrieve an Old Yahoo Text Chat: Settings

If you are lucky, your settings have already been configured to save message archives. If not, at least you can enable it to save your text chats in the future. To do so, follow these simple steps:

• Open up Yahoo Messenger.
• Select “Preferences.”
• Select “Archives.”
• Select the settings according to your needs. For example, select “Yes” to save all messages and/or “Yes” to save all call history.
• Select “OK.”

To read your message history once you have enabled it to be saved, just follow these directions each time that you want to read or review them:

• Open up Yahoo Messenger.
• Select “Contacts.”
• Select “Message Archive.”
• Select “Message.”

Windows Live Messenger, an instant messaging service, is a popular application used by a large number of people. Occasionally, problems, including sign in failures, with Windows Live Messenger occur. Perhaps the password isn’t recognized or the software is in need of an update. Since it is possible to reset your password, you should be able to fix the problem easily enough. Sometimes, sign in errors are as simple as typing the password incorrectly. Read through the strategies listed here for help in retrieving your password, resetting the password, or cleaning up. It is also possible that Windows Live Messenger has been hacked into.

Windows Live Messenger Password Problems: Tips

Although this is a long shot, try clearing out your temporary cache, stored passwords, history, cookies, and other temporary files on your browser. If an incorrect password is stuck in the computer’s memory, this is your best chance to clear it out. Navigate to the tools section of your browser to clear the temporary cache, stored passwords, and other temporary files.

Windows Live Messenger: Windows Live ID Validation Form

It is relatively simple to reset your password using the Windows Live ID Validation Form. You’ll need the secret answer that you set up when creating the account. Use this link to access the page that you need: Windows Live ID Validation Form.

Windows Live Messenger: Retrieve Password

Quite a few programs are available that are designed to allow you to retrieve your Windows Live Messenger ID. I haven’t used them, so I cannot vouch for them. If you are interested, visit this link for a review of several of them: Password Recovery Software.

Windows Live Messenger: Reset Password

If you believe that the reason why your password isn’t working is because someone has hacked into your account, you should change the password as soon as possible. Just follow this link to access the page that you need: Account Live. Even if the password isn’t working on the login page, it is possible that it will work here so it is worth a try.

Windows Live Messenger Password Problems: Spyware

It is possible that your computer has become infected with spyware or some other form of malware. Therefore, you should run a scan with a reliable, up-to-date anti-spyware/anti-virus application such as Anti-Virus PLUS. Use caution in the future when browsing the Internet and scan your computer on a regular basis. Viruses and malware are more likely if you use instant messaging frequently or download any attachments that were sent through it.

Flawed or Corrupt Installations

It’s possible that you have a corrupt or flawed download that is conflicting with MSN and not allowing you access to your email account or that there is a conflict between different installations of the same software. A great place to start is by cleaning your computer of all your old MSN installations and then you can reinstall clean applications. You can use Windows Add/Remove to delete the programs and then use the Windows Uninstaller to make sure everything is gone.

Disable and Remove Windows Messenger Programs

It’s possible that you have different programs installed with similar names. There are three different programs/applications that you should either uninstall or deactivate.

To remove Windows Messenger:

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Add/Remove Programs
3. Select Add/Remove Windows Components
4. Scroll to the bottom and uncheck Windows Messenger
5. Click OK, and OK again to exit
6. Allow Windows Setup to run and complete the un-installation

Now you can remove MSN Messenger and Windows Live Messenger

1. Click Start, then Control Panel
2. Choose Add/Remove Programs
3. Scroll to find and select:
   1. MSN Messenger
   2. Windows Live Essentials - the listing for Live Messenger
4. Click Remove
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the un-installation

There is another feature called Windows Messenger Service that can be safely disabled, but probably isn’t part of your problem:

1. Right click My Computer and choose Manage
2. Click the + to open the Services and Applications section
3. Choose Services
4. Find and double click Messenger
5. A dialog box will open, beside Startup Type, choose Disable
6. Click Stop, then OK and OK again to exit

Download and Run Windows Cleanup Uninstaller

Follow this link and download and install the Windows Cleanup Uninstaller. This tool will make sure that all traces of your installations are gone. If you aren’t prompted to, reboot your computer to allow all these changes to take effect.

Run Windows Updates and Reinstall Windows Live Messenger

Now, before you reinstall Windows Live Messenger, open your web browser, like Internet Explorer and go to Windows Updates. Run the updater and make sure that your operating system is up to date for optimal performance. Once your system is ready, go to MSN and try to sign in to your Windows Live Mail account. Once you’re sure this problem is resolved, you should have the green light to download and install a new version of Windows Live Messenger. Good luck!!

For those who don’t use MSN, there is a feature that displays the songs you are listening to on your Windows Media Player. Apparently, it is pretty easy to turn this feature off accidentally, so I’m going to give you some step-by-step suggestions that should get you back up and running depending on the version that you are using. If you don’t have it, you need to go to the Microsoft website and download the latest version of Windows Media Player.

Enable the Features

First, check to see that this feature has been enabled. Go to the Windows Media Player and open it. Click on Tools and then on Options. Go to the Plug Ins tab. Look under the Backgrounds category and see if the MSN Messenger Music Plug In is checked.

Now get into Messenger. Click on Tools and then Options. Choose the General Category option. Make sure that “Open Messenger main window when Messenger starts” is selected.

Windows Live Messenger

You can also make this feature work in Windows Live Messenger and Windows Media Player. It will display a song or artist as a Personal Message, but both Windows Live Messenger and Windows Media player must be configured correctly in order to work properly. You also need Windows Media Player version 9 or above and be using the Windows 2000 operating system or later.

In Windows Live Messenger, go to the down arrow of the personal message box and click on “Show what I’m listening to”. You can also go to Tools and then Options. Choose the Personal Option on the left pane. Make sure “Show song information from Windows Media Player as a personal message” is checked. Now go to Windows Media Player. Press Alt+T to bring up Tools. Go to the Plug Ins sub menu and make sure there is a check mark by the Windows Live Messenger Music Plug In.

Hopefully, this information will get your information out there. If you need any more help, please let us know.

One of the suggested solutions should fix this problem for you. Read through and try the ones that you haven’t yet used. Reboot your computer after each potential fix.

Windows Live Messenger Updates

Missing updates is often one of the reasons behind problems with instant messaging. Have you turned your update feature on to “automatic?” If not, do you visit the website in search of updates on a regular basis? If the answer to both of these questions is no, then visit the website and install any current updates that are available. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue for you.

Windows Live Messenger and Browser Updates

The next step is to update your Web browser. While some of the changes that are made might not affect your use of the instant messaging feature, it is possible that the latest change has made a difference.

Windows Live Messenger and Security Settings

It’s important to check the security settings on your Web browser whenever an update takes place. Occasionally these settings will change once an update is installed. Adjust these settings if they have been reset to a restrictive or high level.

Windows Live Messenger and Stored Internet Cache

Computer systems and Web browsing tend to become quirky at times. When this happens, it is best to clear the Internet cache, cookies, history, etc and start from scratch. You’ll need to enter the “Tools” area of your browser to do so. This step varies depending on the browser that you are using. For example, if you have Internet Explorer 7.0, go to Tools > Internet Options and click the Delete button under the Browsing History section.

Windows Live Messenger and Spyware

Spyware is notorious for upsetting the functioning of any number of applications on a computer including instant messengers. In fact, version 8.1 of Windows Live Messenger is noted for having security vulnerabilities. If that is the version you are using and if you have accepted webcam or video chats, it is even more likely that your instant messenger might be infected. If you have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, use it to scan your computer for problems. If you haven’t updated this application for a while, you might want to do so before running it. If you don’t already have an application, Anti-Virus-PLUS is an excellent program.

Verify Windows Live ID Validation Form

Take the time to verify your Windows Live ID. It only takes a few moments and if it does the trick, it will be well worth it.

Change Windows Live Messenger Password

Problems with instant messaging through Windows Live Messenger have also been resolved simply by changing the password. If none of the above solutions have worked for you, try changing your password, reboot, and see if that works.