Resources

There are a few strategies that you can try to correct this situation. Complete one at a time until you resolve the problem. If this only happens once in a while, it could be a problem with the Internet connection. If it happens all of the time, then try these suggestions.

 Troubleshooting Connecting to MSN Messenger: Clear Stored Internet Data

One of the easiest methods for resolving problems with websites is to clear the Internet cache, history, cookies, etc. While this does not work all of the time, it is great when it does. How you go about it varies according to your web browser. Typically, you can navigate to the “Tools” section of your browser and search there to clear your private data including Internet cache, history, cookies, and passwords.

Troubleshooting Connecting to MSN Messenger: Verify Your Log in

Even if you think this next step isn’t going to help, it doesn’t take that long to complete. Visit the website for MSN and access your password so that you can make sure that you are using the correct one. You should use the Windows Live ID Validation Form to do so.

Troubleshooting Connecting to MSN Messenger: Update Your Web Browser

It is vital in this time of fast-changing technology to constantly check for updates not only for your operating system, but also for your web browser. Visit the website for whatever browser you are using and check to see if any current updates exist. Download them if you haven’t already done so. While you are at it, you can also check for updates for your operating system.

Troubleshooting Connecting to MSN Messenger: Check the Security Settings

It’s important to note that whenever you update your operating system, applications, or web browsers, you might need to change some of your settings as they might have changed during the update. Take the time to browse through your settings and make sure that you don’t have your security level set too high since this is one of the more common changes.

Troubleshooting Connecting to MSN Messenger: Scan for Viruses and Spyware

If your computer is infected with a virus or spyware, it could explain the problem connecting to MSN. Scan your computer with a reliable anti-spyware/anti-virus application. If you don’t have one, I can suggest Anti-Virus PLUS. If you do have one, update it first so that it is current.

Can you get a MSN conversation on your computer which belongs to someone else or do they have to actually use your computer to have this logged on there?

Basically, no. Unless that user is logged onto a particular computer, you can’t see their conversations on that computer. There is no option through MSN to basically “snoop” on other people’s accounts and see what they are talking about with other people on a different computer. If you have your computer set correctly, MSN will save a history of conversations that take place on that computer using that user’s password.

MSN Message History

Most people view MSN conversations like those you would have in real-time. They chat about something and then just expect that it will be tossed away when the conversation is done. You can save your MSN conversations, but the option has to be turned on before the conversation starts - you can’t save historical conversations after the fact. If you do want your computer to save your conversations, get into MSN and find the Tools tab. Go to Options and then the Messages tab. At the bottom there is a Message History - select that. Your conversations will be recorded in the directory that is listing in the box - they usually save as one file per person that you’ve been messengering with. These files will end in XML, but your computer should be able to read them.

I said above that there is no way to view the history of other people’s conversations, but that was not technically true. There is software out there on the Internet that will allow you to look at other people’s MSN and Yahoo conversations as long as they are on the same LAN network. Personally, I really hate the thought of snooping on what other people assume are private thoughts, so I’m not going to link to any of that software in this article.

MSN keeps things in their conversations as private as they can. If you have concerns about a loved one’s or friend’s conversations, perhaps confronting them directly is a better idea in any case. Remember, if MSN made it easy for you to see other people’s chats, it would be just as easy for them to see yours.

I tried to download the latest MSN Messenger but failed. So I completed “System restore.” I am back to original MSN Messenger, but when signed in it does not show any of my contacts. How to restore this?

This is going to be one of those problems that might take a bit of playing around to get the right solution for it. Simply follow each of the suggestions until you get the correct one.

Retrieving MSN Messenger Contacts through Windows Live Messenger

MSN Messenger is a popular application that facilitates communication via the Internet. Since MSN Messenger is actually an older version of Windows Live Messenger, you might be able to access your missing contacts by following this set of directions if you also have a Windows Live Messenger account.

1)      Log into Windows Live Messenger

2)      Navigate to “File.”

3)      Select “Save contact list.”

4)      Name the file something like “MSN contacts” and save it to your desktop.

5)      Open your MSN Messenger and attempt to import the file by selecting “Contacts” and then “Import instant messaging contacts.”

Retrieving MSN Messenger Contacts through Windows Messenger

If you have a Windows Messenger account, follow these steps to retrieve your contact list.

1)      Log into Windows Messenger

2)      Navigate to “File.”

3)      Select “Save contact list.”

4)      Name the file something like “MSN contacts” and save it to your desktop.

5)      Open your MSN Messenger and attempt to import the file by selecting “Contacts” and then “Import instant messaging contacts.”

Retrieving MSN Messenger Contacts through Tools

Open your MSN Messenger account and log in. Navigate to the top menu and select “Tools.” Select “Options.” Now, select the “Network” tab. Select “MSN.” Select “Server list.” Your contacts should be listed there. If they are, then you can add them to your contact list using the stars next to the names

How to Add Non Instant Messaging Contacts through MSN Mail

This next strategy will take time, but it is an option that is open to you. In order to add your non-instant messaging contacts through your mail, follow these steps:

1)      Go to your list of “mail” contacts.

2)      Select the “contact.”

3)      Click on “edit.”

4)      Select “use with Windows MSN Messenger.”

On Yahoo, one of my contacts only get kicked off when he is talking to me and besides that there are times when my webcam works and his doesn’t? He is my only contact on Yahoo as I use MSN for other contacts and never had that problem there. Any ideas?

Update the Version of Yahoo

If the two of you are using different versions of Yahoo that could account for the problems that you are experiencing. Talk to the other person and find out whether you are both using the latest version of the application. If one of you (or both of you) have not updated to the latest available version, do so now and the problem should be resolved.

Clear the Temporary Cache on Internet Explorer

It is quite likely that this problem will resolve itself once you clear out the Internet or browser cache and history. Follow these steps:

1)      Open up “Internet Explorer.”

2)      Select “Tool” from the top.

3)      Select “Internet Options” from the list.

4)      Click the “General Tab” from the top.

5)      Select “Temporary Internet Files” by checking off the box.

6)      Select “Delete Cookies” by checking off the box.

7)      Select “Delete Files” by checking off the box.

8)      Select “ok.”

Yahoo and Webcam

Lots of different reasons can account for problems with webcams. Even if you have no problem issues mentioned here, you need to check with your contact to see if he does. This service requires the user to provide a birth date that indicates that the user is over the age of 13 at the time of registration. This information can easily be entered incorrectly, so you might want to check it anyway.

Any individuals that you attempt to contact must be included on your Messenger list. If not, then their webcam will not work.

Your camera might not be compatible with this Messenger service. Please check this link for a list of compatible cameras: Help Yahoo Webcam.

Additionally, it is possible that the camera might be malfunctioning at the time. Make sure that the settings for “Camera Source” have been set up properly in Messenger.

Reinstall Yahoo Messenger

It is possible that your version of Yahoo! Messenger has somehow become corrupted. The only step to take here is to reinstall it.

Today, we had two similar questions concerning Windows Live Messenger and MSN not working and will address them together.

Question 1: Over the past few days my Windows Live Messenger hasn’t been working. I have been signing on fine and it says that I am online but all my contacts see me as offline, apart from a few who see me as online, I’ve uninstalled WLM a few times and it still doesn’t work, also my friend tried her account on my computer and it worked perfectly fine. Help?

Troubleshooting Windows Live Messenger

Known WLM Error

This is a problem that has been occurring recently to several Windows Live Messenger users, with no published address or solution from Microsoft so far. Like you, others have been unsuccessful when uninstalling and reinstalling the program, but have found a way around the issue. Unfortunately, it involves a bit of effort. I can’t guarantee that this fix will work, but it has worked for others so it is probably worth a try.

Delete and Re-Add your Contacts

First of all, with your contacts list saved in your hotmail account, delete all of your contacts from your Windows Live Messenger account.

Delete Cookies

Next, delete your cookies.

• In Internet Explorer, click Tools, then Internet Options
• When the Internet Options window opens, find and select Delete Cookies under the General tab
• Click OK

Delete Temporary Internet Files

You should also remove your temporary Internet files in case there is a corrupt file interfering with Messenger. To delete your Internet files:

• Close any open windows and quit Internet Explorer and Windows
• Click the Start button and then click twice on Internet Options
• Click the General tab, then click Delete Files from the Temporary Internet Files tab
• A Delete Files dialog box will open, choose Delete All Offline Content by checking the box
• Click OK, then OK again

Once you’ve made these changes you should restart your computer to allow the new configuration to take effect.

Re-import your WLM Contacts

Now, open Windows Live Messenger and re-import your contacts list. Your contacts will all receive notices to re-add you, but then you should be working again.

Question 2: My MSN won’t work. A code comes up saying “pyagcore.search,searchdetecti” then in middle of box says NULL. I have tried to uninstall the program but it still doesn’t work.

Run Complete Virus Scans to Get Rid of the PYAGCOR/Kiwee Toolbar Virus

Actually, the pyagcor.search message that you are getting is related to a malware program called kiwee, not to MSN. You need run updated virus scans right away. First, update your software by visiting the manufacturers’ websites and looking for any new releases, then run the scans. Take the scans’ recommended advice to treat the infected files and then run the scans until they come back clean. In the future, make sure to keep your antivirus, spyware and adware security software up to date with definitions and upgrades.

Hi. I am just wondering if I don’t want to use Yahoo Messenger but would like to go on Java Chat, can I do that? If so, how? Thanks.

Lots of Java Chat Rooms are available including Free Teen Chat for 13 to 19 year olds, Singles Chat Rooms, Adults Chat Rooms, Meet Sexy Local Singles Chat Rooms, and more. If I am correct, you are asking how you can go on Java Chats offered by Yahoo Messenger but through a different avenue. This is possible to do and you have a few different options to use.

About Java Chat Rooms

Although Java Chat Rooms are found through the Yahoo and MSN networks, it isn’t necessary to go through Yahoo Messenger to access them. Quite a number of alternative chat clients are available including Pidgin and Miranda IM.

How to Access Java Chat Rooms: Pidgin

In order to enter and participate in the Java Chat Rooms in Pidgin, you need to sign up and set up an account for yourself. This is actually a lot simpler than it sounds.

Once you set up an account in Pidgin, you can set it up so that you can access your accounts in Yahoo. To download Pidgin, visit this link: Pidgin. Follow these steps:

• Open your Pidgin account and click on the tab for “Accounts” that is located at the top.
• In the drop down menu that appears, select “Manage.”
• In the dialog box that is generated, click on the tab labeled “Add.” You’ll find it at the bottom on the left-hand side of the page.
• In the dialog box that is generated, click on the arrow for the drop down menu next to “Protocol.”
• Select “Yahoo.”
• Type in the username and password that you use. You can also include an alias, use a buddy icon, or select to receive email notifications.

How to Access Java Chat Rooms: Miranda IM

In order to enter and participate in the Java Chat Rooms in Miranda IM, you need to sign up and set up an account for yourself. To download Miranda IM, visit this link: Miranda IM. To access a tutorial on how to set up and use Miranda IM, visit this link: Miranda IM Quick Start.