MSN Messenger is an instant messaging program that lets you:
Add friends, family members, and coworkers to a contact list.
See who is online.
Send an instant message.
Call a phone almost anywhere in the world for a very low rate.
Call a contact's computer and talk for free.
Send pictures, music or documents.
Send instant messages to a pager.
Have an instant message conversation with a group of friends.
Invite someone to play a game.
Get notified of new e-mail at MSN HotmailŪ.
Here are some things to keep in mind:
Only Windows Messenger can connect to the Communications Service and Exchange Instant Messaging, which are only used in corporations.
Some programs, such as Outlook, Outlook Express, and Remote Assistance, connect to Windows Messenger by default. When you are signed in to MSN Messenger, you may appear offline to people who connect to these programs and have you listed as a contact.
MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger can run at the same time, but only one will start automatically. You can start the other program from your list of programs (in Windows, click the Start button, point to All Programs, and then click the program you want to start).
In most cases, MSN Messenger will start automatically whenever you start Windows, unless you turn off this setting in your Messenger options. However, if you have set up Windows Messenger for corporate instant messaging and to start automatically when you start Windows, then it will continue in this manner and MSN Messenger will not start automatically.
You can be signed in to both MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger at the same time, but not with the same .NET Passport account. For instance, you can sign in to MSN Messenger with your Passport and then sign in to Windows Messenger with a different Passport account or with your corporate instant messaging account.
When both programs are running, you will see icons for each in your Windows taskbar (near your computer's clock). You can tell them apart by pointing to them with your mouse. When you point to an icon, a message appears telling you which program it is.
If you are signed in to one Messenger program with your Passport and then sign in to the other one using the same account, you will be automatically signed out of the first program.
To uninstall MSN Messenger:
Click the MSN Messenger icon in the taskbar, and then click Exit.
Click the Windows Start button, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
Double-click the Add/Remove Programs icon.
Select MSN Messenger from the list and click the Add/Remove button.
How do I add contacts to my list in MSN Messenger?You can add a person if you know their e-mail address. If you do not know the person's e-mail address, you can search them by name in the MSN Directory. To do this:
In the main Messenger window, click Contacts, point to Search for a Contact, and then click Advanced Search. Fill out the search form, and then click Search.
If you cannot find the person in the MSN Directory, he or she might not have a Microsoft .NET Passport e-mail address. Each of your MSN Messenger contacts must have a Passport-enabled e-mail address and MSN Messenger (or Windows Messenger) installed in order for you to exchange instant messages. If the person doesn't have a Passport-enabled e-mail account or MSN Messenger yet, you can authorize .NET Messenger Service to send them an e-mail message that tells them exactly what to do to get set up. To do this:
In the main Messenger window, click Contacts, and then click Add a Contact. Follow the instructions in the Add a Contact wizard.
What can I do if I am having problems talking to my contacts via either PC-to-PC or PC-to-Phone?Most voice problems within Messenger are related to firewall or network settings.
FirewallsYou can use the Voice features of MSN Messenger if you are behind a Universal Plug and Play (or UPnP) firewall or are using Universal Plug and Play (or UPnP) Network Address Translation (NAT) with your home PC. An example of an UPnP firewall\NAT is Windows XP ICS (Internet Connection Sharing).
If you have a personal firewall installed on your PC, please:
Verify with the manufacturer of your PC that the firewall is UPnP compliant.
Try disabling your firewall and making a PC-to-PC/PC-to-Phone call. If you are able to complete your call successfully with your firewall disabled, it is likely that your firewall is not UPnP compliant.
Check with the manufacturer of your firewall to see if a UPnP version is available. If it is not, you will be unable to access the PC-to-PC/ PC-to-Phone voice features with your current firewall.
One exception to the UPnP firewall requirement is for users behind an ISA Firewall Server. This is a corporate class firewall and you should either consult your corporate Helpdesk or consult your ISA Firewall Server documentation for more information.
If you have any questions on whether you are behind a firewall or what type of firewall it is, please contact your ISP or corporate Helpdesk.
Network Address Translation (NAT)
MSN Messenger PC-Phone features should work behind most Network Address Translation (NAT) devices or software. There is, however, a chance that certain implementations of the NAT standard by some manufactures could be broken.
To ensure the best results when using NAT, make sure you have the latest version of both the firmware and software. These should be available from your NAT manufacturer's Web site. For more information on updating your device or software, please refer to the documentation that came with your NAT.
Other problems not related to firewalls or NATIssues with your firewall or NAT are the most common reasons why the PC-to-PC/PC-to-Phone features do not work. Even if you are not aware of a firewall or NAT on your computer, it is possible that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is using one. Please contact your ISP to verify this.
You need to have a full duplex soundcard for full PC-to-PC and PC-to-Phone functionality.
What is a voice service provider?A voice service provider is the company that you pay to provide your Internet phone service in MSN Messenger. You can put money on an account with them and in return, they will provide you with low-rate, long-distance service on the calls you make from MSN Messenger.
In many places in the world, you can choose from several service providers, but you can only have an account with one. Your chosen voice service provider is responsible for the quality of the phone calls you make from your computer. When voice quality is diminished, heavy Internet traffic is usually the main cause. If you have a problem with voice quality, see the topic "How do I fix bad sound quality?" for more information.
How do I set up an account?First, you need to choose a voice service provider. You can do that by selecting Actions | Make a Phone Call and clicking Get Started Here! in the Phone window in MSN Messenger. Once you decide, click the voice service provider you have chosen; at the provider's site, you can sign up for their service.
