Why can't I communicate using advanced features?

Windows Messenger .NET

Here are some things you can try:

Do a quick sound check with the Audio and Video Tuning Wizard. If you haven't done this before, run this wizard now to verify that your camera, speakers, and microphone are working properly. From the Tools menu, click Audio Tuning Wizard and step through the screens.

Make sure your equipment is set up for voice and video conversation. An important part of using advanced Windows Messenger features is the hardware you use to connect to the Internet. To learn more about this, read the article, "Which Equipment Gives You the Best Windows Messenger Experience?" (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/windowsmessenger/equipment.asp)

Make sure Windows Firewall lets Windows Messenger through. Windows Messenger needs to have permission to connect to the Internet to use features such as audio or video conversation, file transfer, and application sharing. These permissions are made in the Exceptions list in Windows Firewall. When you add Windows Messenger to the Exceptions list, you give Windows Messenger permission to connect to the Internet without prompting you each time.

You must be logged on as an administrator or a member of the Administrators group in order make changes to the Exceptions list. If your computer is connected to a network, network policy settings might also prevent you from completing this procedure.

Click Start, click Control Panel, click Security Center, and then click Windows Firewall.
Click the Exceptions tab.
Click Add Program, click Windows Messenger, and then click OK.

Note

For more information, search for Windows Firewall in Windows Help and Support Center.