My recently formatted computer refuses to like the newest version of WLMessenger.

BTP

So, I've done a reformat of my computer, got all the updates and necessary stuff that keeps telling me to restart the computer so it can install. The last thing I needed to get my computer roughly back to the way it was would be Messenger. So off I go and I downloaded the newest version of Windows Live Messenger. Everything seems to be going fine upon signing in.....until about 2 or 3 minutes later when it locks up and the CPU goes to 100%. This happens three times in total, all of them while talking to a buddy of mine and typing mid-sentence.

Finding this completely unacceptable, I uninstall it and go to install an older version I have on a disc. Everything went smoothly with that until it says that I must install the newer version in order to sign in.

I know I can just use the web version of through msn.com, but we all know it's just not quite the same.

So, what are my alternatives out there that won't lock up my computer? I've used Messenger all this time without a problem until now, so I have no idea what else there is. Just as long as I can keep my current contact list and has roughly the same features, I'd be happy. Hopefully that's not an unreasonable request.

elliotw2

Pidgin?

ronya

Might be easier to find out what's going wrong with Messenger. It really isn't the best-written of software, and it involves a lot of hardware like webcam/microphone/etc., so a lot can go wrong...

You reformatted your computer. Did you reinstall webcam drivers?

BTP

ronya wrote: »

Might be easier to find out what's going wrong with Messenger. It really isn't the best-written of software, and it involves a lot of hardware like webcam/microphone/etc., so a lot can go wrong...

You reformatted your computer. Did you reinstall webcam drivers?

No, not yet. Although on the previous format with the older Messenger, I didn't install my webcam then either (because I didn't have much need at that point), and it was running fine.

The only non-essentials I've put on my computer so far are a few freeware shmups, a simple USB controller for them, a Logitech USB microphone that I otherwise use for Guitar Hero Metallica (that I would love to just put on a mic stand and use for voice chat from anywhere in my room), and the Nintendo Wi-Fi USB Connector.

ronya

Hm. It's possible that Windows Update fed your previous installation a camera driver when you weren't looking, perhaps.

Regardless... try installing said drivers. Also the updates for journal handwriting, which don't come by default on XP (which WLM tries to use). Then uninstall and reinstall WLM and see what happens.

BTP

Hey all. Quick update.

Through sheer luck, my dad has been trying to use messenger with his computer and needed my help at some point (though it wasn't anything like what I was going through). When I noticed that he was logged in and clearly not using the newest version, I asked him what the version number was. (8.5 or something.) After some searching online for the installer of the exact version and a download later, I'm good to go and happily ready for any instant messaging.

It turns out the reason my "older version" of Messenger wasn't working is because it really was way too damn old. It was version 6.something.

FWIW, I didn't install the webcam I have yet. Maybe that'll be tomorrow. But I was able to test my USB microphone I use for GH: Metallica and it works perfectly for audio messaging.

Now I just have to hope Microsoft won't kill this version of Messenger anytime soon. :P