HELP: Messenger hangs about 15 seconds after launch everytime

I've been using Windows Live Messenger for a month with no issue on this new
laptop. (build 8.1.0178.00). 24 hours ago, it's started hanging every time
about 15-30 seconds after launch. I can login, see my contacts and usually
get one or two lines off to them before it hard hangs (even in mid sentence)
and I have to Kill the process to abort.

WHAT I DID: The only thing I did before this started was a plugged in a
Intell USB III webcam (about 5 yrs old) which I'd used fine on my previous
PC. It also works fine in other apps. When I plugged it in, It went through
the audio-video setup wizard once and hung at the end. It's hung 30 seconds
after launch every time since.

STEPS TO FIX (failed).
1. Unplugged webcam before launch messenger - still hangs
2. Uninstalled (rebooted), then reinstalled - still hangs
3. Re-ran the audio-video wizard and tried a few different settings for
record/playback.

SO... my question is, what is happening, about 15-30 seconds after launch
causing a hang every single time!? The window becomes frozen (and won't
repaint). I Kill the process to escape.

Thanks,
Brandon

Greetings,

Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to see if
that corrects it.

Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router (more on
this later).

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
--

"Brandon M" <Brandon > wrote in message
news:47698CBF-5AC4-448C-8741-...
> I've been using Windows Live Messenger for a month with no issue on this new
> laptop. (build 8.1.0178.00). 24 hours ago, it's started hanging every time
> about 15-30 seconds after launch. I can login, see my contacts and usually
> get one or two lines off to them before it hard hangs (even in mid sentence)
> and I have to Kill the process to abort.
>
> WHAT I DID: The only thing I did before this started was a plugged in a
> Intell USB III webcam (about 5 yrs old) which I'd used fine on my previous
> PC. It also works fine in other apps. When I plugged it in, It went through
> the audio-video setup wizard once and hung at the end. It's hung 30 seconds
> after launch every time since.
>
> STEPS TO FIX (failed).
> 1. Unplugged webcam before launch messenger - still hangs
> 2. Uninstalled (rebooted), then reinstalled - still hangs
> 3. Re-ran the audio-video wizard and tried a few different settings for
> record/playback.
>
> SO... my question is, what is happening, about 15-30 seconds after launch
> causing a hang every single time!? The window becomes frozen (and won't
> repaint). I Kill the process to escape.
>
> Thanks,
> Brandon
>

I'll investigate system restore tonight, but in the meantime:
1. Windows XP, Media Center Edition, SP2 (do you need more than that?)
2. Yes, router used is, Linksys W11s4 vers. 3 (80211b wireless router)

Brandon


"Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:

> Greetings,
>
> Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to see if
> that corrects it.
>
> Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router (more on
> this later).
>
>

Finally had some time to do that system restore tonight. Unfortunately, its
expired, and I can only go back to yesterday, so that option is out.

Hang is still happening... 100% of the time. I should mention I have
Messenger PLUS installed too (though that's never caused any issues before -
even with this exact version of it installed)

brandon



"Brandon M" wrote:

> I'll investigate system restore tonight, but in the meantime:
> 1. Windows XP, Media Center Edition, SP2 (do you need more than that?)
> 2. Yes, router used is, Linksys W11s4 vers. 3 (80211b wireless router)
>
> Brandon
>
>
> "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:
>
> > Greetings,
> >
> > Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to see if
> > that corrects it.
> >
> > Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router (more on
> > this later).
> >
> >

Hi,

That's a shame. Given that older model number, I assume you've not updated the firmware on
that W11S4 recently or anything. Some routers can hang Messenger with bad UPnP
implementations.

Your only real option is try removing the Messenger client cache.

Firstly, click Start, then Run and type the following:
%userprofile%\Contacts
and click OK. Now right-click the Passport/Windows Live ID corresponding to what account
you're trying to sign in on and choose Delete. This is a cache, you won't lose anything by
doing this.

Next, click Start again, Run again, and type the following:
%userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft
Now right-click the Messenger folder, choose Rename, and call it something like Messenger_.
Assuming this works you can go into this folder and move your emoticons, winks, et al over
when you're done.

Now try signing into Messenger again.

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
--



"Brandon M" <> wrote in message
news:5550A636-6FAD-4F8B-AF7A-...
> Finally had some time to do that system restore tonight. Unfortunately, its
> expired, and I can only go back to yesterday, so that option is out.
>
> Hang is still happening... 100% of the time. I should mention I have
> Messenger PLUS installed too (though that's never caused any issues before -
> even with this exact version of it installed)
>
> brandon
>
>
>
> "Brandon M" wrote:
>
>> I'll investigate system restore tonight, but in the meantime:
>> 1. Windows XP, Media Center Edition, SP2 (do you need more than that?)
>> 2. Yes, router used is, Linksys W11s4 vers. 3 (80211b wireless router)
>>
>> Brandon
>>
>>
>> "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:
>>
>> > Greetings,
>> >
>> > Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to see
>> > if
>> > that corrects it.
>> >
>> > Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router (more
>> > on
>> > this later).
>> >
>> >

I actually DID have the firmware updated. I suspect that wasn't the issue
anyway, cause as I stated, this worked fine a week ago.

I did your second step deleting the cache and the application data and... IT
WORKED! Oh yay! how happy I am.

I'll try and hook up the webcam tomorrow, but for now, you fixed the issue.
You rock.

Brandon


"Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:

> Hi,
>
> That's a shame. Given that older model number, I assume you've not updated the firmware on
> that W11S4 recently or anything. Some routers can hang Messenger with bad UPnP
> implementations.
>
> Your only real option is try removing the Messenger client cache.
>
> Firstly, click Start, then Run and type the following:
> %userprofile%\Contacts
> and click OK. Now right-click the Passport/Windows Live ID corresponding to what account
> you're trying to sign in on and choose Delete. This is a cache, you won't lose anything by
> doing this.
>
> Next, click Start again, Run again, and type the following:
> %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft
> Now right-click the Messenger folder, choose Rename, and call it something like Messenger_.
> Assuming this works you can go into this folder and move your emoticons, winks, et al over
> when you're done.
>
> Now try signing into Messenger again.
>
> --
> Jonathan Kay
> Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
> Associate Expert
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
> Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
> All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
> You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
> --
>
>
>
> "Brandon M" <> wrote in message
> news:5550A636-6FAD-4F8B-AF7A-...
> > Finally had some time to do that system restore tonight. Unfortunately, its
> > expired, and I can only go back to yesterday, so that option is out.
> >
> > Hang is still happening... 100% of the time. I should mention I have
> > Messenger PLUS installed too (though that's never caused any issues before -
> > even with this exact version of it installed)
> >
> > brandon
> >
> >
> >
> > "Brandon M" wrote:
> >
> >> I'll investigate system restore tonight, but in the meantime:
> >> 1. Windows XP, Media Center Edition, SP2 (do you need more than that?)
> >> 2. Yes, router used is, Linksys W11s4 vers. 3 (80211b wireless router)
> >>
> >> Brandon
> >>
> >>
> >> "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:
> >>
> >> > Greetings,
> >> >
> >> > Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to see
> >> > if
> >> > that corrects it.
> >> >
> >> > Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router (more
> >> > on
> >> > this later).
> >> >
> >> >
>
>

Hi,

Glad to hear it!

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
--

"Brandon M" <> wrote in message
news:1504E40F-B799-44D4-84FE-...
>I actually DID have the firmware updated. I suspect that wasn't the issue
> anyway, cause as I stated, this worked fine a week ago.
>
> I did your second step deleting the cache and the application data and... IT
> WORKED! Oh yay! how happy I am.
>
> I'll try and hook up the webcam tomorrow, but for now, you fixed the issue.
> You rock.
>
> Brandon
>
>
> "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Hi,
>>
>> That's a shame. Given that older model number, I assume you've not updated the firmware
>> on
>> that W11S4 recently or anything. Some routers can hang Messenger with bad UPnP
>> implementations.
>>
>> Your only real option is try removing the Messenger client cache.
>>
>> Firstly, click Start, then Run and type the following:
>> %userprofile%\Contacts
>> and click OK. Now right-click the Passport/Windows Live ID corresponding to what account
>> you're trying to sign in on and choose Delete. This is a cache, you won't lose anything
>> by
>> doing this.
>>
>> Next, click Start again, Run again, and type the following:
>> %userprofile%\Local Settings\Application Data\Microsoft
>> Now right-click the Messenger folder, choose Rename, and call it something like
>> Messenger_.
>> Assuming this works you can go into this folder and move your emoticons, winks, et al over
>> when you're done.
>>
>> Now try signing into Messenger again.
>>
>> --
>> Jonathan Kay
>> Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger/MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
>> Associate Expert
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
>> Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
>> All posts unless otherwise specified are (c) 2007 Jonathan Kay.
>> You *must* contact me for redistribution rights.
>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> "Brandon M" <> wrote in message
>> news:5550A636-6FAD-4F8B-AF7A-...
>> > Finally had some time to do that system restore tonight. Unfortunately, its
>> > expired, and I can only go back to yesterday, so that option is out.
>> >
>> > Hang is still happening... 100% of the time. I should mention I have
>> > Messenger PLUS installed too (though that's never caused any issues before -
>> > even with this exact version of it installed)
>> >
>> > brandon
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > "Brandon M" wrote:
>> >
>> >> I'll investigate system restore tonight, but in the meantime:
>> >> 1. Windows XP, Media Center Edition, SP2 (do you need more than that?)
>> >> 2. Yes, router used is, Linksys W11s4 vers. 3 (80211b wireless router)
>> >>
>> >> Brandon
>> >>
>> >>
>> >> "Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote:
>> >>
>> >> > Greetings,
>> >> >
>> >> > Since this just happened 24 hours ago, try using System Restore to restore back to
>> >> > see
>> >> > if
>> >> > that corrects it.
>> >> >
>> >> > Failing that, we'll need to know the Windows version and if you're using a router
>> >> > (more
>> >> > on
>> >> > this later).
>> >> >
>> >> >
>>
>>