Hi
For voice communications to work effectively, both users must have at least
version 4.5 of MSN Messenger.
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.
Firewalls
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You 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:
1. Verify with the manufacturer of your PC that the firewall is UPnP
compliant.
2. 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 NAT
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Issues 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.
Shilpa Sinha
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties, and confers no rights.