Windows Messenger Refusing to Even Open (v.4.7.0.2009)

  • Thread starter Thread starter Steve Lee
  • Start date Start date
S

Steve Lee

For some reason, I double click on both the shortcut and the
executable itself and nothing happens. I check the Windows Task
Manager to see if even a process of the program is running and nothing
shows up in there either.

Can anyone guess as to what could be preventing my Messenger from
running? I'm running XP Pro. Thanks.
 
Greetings Steve,

Firstly, see:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
Go through the applicable steps, except when choosing 'Do not allow Windows Messenger to
run', be sure it's set to Disabled. Then check the registry method (the last method listed
on the page), instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD, delete it (as above with the Hide
Messenger DWORD). You will need to reboot to see the change.

If that's not the cause, do you happen to have DirectX 9 installed (it may have been
installed with a game or demo as well)? To check, click Start, then Run, enter "dxdiag" and
click OK. In the first window that appears, you'll see "DirectX version" listed, if it's 9,
then upgrade to DirectX 9a:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/directx/downloads/drx90.asp

If your DirectX version is listed as 8.1, then this isn't the problem.

Finally, in none of this worked or applies, you can try a full reinstallation of Windows
Messenger:
Click the start button, then click Run and type in (copy-paste if you like):

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Then click OK.
Messenger will then be uninstalled. For more detailed instructions and screenshots, go to,
http://messenger.jonathankay.com/problem.aspx?ID=7

Then reboot, click "Yes" to remove your personal settings, and then reinstall from:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/messenger/addindownload.asp
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
 
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