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    Windows Live Messenger: video call crashes

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by HerrKaputt, Dec 5, 2008.

  1. HerrKaputt

    HerrKaputt Elite Notebook User

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    Hello folks,

    I use my webcam (Microsoft VX1000) to make videocalls to my family (also Microsoft VX1000) every day. We tried using Windows Live Messenger (WLM) for these calls, but it crashes unexpectedly, so we have switched to Skype. The problem is that, apart from the crashes, WLM has way better quality than Skype. Both me and them use Windows XP with SP3.

    The crashes themselves are quite hard to explain (as crashes usually are...). The videocall is going very well, and at some point the sound has a "hiccup", and about half a second later the sound is muted and the image freezes. After a few seconds WLM says that the call ended. If we try to do a new call, it never starts. Even if we both restart WLM, we cannot establish a new call. Only if we reboot.
    These crashes usually happen 2 to 5 minutes after the call starts. I cannot replicate them (i.e. they seem to be completely random).

    I have a minor suspect on what's causing this: UPnP. If in WLM I go to Tools --> Options --> Connection, I get the following message:

    "You are connected to the Internet through a non-UPnP port restricted NAT"

    Based on this error message I have been successful in activating UPnP on my wireless modem (Thomson TCW710). This modem now shows up in "My Network Places". Still, WLM still says I am connected through a non-UPnP thingy.

    Can anyone help me? It would make a world of difference. Thanks!
     
    HerrKaputt, Dec 5, 2008
    #1
  2. qhn

    qhn Notebook User

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    Sounded like your router is either blocking some signals or not supporting the UPnP thningy. Review the router's configuration and see.

    cheers ...
     
    qhn, Dec 5, 2008
    #2
  3. HerrKaputt

    HerrKaputt Elite Notebook User

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    Any other suggestions? I obviously already had tried what was suggested in the last post.
     
    HerrKaputt, Dec 5, 2008
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  4. Shyster1

    Shyster1 Notebook Nobel Laureate

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    Have you checked in your event logs to see if any information, warning, or error events were logged there?
     
    Shyster1, Dec 5, 2008
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  5. Deathwinger

    Deathwinger Notebook Virtuoso

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    This is god's way of saying not to use the webcam. For it will capture your soul and keep it forever. :D

    Honestly, maybe port fowarding might help. www.portforward.com
     
    Deathwinger, Dec 5, 2008
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  6. HerrKaputt

    HerrKaputt Elite Notebook User

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    I've thought of that, and I know how to configure the modem to do port forwarding. But what ports does Windows Live Messenger need?
     
    HerrKaputt, Dec 5, 2008
    #6