Windows Messenger Not Opening

[Roy]

I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger. Whenever
I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens. I've
downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
was running and could not continue the installation.
Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
close it. Please advise on what to do.

[John A. Wolf]

To kill the "open" Messenger hit Ctrl-Alt-Del and open the Windows Task
Manager. On the Processes tab End the "msmsgs.exe" process. That should
let you install the new version of Windows Messenger and hopefully fix your
problem.

Hope that helps.

--
John A. Wolf



"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger. Whenever
> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens. I've
> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
> was running and could not continue the installation.
> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
> close it. Please advise on what to do.

[Roy]

I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the Windows
Messenger program. Unfortunately, the same problem still
occurred after the installation. Thank you for your
response, any more would be greatly appreciated.

>-----Original Message-----
>To kill the "open" Messenger hit Ctrl-Alt-Del and open
the Windows Task
>Manager. On the Processes tab End the "msmsgs.exe"
process. That should
>let you install the new version of Windows Messenger and
hopefully fix your
>problem.
>
>Hope that helps.
>
>--
>John A. Wolf

>
>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
Whenever
>> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
>> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
I've
>> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
>> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
>> was running and could not continue the installation.
>> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
>> close it. Please advise on what to do.
>
>
>.
>

[Gary Tsang]

Perhaps your Windows Messenger has been set to not allow it to be run in the
Group Policy Editor.

To check go to Start -> Run and then type in gpedit.msc
Then go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows
Messenger
Then check the Do not allow Windows Messenger to be run and see if it's
Enabled, if it is then Disable i so that it'll allow Messenger to be run.

Also check the same thing in User Configuration -> Administrative
Templates -> Windows Messenger.

--
Gary Tsang


"Roy" > wrote in message
...
> I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the Windows
> Messenger program. Unfortunately, the same problem still
> occurred after the installation. Thank you for your
> response, any more would be greatly appreciated.
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >To kill the "open" Messenger hit Ctrl-Alt-Del and open
> the Windows Task
> >Manager. On the Processes tab End the "msmsgs.exe"
> process. That should
> >let you install the new version of Windows Messenger and
> hopefully fix your
> >problem.
> >
> >Hope that helps.
> >
> >--
> >John A. Wolf
>
> >
> >
> >"Roy" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
> Whenever
> >> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
> >> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
> I've
> >> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
> >> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
> >> was running and could not continue the installation.
> >> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
> >> close it. Please advise on what to do.
> >
> >
> >.
> >

[Roy]

Thanks for the reply. Unfortuantely, I couldn't get past
the first step. When I attempted to run gpedit.msc, an
error box popped up saying that Windows could not find
the file. What does this mean?

>-----Original Message-----
>Perhaps your Windows Messenger has been set to not allow
it to be run in the
>Group Policy Editor.
>
>To check go to Start -> Run and then type in gpedit.msc
>Then go to Computer Configuration -> Administrative
Templates -> Windows
>Messenger
>Then check the Do not allow Windows Messenger to be run
and see if it's
>Enabled, if it is then Disable i so that it'll allow
Messenger to be run.
>
>Also check the same thing in User Configuration ->
Administrative
>Templates -> Windows Messenger.
>
>--
>Gary Tsang
>
>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>> I have already uninstalled and reinstalled the Windows
>> Messenger program. Unfortunately, the same problem
still
>> occurred after the installation. Thank you for your
>> response, any more would be greatly appreciated.
>>
>> >-----Original Message-----
>> >To kill the "open" Messenger hit Ctrl-Alt-Del and open
>> the Windows Task
>> >Manager. On the Processes tab End the "msmsgs.exe"
>> process. That should
>> >let you install the new version of Windows Messenger
and
>> hopefully fix your
>> >problem.
>> >
>> >Hope that helps.
>> >
>> >--
>> >John A. Wolf
>>
>> >
>> >
>> >"Roy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
>> Whenever
>> >> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
>> >> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
>> I've
>> >> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and
have
>> >> tried installing it but it said that Windows
Messenger
>> >> was running and could not continue the installation.
>> >> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I
couldn't
>> >> close it. Please advise on what to do.
>> >
>> >
>> >.
>> >
>
>
>.
>

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Roy,

It's possible a registry key has been set to disable it. See:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
Scroll down to the bottom to the registry method, instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD,
delete it You will need to reboot to see the change.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"Roy" > wrote in message ...
> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger. Whenever
> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens. I've
> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
> was running and could not continue the installation.
> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
> close it. Please advise on what to do.

[Roy]

I followed the instructions on the page and deleted a
registry named "PreventAutoRun" and rebooted the
computer. Unforunately, the problem is still occurring
and I can not open Windows Messenger. More assistance
would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

>-----Original Message-----
>Greetings Roy,
>
>It's possible a registry key has been set to disable
it. See:
>http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
>Scroll down to the bottom to the registry method,
instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD,
>delete it You will need to reboot to see the change.
>____________________________________________
>Jonathan Kay
>Windows MVP, Messenger
>Associate Expert
>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
>Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
Whenever
>> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
>> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
I've
>> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
>> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
>> was running and could not continue the installation.
>> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
>> close it. Please advise on what to do.
>
>
>.
>

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Roy,

Two other issues that might cause this. Firstly, do you have Norton Antivirus 2003
installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging scanning" feature to Norton Antivirus 2003,
which can conflict with Messenger and cause this behavior. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus
(Right-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray/Notification Area (by the
clock), choose 'Open Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then Instant Messenger then uncheck
MSN Instant Messenger and click OK.

Secondly, 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.
___________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"Roy" > wrote in message ...
> I followed the instructions on the page and deleted a
> registry named "PreventAutoRun" and rebooted the
> computer. Unforunately, the problem is still occurring
> and I can not open Windows Messenger. More assistance
> would be greatly appreciated.
> Thank you.
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >Greetings Roy,
> >
> >It's possible a registry key has been set to disable
> it. See:
> >http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
> >Scroll down to the bottom to the registry method,
> instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD,
> >delete it You will need to reboot to see the change.
> >____________________________________________
> >Jonathan Kay
> >Windows MVP, Messenger
> >Associate Expert
> >http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
> >Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
> >
> >"Roy" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
> Whenever
> >> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
> >> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
> I've
> >> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and have
> >> tried installing it but it said that Windows Messenger
> >> was running and could not continue the installation.
> >> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I couldn't
> >> close it. Please advise on what to do.
> >
> >
> >.
> >

[Roy]

Hello Jonathan,

Thank you for your solution, it worked! The problem was
with DirectX version 9. It makes sense as I discovered
this problem at the same time as I installed a game, but
I never thought of connecting the two. Thanks to all the
people who replied for your responses, they were greatly
appreciated. Hope you all have a great day!

Thank you,
Roy

>-----Original Message-----
>Hi Roy,
>
>Two other issues that might cause this. Firstly, do you
have Norton Antivirus 2003
>installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging
scanning" feature to Norton Antivirus 2003,
>which can conflict with Messenger and cause this
behavior. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus
>(Right-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in the System
Tray/Notification Area (by the
>clock), choose 'Open Norton Antivirus'), click Options,
then Instant Messenger then uncheck
>MSN Instant Messenger and click OK.
>
>Secondly, 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.
>___________________________________________
>Jonathan Kay
>Windows MVP, Messenger
>Associate Expert
>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
>Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
>
>"Roy" > wrote in message
...
>> I followed the instructions on the page and deleted a
>> registry named "PreventAutoRun" and rebooted the
>> computer. Unforunately, the problem is still occurring
>> and I can not open Windows Messenger. More assistance
>> would be greatly appreciated.
>> Thank you.
>>
>> >-----Original Message-----
>> >Greetings Roy,
>> >
>> >It's possible a registry key has been set to disable
>> it. See:
>> >http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
>> >Scroll down to the bottom to the registry method,
>> instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD,
>> >delete it You will need to reboot to see the change.
>> >____________________________________________
>> >Jonathan Kay
>> >Windows MVP, Messenger
>> >Associate Expert
>> >http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
>> >Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
>> >
>> >"Roy" > wrote in message
>> ...
>> >> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
>> Whenever
>> >> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
>> >> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
>> I've
>> >> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and
have
>> >> tried installing it but it said that Windows
Messenger
>> >> was running and could not continue the installation.
>> >> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I
couldn't
>> >> close it. Please advise on what to do.
>> >
>> >
>> >.
>> >
>
>
>.
>

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Roy,

Glad to hear it =).
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"Roy" > wrote in message ...
> Hello Jonathan,
>
> Thank you for your solution, it worked! The problem was
> with DirectX version 9. It makes sense as I discovered
> this problem at the same time as I installed a game, but
> I never thought of connecting the two. Thanks to all the
> people who replied for your responses, they were greatly
> appreciated. Hope you all have a great day!
>
> Thank you,
> Roy
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >Hi Roy,
> >
> >Two other issues that might cause this. Firstly, do you
> have Norton Antivirus 2003
> >installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging
> scanning" feature to Norton Antivirus 2003,
> >which can conflict with Messenger and cause this
> behavior. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus
> >(Right-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in the System
> Tray/Notification Area (by the
> >clock), choose 'Open Norton Antivirus'), click Options,
> then Instant Messenger then uncheck
> >MSN Instant Messenger and click OK.
> >
> >Secondly, 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.
> >___________________________________________
> >Jonathan Kay
> >Windows MVP, Messenger
> >Associate Expert
> >http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
> >Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
> >
> >"Roy" > wrote in message
> ...
> >> I followed the instructions on the page and deleted a
> >> registry named "PreventAutoRun" and rebooted the
> >> computer. Unforunately, the problem is still occurring
> >> and I can not open Windows Messenger. More assistance
> >> would be greatly appreciated.
> >> Thank you.
> >>
> >> >-----Original Message-----
> >> >Greetings Roy,
> >> >
> >> >It's possible a registry key has been set to disable
> >> it. See:
> >> >http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=302089
> >> >Scroll down to the bottom to the registry method,
> >> instead of setting a 'PreventRun' DWORD,
> >> >delete it You will need to reboot to see the change.
> >> >____________________________________________
> >> >Jonathan Kay
> >> >Windows MVP, Messenger
> >> >Associate Expert
> >> >http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
> >> >Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
> >> >
> >> >"Roy" > wrote in message
> >> ...
> >> >> I'm having a problem opening Windows Messenger.
> >> Whenever
> >> >> I try to open the program, it just doesn't work. The
> >> >> hourglass appears as it loads, but nothing happens.
> >> I've
> >> >> downloaded a new version of Windows Messenger and
> have
> >> >> tried installing it but it said that Windows
> Messenger
> >> >> was running and could not continue the installation.
> >> >> Since I couldn't see the "open" Messenger, I
> couldn't
> >> >> close it. Please advise on what to do.
> >> >
> >> >
> >> >.
> >> >
> >
> >
> >.
> >