DOCUMENT:Q154097  27-JUN-1998  [msnetwork]
TITLE   :How to Change the Default MSN Chat Program
PRODUCT :The Microsoft Network
PROD/VER:1.30 2.00 2.50
OPER/SYS:WINDOWS
KEYWORDS:msnchat kbmsn

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The information in this article applies to:

 - The Microsoft Network versions 1.3, 2.0, 2.5
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IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry.
Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the
registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the
Windows folder.

SUMMARY
=======

When you are using MSN, The Microsoft Network, you can participate in
Chats, which are multiple-user group forums in which you can send and
receive text and thereby be part of a discussion. Windows 95 includes a
Chat program for use with MSN, but several third-party alternatives are
available that can replace the default program. However, these alternative
Chat programs set themselves as the default program, and some do not offer
a way to change back to the standard Chat program. This article describes
how to change back to the standard Chat program by editing the registry.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Examples of third-party Chat programs for MSN are SuperChat and UK Chat.
Both programs offer the standard functionality of the standard Chat
program, but include other features such as customizable user icons,
private messages, and macro keystrokes. These programs may not offer a way
to change back to the standard Chat program without removing the program.
You can edit the registry to change the default Chat program.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that
may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that
problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be
solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing
Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note
that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and
User.dat) before you edit the registry.

To change back to the standard Chat program, modify the Filename value in
the following registry key:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MOS\Applications\App #4

Set the Filename value to the path for the standard Chat program
(Textchat.exe). For example, set the path to:

   C:\Program Files\The Microsoft Network\Textchat.exe

The third-party products discussed in this article are manufactured
by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or
otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: 1.30 2.00 2.50 msn
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Keywords          : msnchat kbmsn 
Version           : 1.30 2.00 2.50
Platform          : WINDOWS
Issue type        : kbprb

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