Gamevoice: The MSN Messenger Contact List Does Not Appear or You Cannot Sign in to Messenger 5.0 (812961)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MSN Messenger 6.0
  • Microsoft MSN Messenger 5.0
  • Microsoft MSN Messenger 4.6
  • Microsoft SideWinder Game Voice

SYMPTOMS

When you click Sign In to try to sign in to SideWinder Game Voice, the Sign In dialog box may not appear. If you can sign in to SideWinder Game Voice, the contact list may appear to be empty, or may not appear at all.

CAUSE

This issue may occur if MSN Messenger 4.6 is not installed. The latest versions of MSN Messenger do not support SideWinder Game Voice version 1.0, SideWinder Game Voice version 1.5, or Game Voice Server.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue, install MSN Messenger version 4.6. To do so, use the method for the operating system that you are running.

Microsoft Windows XP

Windows Messenger 5.0 is included with Windows XP. In Windows XP, the latest version of MSN Messenger (for example MSN Messenger 6, MSN Messenger 5.0 and MSN Messenger 4.6) can be installed on the same computer as two different programs. To install Windows Messenger 4.6, follow these steps:
  1. Visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://messenger.microsoft.com/download/download.asp?client=0

  2. On the Microsoft .NET Messenger Service download page, click the language you want to use, and then click Download Now.
  3. In the File download dialog box, click Open.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

Microsoft Windows 2000, Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Windows 98, Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition, Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition (Me)

You cannot install and run MSN Messenger 5.0 or higher with MSN Messenger 4.6 at the same time on a computer that is running Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98, or Windows Millennium Edition (Me). To resolve this issue, remove the latest version of MSN Messenger, and then install MSN Messenger 4.6. To do this, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, point to Settings, and then click Control Panel.
  2. Double-click Add or Remove Programs.
  3. In the list of installed programs, click MSN Messenger 5.0, and then click Remove.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the removal process.
  5. Visit the following Microsoft Web site:

    http://messenger.microsoft.com/install/dl.asp?typsys=6&typlang=en-us

  6. In the left pane, click MSN Messenger for Windows.
  7. In the right pane, click Download Now.
  8. In the File download dialog box, click Open.
  9. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation process.

MORE INFORMATION

  • MSN Messenger 5.0 and MSN Messenger 4.6 can run at the same time, but only one will start automatically. You can start the other program from the Start menu or the desktop shortcut.

    For additional information about how to run MSN 4.6 and MSN 5.0 in Windows XP, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    330117 Running Both Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger 5.0 in Windows XP

  • You can be signed in to both MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger at the same time, but not with the same Microsoft Passport Network account. For example, you can sign in to MSN Messenger with your Passport Network account, and then sign in to Windows Messenger with a different Passport Network account or with your corporate instant messaging account.

    For more information about how to sign in automatically to MSN Messenger 4.6 and MSN Messenger 5.0, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    330114 You Cannot Automatically Sign In to Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger by using different Passport Network accounts

  • When both programs are running, you see icons for each in your Windows taskbar near the clock. You can tell them apart by pointing to them with your mouse. When you point to an icon, you receive a message that tells you the name of the program.
  • If you are signed in to one Messenger program with your Passport Network account, and then sign in to the other one with the same account, you are automatically signed out of the first program.
  • Only MSN Messenger 4.6 can connect to the Communications service and Exchange Instant Messaging, and these programs are only used in corporations.

    For additional information about how to use MSN Messenger 5.0 and Exchange Instant Messaging, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    330119 You Cannot Connect to Exchange Instant Messaging or Your Communications Service with MSN Messenger 5.0

  • By default, some programs such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Outlook Express, and Microsoft Remote Assistance, connect to MSN Messenger 4.6. When you are signed in to MSN Messenger, you may appear offline to people who connect to these programs and have you listed as a contact.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:1/7/2006
Keywords:kbprb KB812961
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