How to Open Webcam Ports on MSN Messenger

The MSN Messenger application is the bundled voice, video and chat-capable instant-messaging program produced and distributed by Microsoft. MSN Messenger requires the Windows XP operating system or newer to function and can be used with webcams in order to provide a video capability. MSN Messenger is designed to run with a minimal number of configuration steps to take for setting up and opening webcam ports on your computer.

Instructions

1. Insert the installation software CD that came with your webcam, if you are using a third-party webcam. Follow the default menu steps of the install CD and plug the webcam into the USB connection on the computer when directed to do so by the program.

2. Choose the hardware preferences for the webcam to include the volume, speed and size of the video window.

3. Place the webcam on top of the computer monitor or desktop so it has a clear field of view of you when working on the computer, and then restart the computer.

4. Open the MSN Messenger application by double-clicking the program icon on the computer desktop.

5. Click "Tools," "Audio/Video Tuning Wizard" and "Next."

6. Select the webcam that you have installed on the subsequent "Camera" listing and click "Next."

7. Align the camera so you appear centered in the window on the MSN Messenger screen. Click "Next."

8. Set the microphone for the webcam near you, if it is not combined with the camera. Click "Next" twice and click "Finish" to complete configuring your webcam and ports to work with MSN Messenger.

References

• Microsoft: How to have a video conversation with MSN Messenger
• Microsoft: MSN Messenger Problems
• Microsoft: Network ports and URLs that are used by Windows Live Messenger

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• MSN Messenger: Homepage
• Cowboy Frank: How to Set Up a Webcam