How to Set Up a Webcam on MSN

Use your webcam on MSN.

The MSN Messenger application allows you to video chat with your friends and family around the world for free. MSN messenger is now known as Windows Live Messenger, and supports the use of a webcam to facilitate video chatting. To video chat with someone, both you and the other person must have webcams enabled on Live Messenger. Use the Windows Live Messenger Audio and Video Setup utility to set up your webcam on the application.

Instructions

1. Insert the end of the webcam's USB cable into an open port on your computer. Windows automatically detects and installs the webcam. Position the webcam so that it clearly points to your face.

2. Launch Windows Live Messenger on your computer.

3. Enter your Windows Live account user name and password in the appropriate fields, then click "Sign In."

4. Click the "Down" arrow in the upper-right corner of the window. Select "Tools" from the drop-down menu, and click "Audio and Video Setup." The Set Up Audio and Video - Speaker/Microphone or Speakerphone window opens.

5. Click the "Test" button under speakers. Select the microphone from the drop-down list under "Microphone" that you want to use. Click the "Next" button. The Set Up Audio and Video - Webcam window opens.

6. Select your webcam from the drop-down list under "Webcam," then click "Finish." To start a video call, right-click on a contact, and select "Video" from the pop-up menu. Click "Start a Video Call" to initiate the video call with your contact.

References

• Microsoft; Seeing is Believing; Andy Myers
• Microsoft: Using Your LifeCam with Microsoft Live Messenger