Problems Connecting a Webcam on MSN Messenger
Most laptops come with built-in webcams, and external webcams are widely available. Chat programs like the Windows standard MSN Messenger (or Live Messenger in Windows Vista and 7) support Web chat. Configuring your MSN Messenger software for video chat is a straightforward process, but problem can occur.
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MSN Versions
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MSN Messenger is now known as Windows Live Messenger with Window Vista and Windows 7. Microsoft released Windows Live Messenger 2011 in May 2011. As with most software, newer versions of Messenger fix bugs, including webcam compatibility issues, that were known in some of the earlier versions. In fact, Live Messenger 2011 features HD webcam conversations for the first time in a version of Messenger. Very early versions of MSN Messenger (prior to MSN 7.0) didn't have webcam support at all.
Check Webcam
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Messenger can only use your webcam is if it working correctly. If the webcam is showing up as a black square in Messenger, you should verify that it works correctly in other programs. All webcams come with drivers and specific software that you can use outside of Messenger -- even your internal webcam on your laptop will have its own driver. Test the webcam in a program outside of Messenger to make sure it is working correctly.
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Reconfigure Webcam in Messenger
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After you've determined that your webcam is working correctly, make sure Messenger is picking it up and that it is configured properly. Messenger has a built-in wizard to configure your webcam for use with video chats. Log in to Messenger, and then click "Tools" and "Set up audio and video devices." Test your microphone, and click "Next." Your webcam will initialize on the next screen. If you can't see anything in the box here, the problem isn't with Messenger; it is with your webcam. Click "Finish" if you see the webcam. Exit Messenger, and restart it. According to Microsoft Support, this procedure resolves most common webcam issues.
Interference
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Some programs, including firewalls, might block your webcam from connecting in Messenger. Check your firewall configuration and add an exception for Messenger. This process differs depending on your firewall software, but you can generally add an exception from within the firewall program itself. If you use Windows Security Essentials--the free Microsoft security suite--you can click "Start" and type "Firewall." Click on "Windows Firewall and Security Settings." Click "Outbound" and then "New rule." Add Live Messenger as a program that has no exceptions. Rebooting your your computer can sometimes stop conflicts and free up your webcam for Messenger.
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