Help ..... Messenger for MAC 8

susanna · Jan 17, 2011, 08:53:51

Guys

I am a disaster when it comes to computers so would appreciate any help with my query below ...

I am having problems with Messenger ... error message appearing is that the 'service is unavailable or else not connected to internet' ... no issues with the internet connection so that's not the problem.

I have reinstalled the application on the MAC but the same thing keeps happening ... in simple terms (as I said I am a bit of a dope when it comes to the jargon) can someone please give me a 'how to fix fools guide' to sorting ths out!!

Appreciate any help that anyone can throw my way - enjoy your day!!

Tx

S

Steve · Jan 17, 2011, 09:12:13

Susanna

Not used it for a while but which ID are you using to log in? Also check your firewall is not blocking it. Look in system preferences under security if it's on turn it off and then see if you can connect. If this works add the app to the firewall approved list.

The log in should be a Windows Live ID

http://mac2.microsoft.com/help/office/14/en-us/messenger/category/9cd3c59c-3a5e-441b-ac69-3318ea0398a7

Ray · Jan 17, 2011, 09:31:24

Susanna.

Rik · Jan 17, 2011, 10:05:09

Welcome to Netters, Susanna.

Simon · Jan 17, 2011, 10:06:04

Tacitus · Jan 17, 2011, 10:12:50

Susanna. And

One of the Mac gurus will be along in a while but in the meantime, try the following:

You can check which version of the OS you're using by clicking  -> About this Mac. You will find the system version listed in the window that pops up.

Assuming it's the latest version, (10.6.?) have you checked the firewall settings? System preferences -> Security -> Firewall. You can try various settings here. If you are behind a hardware router/firewall - usually the box that plugs into the telephone socket - then you can check 'allow all incoming connections'. If you can then connect, it's the firewall on the Mac that's the problem.

You can then try 'set access for specific services and applications' and add Messenger to the list and try again.

The problem with some of these messenger apps is that they use non-standard ports (OK a bit "techie"

) which messes things up. Unfortunately the only way round this appears to be trial and error.

A useful resource for Mac users are the Apple discussions. You could try the iChat AV forum. Although it's directed at iChat, they seem a helpful bunch and you may find someone who's had a similar problem.

lozcart · Jan 17, 2011, 16:40:57

Rather than Messenger try aMSN my kids tell me it is far better than the Mac version of Messenger.

http://www.amsn-project.net/download.php

Gary · Jan 17, 2011, 17:58:05

Quote from: susanna on Jan 17, 2011, 08:53:51
Guys

I am a disaster when it comes to computers so would appreciate any help with my query below ...

I am having problems with Messenger ... error message appearing is that the 'service is unavailable or else not connected to internet' ... no issues with the internet connection so that's not the problem.

I have reinstalled the application on the MAC but the same thing keeps happening ... in simple terms (as I said I am a bit of a dope when it comes to the jargon) can someone please give me a 'how to fix fools guide' to sorting ths out!!

Appreciate any help that anyone can throw my way - enjoy your day!!

Tx

S

8 is very buggy as its a point release it leaves behind junk that OS X has to clean up on reboots, try clicking on sign in as someone else on the login and then clearing your account history and then adding it again, that may help

Gary · Jan 17, 2011, 17:59:10

Quote from: lozcart on Jan 17, 2011, 16:40:57
Rather than Messenger try aMSN my kids tell me it is far better than the Mac version of Messenger.

http://www.amsn-project.net/download.php

I believe aMSN cant do video anymore as MS changed things quite a bit for the 8 release. I'm happy using 7.0.2 for chat and that's it.