Vista - Windows Live Messenger 8.5 locks up receiving an instant message

Hello,

I have a Dell Dimension 8400 running Windows XP SP2 and Windows Live
Messenger 8.5.

At least once or twice a day when an instant message is received in WLM the
computer hard locks (keyboard frozen, Num Lock key won't toggle etc.).

This probably started a few months ago and unfortunately I can't think of a
system change that may have started this.

Interestingly, if I run Trillian 3.1 the same locks ups occur.

Thanks,

Kurt

Greetings Kurt,

Given the nature of the problem and the fact it affects multiple applications, this probably
either a problem with a specific driver or some sort of hardware problem (like overheating).

For instance, I had a faulty network driver once that would halt the PC when specific strings
of data were sent through the network -- a driver update fixed that. You may want to check
Dell's site and/or Windows Update to make sure you have the latest drivers.

You can also check the temperatures in your PC by using something like Speedfan:
http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

--
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Live Messenger
MSN Messenger/Windows Messenger
MessengerGeek Blog: http://www.messengergeek.com
Messenger Resources: http://messenger.jonathankay.com
(c) 2008 Jonathan Kay - If redistributing, you must include this signature or citation
--


"Kurt" <Kurt@xxxxxx> wrote in message
newsAE8F365-73E9-444C-A8FD-A9055C73212D@xxxxxx

Hello Jonathan,

I have installed the latest network drivers from Dell, but it has occured to
me that it may be NIC hardware related. I may try installing a separate nic
and see how that goes.

Thanks for the tip Speedfan. I'll see what that reports.

Interesting AOL instant messenger works fine, Just apps communicating over
the MS network lock up the computer.

Thanks,

Kurt


"Jonathan Kay [MVP]" wrote: