Windows Live Messenger - Call Problems

You most likely have too many hidden applications running in Windows, taking up CPU cycles that could be dedicated to sound sampling otherwise. Kill some of those background processes (if Windows will let you). Or switch to Linux. Pidgin can run your MS Messenger account, and you can set the priority of the process to take precedence over any other functions. Plus, you can safely work on line without antivirus (for now, at least...)

The CPU is never more than 10% used when I'm using the call function, should I try stopping anti virus and everything except the system process and explorer? I am using XP pro btw

Do NOT stop antivirus until you disconnect from the Internet, although the antivirus could be causing the problem. It sounds like to me that your call function might not be getting access to the cpu frequently enough, and shutting down unnecessary processes could possibly help. Back in the early days, it was possible to change the priority level of your processes in Windows (and it is still possible in Linux), but it's been a while since I have had a need to do that, and I don't know if that capability still exists. You might want to give Linux a try- you can access your Messenger account from Pidgin, and Linux has a couple of options for Skype-like applications.

You may also have the wrong driver for your sound card. If this is a new Windows XP installation on an older computer, the default sound driver may not be appropriate. If you have the details on the sound card, check for updated drivers from the sound card manufacturer...

There is no sound card

It is on board sound. The PC was designed for xp, all those years ago. I know you can set the priority levels, through task manager and right clicking the process. I will try that later when I actually have a contact on to try it with

Don't wary, the sound problem will disappear! Sound too! I've got the Assus MB with Realteck audio. It was working fine until I let Windows to automatically update my system. Reloading the driver (supplied by Assus) did the trick for a while. Now there is no sound on my computer. I cannot see any of the video news on CNN.

As this gentleman pointed before me, Windows cannot handle the sound or the video in real time (or even buffering), on this computer of mine.

But the most annoying problem with this Assus (please note the double letter) MB is the USB. If I allow the BIOS to enable USB 2.0, any time that I plug in an USB peripheral, as a 4 GB memory stick, the computer freezes! Not the blue screen of death, no! It simply freezes. The screen shows exactly what is was on screen when I plugged in the stick. But no mouse, no keyboard, no nothing! I have to turn off the power switch, and at the BIOS settings, to disable USB 2.0. Than my computer will take any USB but, of coarse, at low speed.

This problem, too, appeared after I let Bill Gates to mess with my computer.

I know, you will tell me to flush the BIOS. I've got the latest BIOS for my MB from Assus.

Have tried updating driver from the computer manfacturers website?

I am on the latest.

First question is have you updated system components at the computer manufacturers web site? Try it. Windows media would be my choice instead of realtek but another check would be to borrow a headset and see if the integral sound drives better.

I suspect a glitch in the microphone set up somewhere and even when all directions are followed to a "T" it'll still happen. Most effective remedy is delete and reinstall, possibly uninstall integral audio drive too but take small steps and write back often. This isn't our first rodeo.

I can't change from realtek. I have re-installed messenger lots of times since this has happened. Could it have any correlation that the standalone windows live call (which I don't really ever try to use) doesn't work either - Upon opening it says "some features may not be available in this conversation"

You do like a challenge, to me windows messenger is like replacing a high security gate with bat-wing doors.

Is this an Asus or Intel board?

We used skype and google call is safer and google call program worked well.

MSI board. More people are on MSN, and it is not important information - Just to call family who live elsewhere such as in South Africa

Please forgive me. I should have realized from the description that what you're experiencing is computer whine & chatter.

Clock A timing source. In digital audio or video a clock serves as a timing reference for a system. Everything in digital audio and video is related to a clock. There are specified numbers of operations per period of time and they all must be carried out at a consistent speed in order for the device to work properly. In digital audio the relevant clock is the sample rate, or word clock of the audio (44.1 kHz, 48kHz, etc). In video it may be the frame rate of the video, or the field rate, or some other video specific rate. The clock or timing of information is an ongoing issue when synchronizing systems with each other.

The speakers your using require a different codec and sometimes this can be averted simply by using a "clean Box" or an audio card with an adequate word "clock"

GA for that :D Thanks for everyone's replies. I have tried two sets of speakers, both have produced the same result. I will now enquire as to whether to buy a sound card for it, or wait until my new pc is finished. (tricky decision) Thanks everyone!

My brother would call me on messenger and sound like Neo in The Matrix when the silver mirror went down his throat. Really cool, but annoying. He was using a laptop and a clip-on camera/mic. We discovered the laptop was unable to disengage the built-in mic, so we think we were getting a phasing distortion.

Vic

It is on a desktop - It has a mic and a cam with built in mic, but on my new computer, with the same cam and mic there is no distortion.