Hello everybody,

My name is Izhar, I live in Israel and I am new to this forum.

I used to suffer from same problem of choppy audio while using video conversation with MSN Live Messenger version 8.5.

I have addressed this issue to MSN support and the following is their response.

After implementing this procedure my problem was solved and I can benefit now from high quality audio during video conversations.

Both parties should implement the procedure in order to have 2 way high quality audio.

Higher versions than 8.1 might have a software issue that makes the audio choppy. Version 8.1 is recommended!

Important note: Before implementing this procedure uncheck QoS packet scheduler in your internet connection properties.

Here is the procedure:

Choppy audio in MSN Live Messenger during video conversation, possible reasons and fixes:

1. Corrupted installation of Messenger
1.1 Uninstall Windows Live Messenger from Add/Remove Programs
1.2 Delete the Messenger registry keys by performing the following steps:
1.2.1 Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK
1.2.2. Click HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, click SOFTWARE, and then click Microsoft to expand these registry key folders.
1.2.3 Click the MSN Messenger folder. Make sure that the MSN Messenger folder is selected.
Note you can expand the MSN Messenger folder without selecting it. When the MSN Messenger folder is selected, it is highlighted.
1.2.4 On the Edit menu, click Delete.
1.2.5 Click yes to confirm that you want to remove this key and all its sub-keys.
1.2.6 Restart your computer.
1.2.7 Download and install Messenger 8.1

2. Lack of compatible updates
2.1 Download and install all Custom Windows Updates.
2.2 Make sure you have the latest Flash and Shockwave.
2.3 Make sure you have the latest Java
2.4 Update your sound card driver.

3. Corrupted windows files
3.1 Start, Run, sfc /scannow (may ask for Windows XP CD)

4. Spyware
4.1 Run full Service Scan windows live OneCare

5. High ie security settings
Lower your Internet Explorer security settings according to the following procedure:
5.1 Right click Internet Explorer > Properties > Delete Temporary files and Cookies
5.2 Select the Security tab > Select Custom Level > Reset To: Medium
5.3 Select “Local Intranet” > Custom Level > Reset To: Medium-Low
5.4 Select “Trusted Sites” > Custom Level > Reset To: Medium-Low
5.5 Select Privacy tab > Un-check Turn on pop-up blocker

6. Corrupted user profile
Create a New User Profile in Windows XP according to the following procedure:
6.1 Log on as the Administrator or as a user with administrator credentials.
6.2 Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
6.3 Click User Accounts.
6.4 Under Pick a task, click Create a new account.
6.5 Type a name for the user information, and then click Next.
6.6 Click the administrator account type, and then click Create Account.
6.7 Once the account has been created, reboot the computer and log into it. Once completed, try signing into Messenger.
If all of the above steps do not resolve the issue try running Windows in Diagnostic Startup, to do this:
6.8 Click the Start Menu in Windows
6.9 Click “Run”
6.10 Type “Msconfig” on the first screen you should see the 3 options, Normal startup, Diagnostic and selective.
6.11 Click Diagnostic startup (the green bullet will be next to it)
6.12 Restart computer
6.13 Access Messenger

7. Firewall
7.1 Perform a Clean Boot as a test to temporarily disable your firewall (Norton, McAfee, Zone Alarm)

8. Router
8.1 Bypass the router: Disconnect the router from your modem and connect the modem directly to your computer and then try signing into Messenger.

I hope it helps. Good luck.

Izhar