How can that be? The latest version of 5.1 is the same one that was released in the security update. I had tried a previous version of 5.1 a while back and MCE 2005 did not recognise it.

Because it comes stock with 4.7. Everybody who is having that problem also runs 4.7

After trying a variety of these fixes, and unchecking the famous checkbox that disappears, since I had tried the Messenger 4.7 to 5.1, I finally decided my system really needed cleaning up anyway.

So I did what had been suggested, I rebuild the entire C drive from empty.

Then I did all the updates from Microsoft and all related PC vendors through July 2008.

Media Center works great!

But I am not quite confident about which KB****** was the problem, and am hesitant to load anything past July.  It's not like I'm desperate to load SP3, since I keep hearing of issues with that, but I kinda like to keep my system in sync over time, and I don't know how to proceed.

Am I the only one in this boat?

 

One of the few. Most folks fix it with the linked blog. I haven't had any troubles running SP3.

Thanks for all the info.  The error message of "messenger is unable" is gone with the registry fix. 

I use WinPatrol and after making the registry change, I was still getting a message from WinPatrol that Messenger was trying to be added to the start up.  I read here to take Messenger off the Windows Added Components.  Now WinPatrol is quiet, too! 

Thanks for the help. 

I too was having the error message that media center couldn't open messenger.

It really didn't bug me, was just annoying..


anyway, I renamed the messenger folder and went to microsoft update, it wasn't detected as an update.
I went back to Microsoft Update, clicked on "restore hidden updates" yup, messenger was checked.. unchecked it, clicked on restore and check again, it came up with messenger as an update, I let it install it, error gone, working fine so far.

this is also after SP3 was put on, which broke more than it fixed and was quickly removed.

it messed up msgsc.dll, only file I saw that was a different size and date stamp.
seems it's also related to KB946648, which replaces the dll, hide this update!
Then open messenger, go to Tools/Options, preferences tab, uncheck;
Run this program when Windows starts
and
Allow this program to run in the background
click OK, then close messenger, it wont run now unless needed, media center wont complain.
This may not have been SP3 related, was coincidental apparently.

more info and real fixes here;
http://blog.jasontsang.ca/2008/08/windows-messenger-error-in-media-center.html

good luck, hope it helps someone else.


EDIT;
this is on a system that was installed Dec. 2, 2005, it runs and records with media center quite often, it also has a card in it for security cameras and runs them 24/7 with no problems, so to the folks who said re-install windows, fixing it may be more difficult but easier than setting everything else up again.
I have seen very little that couldn't be resolved with a little time and effort.
re-installing this system would take at least 3 days of tweaking to get it working efficiently and without problems.
However when SP3 is installed whether I want it to be or not, I may have to consider it at that time.
SP3 caused untold grief that I didn't have time to fix, it was easier to remove it and carry on at the time...
cheers all

Thanks to everyone who helped to remove the 'Messenger Failure' message from my Media Center.  This might be a bit 'off-track', but hopefully useful.

MToep, I see from an earlier post, you have a Sony Vaio like I do.  My 2003 MCE system came pre-installed, with only a hidden restore partition and no Windows install disk.

After having the system for a couple of years and installing the MCE 2005 update, I had problems and no alternative but a complete restore.  It took ages to get all the updates and add-on programs reinstalled, and everything set-up the way I like.  I figured there had to be a better way, and eventually found one that works... at least for me!

The whole process is described in detail here: Never re-install Windows again (follow the links at the bottom for steps 2 and 3).

It does require you spend some time beforehand, while you have a good working system.  I chose to invest some time to create a 'pristine' image backup (full restore from hidden partition; install MCE 2005; all Windows Automatic Updates; and my core additional programs). 

I've restored from my backup twice, in a fraction of the time it would have taken otherwise!

Forget doing windows registry fixes...or mistakes and screwing with removing or renaming programs. Here's what I did.

To remove the windows messenger error in xbox 360 media center. Get the controller, not the remote, because you need to act fast. As soon as the blue media center screen comes up...after the connecting screen. Go to settings, messenger and caller id, uncheck the box for allow instant messages within media center, then click save. You have to do it hella fast before the error message pops up. Restart media center on the 360 and all should be fine.

Anyway, this is how I took care of my problem. Hope it helps you guys.

Worked for me , thanks for your help.

Hi.  I have been reading everyone's comments and I am having the same problem since I installed Service Pack 3.  I went to settings and I do not even see the option for "Messenger and Caller ID".  It is like it disappeared.  I had the old version of Windows Messenger, which I never use.  I thought updating it to the new version that came out in August would make a difference.  It did not, I am still getting the error message.  I am going to unistall messenger altogether and see if that makes a difference.

What I am wondering about also is why I do not have the Messenger option in my settings control.  any thoughts? 

(Brad Kesner)

 

If you have update kb946648 installed, you will not see the Messenger option in Settings.

1]Uninstall Security update KB 946648 from Add/Remove items in Control Panel.

2]Open Windows Media Center>Setting>Messenger>Uncheck the box against  ‘Allow instant messages within Media Center’

3]Reinstall the Security Update.

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Is the reg fix still the best option?

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\App Paths\ehshell.exe]

"AllowMessengerExecHandleFailure"=dword:00000001

 Thanks B2R

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teach and let me learn.

Hanging out at MotoX Farms!