Messenger 10 PC-to-PC Access Error in Windows XP

This article provides troubleshooting tips for users who experience the 'Cannot Access the Server' error when using Messenger to make a PC-to-PC call from a Windows XP system.

First, please review this list to make sure that your system meets the requirements for Yahoo! voice chat:

• Microsoft Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, or Windows 7
• Pentium class processor of at least 1 GHz
• Internet Explorer (version 6 or later)
• At least 256 MB RAM
• A microphone, sound card, and speakers
• A non-proxy connection to the Internet
• A broadband connection is recommended, but not essential

After you've reviewed your system requirements and determined that your system meets or exceeds the specifications, the next step is to try running the Call Setup Assistant. The Call Setup Assistant resolves many of the calling-related issues that our customers report to us. To run Call Setup Assistant in Yahoo! Messenger:

1. Click the Help menu and then select Setup Video and Voice.
2. Follow the instructions to test your microphone and speakers, and specify your Internet connection.

If running the Call Setup Assistant hasn't resolved the issue, try the following steps to determine whether your audio hardware is working properly with Windows:

1. Click the Start menu and select Run.
2. Type in mmsys.cpl and press Enter. This opens Sounds and Audio Devices Properties.
3. Select the Voice tab.
4. Click the Test hardware button. This opens the "Sound Hardware Test Wizard."
5. Follow the instructions to test your audio hardware to make sure it can properly play sounds and capture your voice.

If the audio hardware troubleshooting steps didn't resolve this issue, it's possible that the version of Yahoo! Messenger installed on your computer is corrupted.

Please click here to view instructions for uninstalling and re-installing Yahoo! Messenger in Windows XP.


If your audio hardware still isn't working properly after uninstalling and re-installing Yahoo! Messenger, another option would be to contact the company that made your computer. As manufacturer of the product, they can give you the most complete information and troubleshooting tips for your computer.