This article provides links to procedures which can be very helpful in resolving issues with Yahoo! Messenger crashing or freezing, including the error messages:

• "Yahoo! Messenger has encountered a problem and needs to close"
• "Yahoo Messenger has stopped working. A problem has caused the program to stop working correctly."
• "Yahoo! Messenger.YmApp has stopped working. A problem caused the program to stop working correctly. Windows will close the program and notify you if a solution is available."

Our product team investigated and the issue has been resolved. Please perform the troubleshooting steps in our Yahoo! Help articles linked below.

1. Yahoo! Messenger Troubleshooting Procedures.
2. Uninstall and reinstall runtime components.

• Steps for Windows XP.
• Steps for Windows Vista.
• Steps for Windows 7.

3. Uninstall and reinstall video drivers.

• Steps for Windows XP.
• Steps for Windows Vista or Windows 7.

4. If you continue to experience this problem, send us your crash logs for further troubleshooting and problem analysis.

• Steps for Windows XP.
• Steps for Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Note: As a temporary workaround, try Yahoo! Messenger in Mail. It doesn't offer all the same features, but it will allow you to keep in touch with your contacts until the issue is resolved.