Introducing Yahoo! Messenger’s Call Features

Before placing or receiving a Yahoo! Messenger call, make sure you’re using a suitable headset or a microphone and speakers, and then check that they are set up properly by running the Call Setup Assistant. You can also choose whether or not to hear a ringtone when someone calls your computer.

Tip: Call features aren’t supported when conversing with Windows Live™ Messenger contacts.

Here’s How

1. Open the Messenger Preferences window by selecting Preferences from the Messenger menu in your Messenger window or the Conversation menu in your IM window.

   Tip: If you haven’t gone through the setup process, the first time you click the Call button a prompt will ask if you would like to go through the process before continuing with the call.

2. In the Preferences window, select the Calling & Audio category.

3. On the right side of the window, click the Open the Call Setup Assistant button to begin checking your microphone and speakers.

   

   The Call Setup Assistant window opens.

4. Click the Next button in the first screen of the Setup Assistant.

5. In the Microphone Set Up window, select the microphone you want to use, then speak into your computer’s microphone to test its reception.

   

   • If Messenger detects your voice, the following message displays in the window:

     

     Click the Next button to continue.

   • If Messenger can’t detect your voice, the following message displays:

     

6. In the Speakers Set Up window, select the audio output device you want to use. Then slide the volume until you comfortably hear the music played by Messenger.

   

   • If you can hear the tune, click the Finish button.

     You’re returned to the Preferences window.

   • If you remain in this window, the following message displays:

     

     Answer the questions to help troubleshoot your speakers.

7. If you want to hear a ringtone when someone calls you, check the box next to Play a ringtone when I receive a call under the Ringtones section in the Preferences window.

   

   Tip: A ringtone is one way that Messenger alerts you to an incoming call. Messenger also displays a pop-up box showing the name of the caller. Disabling the ringtone does not disable the pop-up, so you always know when a call comes through as long as you’re signed in to Messenger.

8. Click the OK button.

   Now you’re ready to talk with your friends.

Back:
What Are Messenger’s Call Features?

Next:
Selecting a Ringtone

What’s Next

During a call on your computer, you may need to make further adjustments to place the volume at a comfortable level. You can do this through your PC’s volume control, which you can easily access through your IM window during your call. Just click the Speaker volume button, then adjust the volume by moving the displayed slider up or down.

Tip: The green light on the volume button should light up whenever the other person is talking.

Note: Adjusting the speaker volume through the IM window adjusts the volume for all sounds emanating from your PC. If you open your PC’s volume control, you’ll see that it has been adjusted as well.

When an incoming call comes through Yahoo! Messenger, you hear the typical ringtone heard on many phones. You can select a different ringtone that plays when a PC-to-PC call comes through.