Microsoft KB Archive/154097

= Microsoft Knowledge Base =

How to Change the Default MSN Chat Program
Last reviewed: October 7, 1997

Article ID: Q154097

The information in this article applies to:


 * The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3, 2.0, 2.5

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SUMMARY
When you are using MSN, The Microsoft Network, you can participate in Chats, which are multiple-user group forums in which you can send and receive text and thereby be part of a discussion. Windows 95 includes a Chat program for use with MSN, but several third-party alternatives are available that can replace the default program. However, these alternative Chat programs set themselves as the default program, and some do not offer a way to change back to the standard Chat program. This article describes how to change back to the standard Chat program by editing the registry.

MORE INFORMATION
Examples of third-party Chat programs for MSN are SuperChat and UK Chat. Both programs offer the standard functionality of the standard Chat program, but include other features such as customizable user icons, private messages, and macro keystrokes. These programs may not offer a way to change back to the standard Chat program without removing the program. You can edit the registry to change the default Chat program.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

To change back to the standard Chat program, modify the Filename value in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\MOS\Applications\App #4 Set the Filename value to the path for the standard Chat program (Textchat.exe). For example, set the path to:

C:\Program Files\The Microsoft Network\Textchat.exe The third-party products discussed in this article are manufactured by vendors independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.