Microsoft Knowledge Base

The information in this article applies to:

• The Microsoft Network versions 1.2, 1.3

SUMMARY

This article contains frequently asked questions about using V-Chat on MSN, The Microsoft Network.

MORE INFORMATION

1. Q. What is an avatar?

   A. An avatar is the character that represents you in the V-Chat.

2. Q. How does V-Chat choose an initial avatar?

   A. Each environment uses an initial avatar that is assigned to you
      the first time you enter a V-Chat. You can change your avatar by
      clicking Select Avatar on the Avatar menu. V-Chat remembers your
      avatar and uses it the next time you enter that V-Chat.

3. Q. How do I move around in V-Chat?

   A. You can navigate in V-Chat using either the mouse or the keyboard.
      There is no joystick support.

      To use the mouse, press and hold down the left mouse button as you
      move the mouse. To go up and down, press and hold down the CTRL key
      and left mouse button as you move the mouse.

      To use the keyboard, use the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys to go
      forward and backwards. For up and down travel, press and hold down
      the CTRL key as you press the UP ARROW and DOWN ARROW keys. Holding
      down the LEFT ARROW or RIGHT ARROW key spins you around.

4. Q. Why am I unable to see myself in the Environment View window?

   A. V-Chat supports both 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional spaces. In a
      2-dimensional space, you see yourself both in the self-view window
      and in the V-Chat Environment View window. In a 3-dimensional space,
      you see yourself in the self-view window only. The Environment View
      window is first-person point-of-view, meaning that you are looking
      at this space through your own eyes.

5. Q. How can I build my own V-Chat space?

   A. The V-Chat Building Kit, which enables you to create custom V-Chat
      spaces, is available only to MSN forum managers and content
      providers.

6. Q. How can I create my own custom avatars?

   A. Use the Avatar Wizard, and follow the Avatar User's Guide
      instructions available on MSN in the V-Chat Forum.

7. Q. I accidentally published my custom avatar publicly and I meant to
      publish it privately. What can I do?

   A. Publish your avatar again using the same name, making sure to
      publish it privately. This overwrites your initial public avatar.