iChat problems can be caused by router settings

In some cases, specific settings on routers and other networking hardware can cause problems in Apple's iChat.

MacFixIt reader Craig Sayer reports that his router's uPnP (Universal Plug and Play) option had to be disabled in order for iChat to run without persistently quitting. However, we've also heard reports that turning this option on was necessary for iChat to operate at all.

Your best bet is to experiment with toggling this option in your router's configuration (usually accessible via a browser, check your device's manual) if you are having iChat issues.

Craig writes:

"I have just had a problem with my iChat application in Mac OS X 10.4.3, it just suddenly quit and then every time i tried to relaunch it would just quit again within 1 second but not display any "Application Unexpectedly Quit" message. I tired all the usual procedures like deleting preferences files, replacing the application with another copy, reinstalling the application, repairing disk permissions etc all with no effect.

"The only two things things that had just been done a couple of days before were some minor apple updates via software update and upgrading the firmware in our Netgear DG834 ADSL Router.

"After a while of investigation it turned out to be the uPnP (Universal Plug and Play) option on the Netgear router which was causing iChat to quit, as soon as i disabled this option iChat began to work again, just thought this might help a few other people as it is not an obvious fix."

Meanwhile, it appears that routers from Netgear and D-Link may be more susceptible to iChat issues that Apple's own AirPort Base stations or routers from Bufallo Technology or LinkSys.

If you are experiencing a similar issue, please let us know.

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