first i changed the
VB Code:
  1. ElseIf Word(strIncoming, 1) = ".updateStatus" Then 'Updates User status: online, away, etc

  2.           Call update_status(Word(strIncoming, 2), Word(strIncoming, 3), Index)

bit, then i altered the code in the status_update func(above). put a msgbox at the very start of the status update func, can say nething, then click the msgbox's away whenever they appear when your running it