How do I disable/delete Windows Messenger?

Question

I have MSN Messenger 7.5 which I use. Prior to signing on though, a Windows Messenger (hidden) automatically signs me on and I don't even know I am signed on until someone starts sending me instant messages. I don't want Windows Messenger, I don't want it to automatically sign me on, and I would like to delete it from my computer forever but can't find a way to do this or even disable it. Can someone help me. Thanks

Answer 1

How do I disable Windows Messenger in Windows XP?



You can keep Windows Messenger (uninstalling it WILL probably hurt your system - but read Uninstall Windows Messenger in Windows XP if you really want to do it), but prevent it from loading when the system starts:

First method



In Outlook Express go to TOOLS > WINDOWS MESSENGER > OPTIONS > PREFRENCES and in the general area uncheck both "Run this program when windows starts" and "Allow this program to run in the background." After doing this IM does not load on startup and Outlook Express loads as usual.

Second method



If you're running Pro, you can use GPEDIT.MSC to prevent Messenger from loading. Otherwise, even disabling it in startup won't cause it to "always" not run. Outlook, Outlook Express and some MS web pages can still make it load.



Start, Run and enter GPEDIT.MSC



For "per machine" restriction, go to Computer Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Messenger. For "per user" restriction, go to User Configuration, Administrative Templates, Windows Components, Windows Messenger.



You can now modify whether it starts initially and/or whether its to run at all.



Note: Outlook and Outlook Express will take longer to open, unless you turn off Messenger Support. In Outlook Express it is in Tools, Options, General tab. In Outlook it is in Tools, Options, Other.

Third method



Save and run http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts/xp_messenger_autorun.vbs THIS script by Doug Knox. Navigate to where you saved it and double click the file. A confirmation dialog will appear and remind you to log off/back on or restart your computer. This script can be viewed in Notepad or any text editor, as to the specific Registry key and value that are updated.



This version eliminates the startup delay in Outlook Express when the Contacts Pane is used.



Should you decide to undo this "fix", an undo script is available http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts/xp_messenger_autorun_undo.vbs HERE. Follow the directions, as above.

Answer 2

try to sign out of the messenger and go into install remove programs and remove it. If its in there maybe it has a title like Yahoo messenger

Answer 3

Go into control panel, add/remove, to the right side you'll see something that says windows components, click it, from there you uncheck windows messenger, click okay, restart the computer and your good to go.

Answer 4

Try removing from the add or remove programs in the control panel. Click on the button that says add or remove windows components. You will find it in their.

Answer 5

go to the add and/or remove programs program. from there you will see a list of all the programs on ur computer and you can uninstall the ones u dont want from there... another way is to left click, and hit delete/ or drag it to the garbage bin. hope this helps

Answer 6

Delete Windows Messenger

Answer 7

start > control panel > add or remove progams > set program access and defaults > non-microsoft

Answer 8

Lindsey G is the only correct answerer.

Answer 9

Shotgun.