Getting rid of Windows Messenger

T

Tibby

Hi ppl,

could someone, please, reveal the secret of proper and final removal of the
holy Windows Messenger from Windows XP professional SP1 systems?

If I try to remove it from the system componets, the windows just (fully
democraticaly) denies the possibility to UNCHECK Windows Messenger and thus
uninstall it.

Btw, I have two instances of Windows Messenger listed in the system
components. One of them has the two_green_figures icon and is unchecked, the
second one has a gray square as icon and this one I can't uncheck.

I do have admin rights.

Appretiate ANY help here, ladies and gentlemen.


Tibby
 
J

Joe727

Thanks for clarifying that.

Is there a website that explains the differences between:

1 - Windows Messenger

2 - Messenger Service

3 - MSN Messenger

Thanks

Joe
 
J

Jonathan Kay [MVP]

Hi Joe,

I've actually been working on that -- I'll give you a brief overview here though:

Most notably, MSN Messenger 6 has support for display
pictures, custom emoticons, has a different interface, etc. whereas Windows Messenger
supports SIP-based communications services, Exchange IM Server, etc. Which one you use is up
to you, and a matter of personal choice (and based upon your needs and likes), however one
thing to keep in mind, Windows Messenger *must still be installed* on Windows XP in order for
MSN Messenger to retain full functionality (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application
Sharing, etc.).

MSN Messenger is centered around MSN technologies (Hotmail, MSN Member Profiles, MSN Mobile,
etc.) whereas Windows Messenger is centered around Windows technologies (Exchange Server,
Office Live Communications Server, Windows Netmeeting, etc.).

The "Messenger Service" is a built-in service in Windows XP which allows quick messages to be
display on users' screens. Here's an example of one:
http://help.stargate.net/spam/img/messengerservice.gif
The "Messenger Service" has actually been present in the Windows NT-based operating systems
for awhile (that is, Windows NT, Windows 2000 and Windows XP) but only has been started to be
exploited by spammers in the last year or so. It's purpose is to allow a system
administrator to send a "pop up" message to a number of users quickly to inform them of
server problems, etc. but since the Internet is just one large network, it also allows anyone
directly connected (without any sort of blocking) to send a "pop up" message like this to
anyone else. Shoot the Messenger will simply turn off this service (although you can do it
manually as well), so no one can send these messages to your PC.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Microsoft MVP - Windows Messenger/MSN Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com
 
J

Joe727

Thanks Jonathan - so, if I want to activate Remote Desktop on my XP Pro PCs,
I need to reactivate Messenger?

If so, exactly how do I reactivate Messenger?

Joe
 
J

Joe727

Ok - thanks once again.

BTW - I don't use AOL, but this could prove to be interesting:

On Friday, the company said it had turned off Microsoft's flawed Windows
Messenger service--a data exchange mechanism for networked computers that
shouldn't be confused with the software giant's instant-messaging
application--for nearly 15 million of its users over the last two weeks.
http://zdnet.com.com/2100-1104_2-5096882.html

Joe
 

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