How to get rid of Windows Messenger?

[RJ]

XP Pro SP1 - I opened Add/Remove Programs, Add/Remove
Windows Components, unselected Windows Messenger clicked
Next, it went through the uninstall process.

I rebooted the PC.

Went back into Add/Remove Programs, Add/Remove
Windows Components, and it was still unchecked. I assumed
it was uninstalled.

However, when I opened Outlook (Office XP), guess
what popped up in my system tray? Windows Messenger.
I closed Outlook, right clicked the WM icon, chose Exit,
and it wouldn't Exit. It said something was open that needed
Windows Messenger.

I don't want this running on my PC. I thought I uninstalled it.
Add Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components
shows it uninstalled, so where did it come from, and how do I remove
this "virus"?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

To disable "Windows Messenger":

Open "Windows Messenger" and from the Toolbar select
Tools > Options > Preferences and uncheck:

"Run this program when Windows starts" and
"Allow this program to run in the background", then
click OK.

Next, open Outlook Express and from the Toolbar select
Tools > Options and under the General tab uncheck
"Automatically log on to Windows Messenger" and click
APPLY.


Alternatives:

Prevent Windows Messenger from automatically running
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_messenger_autorun.htm

or

Remove Windows Messenger
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_messenger_remove.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Doug Knox]

--
Carey Frisch
Microsoft MVP
Windows XP - Shell/User

Be Smart! Protect Your PC!
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/protect/default.aspx

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

:

| XP Pro SP1 - I opened Add/Remove Programs, Add/Remove
| Windows Components, unselected Windows Messenger clicked
| Next, it went through the uninstall process.
|
| I rebooted the PC.
|
| Went back into Add/Remove Programs, Add/Remove
| Windows Components, and it was still unchecked. I assumed
| it was uninstalled.
|
| However, when I opened Outlook (Office XP), guess
| what popped up in my system tray? Windows Messenger.
| I closed Outlook, right clicked the WM icon, chose Exit,
| and it wouldn't Exit. It said something was open that needed
| Windows Messenger.
|
| I don't want this running on my PC. I thought I uninstalled it.
| Add Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components
| shows it uninstalled, so where did it come from, and how do I remove
| this "virus"?

 

[Guest]

Add/remove just "removes access from the Start menu" to Messenger. It does
not uninstall it. Go back to Add/remove and read the panel again. Same goes
for IE and Outlook Express.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;327390

 

[RJ]

Wow, fast reply. Thanks for the info. I unchecked
"Allow this program to run in the background", but did not have
"Run this program when Windows starts" (WM v4.7).

I still would like to know why if I *removed* this through Control Panel,
does it still show up?

Obviously, it did not remove it. What's up with that? Is this one of those
MS apps MS feels you need to have, even if you don't want it? Or are their
dependencies from other apps (MS Office, OE...)?

Thanks.

 

[RJ]

I see. So it is one of those apps MS feels you need to have, even if you
don't want it... unless there are dependencies from other apps?

 

[Nak]

Hi RJ,

I just uninstalled it and then deleted the program folder, if I recall
it moaned about a file missing during boot once but after that it was fine.
I hate Windows Messenger, there is not *need* for it, unless you like it!
But then again I just use GAIM for all of my messaging needs anyway!

Nick.

 

[Lester Stiefel]

To disable "Windows Messenger":

Open "Windows Messenger" and from the Toolbar select
Tools > Options > Preferences and uncheck:

"Run this program when Windows starts" and
"Allow this program to run in the background", then
click OK.

Next, open Outlook Express and from the Toolbar select
Tools > Options and under the General tab uncheck
"Automatically log on to Windows Messenger" and click
APPLY.


Alternatives:

Prevent Windows Messenger from automatically running
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/scripts_desc/xp_messenger_autorun.htm

or

Remove Windows Messenger
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/xp_messenger_remove.htm

[Courtesy of MS-MVP Doug Knox]

Method listed is valid, but be advised that you may not be able to
install/use adobe reader (acrobat RT) afterwards. Thats what happened to me
anyway.

 

[jeffrey]

Hi,

There is actually two windows messenger in the windows componets section,
one is hidden. If you go to
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_messenger.htm it will show you how to get
rid of all of windows messenger.

Jeff

 

[Alex Nichol]

Wow, fast reply. Thanks for the info. I unchecked
"Allow this program to run in the background", but did not have
"Run this program when Windows starts" (WM v4.7).

You also need, if you use Outlook Express, in its Tools - Options to
uncheck 'Automatically log on to Messenger' and in its View - Layout
uncheck 'Contacts', which are managed by Messenger