Don't need it, don't use it, didn't want it, couldn't get rid of it.

When installing XP home I un-checked Messenger but it installed anyway.

I tried add/remove software but it was already running. Trying to close the program down it refused. Trying to stop the process it refused too.

For two weeks I've tried the tips. First the registry edit with the added key and value - from Microsofts Knowledge base failed to work.

Then I tried to rename the directory which was write protected and then protected again because the process was active.

Booted to safe mode command line prompt - I'm a DOS Commando from way back. Navigated to the directory and tried Move but failed to get the syntax right - then Copy dittos but the old del *.* sure worked.

Rebooted once and it hasn't re-appeared yet. Damn that thing was like a herpes infection that kept coming back!

Microsoft claims that both Outlook Express and Internet Explorer "use" Messenger but no troubles yet.

I have been trying to get rid of messenger too.
I will give what you did a try.

Good for you! I was able to rename mine easily and haven't heard a peep yet. Oh, Win XP Pro, on mutliple machines.

Edited to add: This also worked for one of my machines...

begin-
Removal Process

Goto Start click Run. In the Run box enter in the following string:
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove.

Then the normal uninstall process will be presented to you and BLAAAM! it's gone bye-bye. :-)

End-


ByteTheBullet  (-:

If you are running XP, you can't run clean without XP Anti-Spy.  GREAT program.  Will uninstall and disable all of those annoying little gimmicks that you really don't want in XP.  Check it out here:
http://www.xp-antispy.de/index.html?/news-e.htm

If just going into Messenger itself and un-selecting the "Run at startup" option doesn't work, try this:

Open a Notepad file and copy and paste this :


On Error Resume Next

Set WshShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
WshShell.RegWrite "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\PreventRun",1,"REG_DWORD"
WshShell.RegWrite "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\PreventAutoRun",1,"REG_DWORD"
WshShell.RegWrite "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Hide Messenger",2,"REG_DWORD"

Message = "Windows Messenger will no longer run, or start automatically."

X = MsgBox(Message, vbOKOnly, "Done")
Set WshShell = Nothing



Save the file on the Desktop with VBS extenstion, then double-click it to run it.

Thank you.

Ding dong the witch is dead!!!

Im on the opposite end of the spectrum


I use it all the time to keep in touch with people that live far away, and the service seems to go down constantly. Worthless piece of crap

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>..


BTT   [bounce]

thanks.  that was painless.

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

This is typical of M$, have it bill's way. For relief use Linux.