What is Windows Messenger?
Windows Messenger is designed to be a proprietary instant messaging tool by Microsoft that has been integrated into the Windows XP operating system. Designed for use by advanced users as well as novice, it was originally created as a streamlined and integrated version of MSN Messenger.
How do I disable Windows Messenger from running?
The procedures for disabling Windows Messenger will depend on the version of Windows Messenger installed on your computer.
Windows Messenger 4.0 or Later on a Windows XP Professional
1. Click on Start, go to Run, type in gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER
2. Expand the Local Computer Policy folder until you see Computer Configuration folder
3. Expand the Computer Configuration folder until you see Administrative Templates folder
4. Expand the Administrative Templates folder until you see Windows Components folder
5. Expand the Windows Components folder until you see Windows Messenger folder
6. Double-click on the option “Do not allow Windows Messenger to run“, and then click Enabled.
7. Click OK, and exit the window.
Windows Messenger 4.0 on a Windows XP Home Edition
1. Run Windows Messenger.
2. Click Options on the Tools menu.
3. Click the Preferences tab, click to clear the “Run this program when Windows starts” check box, and then click OK.
Windows Messenger 4.5 or Later on Either Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional
1. Click on Start, Run
2. Type in REGEDIT and Press Enter
3. See HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE , Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder until you see Software folder
4. Expand the Software folder until you see Policies folder
5. Expand the Policies folder until you see Microsoft folder
6. If the folder Messenger is not listed, click on the Edit menu, point to New, click Key, and then type Messenger for the name of the new registry key
7. If the folder Client is not listed under Messenger, click on the Edit menu, point to New, click Key, and then type Client for the name of the new registry key
8. On the Edit Menu, point to New, click DWORD Value, and then type PreventRun for the name of the new DWORD value. Remember all of this is case sensitive.
9. Right-click the PreventRun value that you created, click Modify, type 1 in the Value data box, and then click OK.
10. Exit Registry Editor and restart your PC.
What about Removing Messenger or Uninstalling Windows Messenger from Windows XP
The procedure for removing Windows Messenger depends on whether your system has Windows XP Service Pack 1 installed. To determine whether Service Pack 1 is installed follow these directions:
1. Click on Start
2. Select My Computer
3. Select Properties
4. On the General tab, under System if the words “Service Pack 1” are listed you have the service pack.
Removing Messenger from computers WITH Service Pack 1 installed
1. Click on Start, go to Control Panel
2. Double click on Add or Remove Programs
3. Select Add/Remove Windows Components
4. Uncheck Windows Messenger
5. Go to Next
6. Select Finish
7. Restart your computer
How to Remove Windows Messenger from Outlook Express
1. Click on Start, and then go to Run
2. Type in REGEDIT and Press Enter
3. See HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE , Expand the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE folder until you see Software folder
4. Expand the Software folder until you see Microsoft folder
5. Expand the Microsoft folder until you see Outlook Express folder
6. Right click on the Outlook Express folder, click on New, click on DWORD value, and then type Hide Messenger for the name of the new registry key
7. Right-click the Hide Messenger value that you created, click Modify, type 2 in the Value data box, and then click OK.
8. Exit Registry Editor and restart your PC.
