How to get rid of Windows Messenger?

[Tim]

I just did a full overhaul / software reformat and reload on my main computer. Windows XP Home.

I don't want windows messenger. In the past, I've always just right clicked on the icon and closed it, but that's too much effort anymore. I want windows messenger GONE, as in it never pops up anywhere. Preferably not even running as a service if it does that. In the last 3 years, I never used it once.

So how can I totally disable windows messenger?

[DanG]

start
run
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
Reboot when done.

Do that. It will completly get rid of Windows messenger. Just don't forget that MSN Messenger is a completly different program.

[Thrax]

http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=288

[Tim]

Okay, thanks for the information.:)

[DogDragon]

This is how I did it just for another way
OK here it is:

click start-> control panel-> administrative tools->
services.

Scroll down until you see "Messenger" under the name
column. Right click 1 time then left click on
"properties".

Under the "General" Tab, change "Startup type:" to
"disabled". Then under "Service status:" click on the
"stop" button.

Under the "Log On" tab, under "Hardware Profile" left
click on the first hardware profile that is in that
section, possibly "Profile 1", then click the
"disable" button. Repeat this for as many profiles
that are listed.

When finished click on the "Apply" button and then the
"OK" button when that finishes.

Close remaining "Services" window.

And thats all folks...

[rapture]

The Messenger Service and Windows Messenger are two different things.

I'd personally do both though :P

[CyrixInstead]

Let's not forget that we're a tech site and as such we have our own repository of gems like the 'How to remove Windows Messenger (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showpost.php?p=4641&postcount=2)'.

See the Tips & Tweaks thread (http://www.short-media.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1415) - not updated much anymore but worthwhile nonetheless!

~Cyrix