Problem disconnecting from MSN Messenger

[jh88fan]

I use MSN 8.0 internet access on a system with Windows 98SE.

Here is the problem: When disconnecting, MSN closes properly, but MSN Messenger (which runs automatically when connecting) doesn't close. The system hangs when I do any of the following:

1) left/right click on Messenger icon in taskbar
2) Control+Alt+Delete to end task: "MSN Messenger"
3) ignore and attempt to shut down windows normally

Occasionally I get a "System has become unstable: press any key to continue" blue screen, but either way I have to hold the power button in to shut down, which I don't want to have to do.

Any ideas what could be causing this to happen? I've contacted MSN and they don't seem to have a solution.

Thanks for any help with this.

JH

[RayH]

I use Mike Lin's Startup Control (www.mlin.net). When I had MSN Internet, I never had to have MSN Messenger run. I just had the thing turned off. I find instant messengers a worm hole!

[jh88fan]

Thanks for the reply, but I don't seem to be able to turn it off.

MSN Messenger doesn't run at startup, just when I sign in to MSN. I emailed their tech support and followed the instructions in their reply. At the MSN Messenger main window, I went into "Tools", "Options", and unchecked the box next to "Sign in automatically when connected to MSN", but it still signs in anyway the next time I connect. I emailed MSN tech support just to let them know it didn't work but haven't gotten a reply.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

JH