Microsoft Windows Messenger, I WANT IT GONE!

[ragtopdave06]

I just got a new computer that has the XP media edition on it. I'm pretty decent with computers, but I haven't spent the time to try and figure out why I can't get rid of the MS Messenger icon in my system tray. I can't delete it, because it's not in the "delete/add programs" area. If I exit it, it just comes back on the next reboot.

What's the secret???

[Eggs Benediction]

I'm not so sure, but you can change the settings on it so it doesn't start when you boot up windows.

[rspassey]

Or

Open up Add / Remove programs and look on the left hand edge. Then click on Add / Remove Windows Components. It should be in there. Or, open up msconfig (start > run > msconfig (type it)) and under the start up tab, disable the messenger entry.

HTH,
Ryan

[Mesaeus]

The only decent way to remove Windows Messenger without causing trouble with for example Outlook Express, is to paste this line in Start/Run... and execute it :

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

This will uninstall Windows Messenger and is the cleanest way to remove and trust me, I long ago tried all possible methods suggested in this thread before settling on this one.

[Panama Red]

Originally Posted by Mesaeus The only decent way to remove Windows Messenger without causing trouble with for example Outlook Express, is to paste this line in Start/Run... and execute it : RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove This will uninstall Windows Messenger and is the cleanest way to remove and trust me, I long ago tried all possible methods suggested in this thread before settling on this one.

That's the most effective method. I have it saved in my Tips file too.

[rjfvillarosa]

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

I found this script on Microsoft's site several years ago and posted it here on the Mech, like Panama Red and Mesaeus I believe it to be the most effective way of removing messenger, the version of messenger it removes is 4.7 which comes bundled with all versions of XP, using this script does not stop you installing the newest version of messenger should you want it and also the new versions are very easy to control and keep from starting up with Windows.

P.S. it will remove all versions of messenger should you require it to.

[kev7555]

If you want messenger gone all you have to do is right click on messenger in the system tray, click exit, explore c drive, program files and delete the folder that says messenger.

I have done it this way on all of my XP computers. It interferes with nothing.

-Kev

[ragtopdave06]

Originally Posted by kev7555 If you want messenger gone all you have to do is right click on messenger in the system tray, click exit, explore c drive, program files and delete the folder that says messenger. I have done it this way on all of my XP computers. It interferes with nothing. -Kev

This does not work. It's what I tried first. The problem being, there is no folder in my program files that says messenger. There is also no messenger folder anywhere else on my hard drive. I unchecked the hide files box so that I can see ALL of the files, did a search, looked under the program files folder, windows folder, system folders, everything. There is just no folder named messenger.

But I WILL try Mesaeus' method, and get back with you on it.

And for the record, I don't use Outlook, so no problems with that. Thunderbird is my email software of choice.

[stylin19]

a little late with this but...another way to do it, without the whackin OE
in" \windows\inf
make a copy of file "sysoc.inf" (for backup)
edit sysoc.inf
delete the word: hide
so the end of the lines now look like: inf,,7
save the file.
now go into control panel add/remove programs
select windows components.
you should now be able to uninstall mesenger. ( and alot of other crappola you never could get to before)

[kev7555]

Pretty strange, Dave. It's worked on every XP computer I've repaired or built.
By default XP places the messenger folder here:

C:\Program Files\Messenger

Don't know why yours is not there.