How to keep windows Messenger from running at startup?

[alpuzz]

I'm running Windows Messenger 5.1 on my T43. Under preferences, I insured that "run messenger when windows starts" is not checked, and in Outlook express, I unchecked 'automatically log onto Windows Messenger". However, The stupid program still isn't getting the hint. I want to continue using messenger as it does the job for me just fine and I don't want to clutter my system with other clients, but this is ridiculous. Any ideas?

Thanks,

--Al

[GomJabbar]

I read this on another site. I haven't tried it as I don't use Windows Messenger. Run regedt32 to do the following:

Stop Windows Messenger from Auto-Starting

Simply delete the following Registry Key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run\MSMSGS

[GomJabbar]

I don't know if you want it, but this was also listed:

Remove MSN Messenger from Outlook Express

Start/Run/Regedit

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express. Value Name: Hide Messenger, Data Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value), Value Data: (2 = remove messenger). Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value, called 'Hide Messenger' and set the value to 2.

Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.

[alpuzz]

Hmm,
It seems that I don't even have that key.

Weird.

--Al

[GomJabbar]

Hmm,
It seems that I don't even have that key.

Weird.

--Al

I checked on my T-42 running Windows XP Pro SP2, and I do have the key:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run

I don't have MSMSGS in there, because I never installed it. Try going to find in regedt32 and enter run in the search box. Hit F3 to find each additional instance of run. You can also search for MSMSGS (it's possible there could be a misspelling here - maybe it's something like MSMSGR)

[Torque]

Another way of doing it is to rename the "messenger" folder under "C:\program files" to "MessengerOFF" or whatever you wish. This way the msmsn.exe wont load on startup.

But the best this would of course be to remove the key in the reg database.

[sickofit]

Also...go to Run...type services.msc and set messenger to Manual,instead of the default Automatic...

Greg St.L

[PetraM]

Windows messenger is the stupidest, most annoying, disgusting thing ever...

Here is what you can do:
First you uninstall it as a windows component (in add/remove programs -> windows components), then you download this free program called MessengerDisable and tick the box Remove messenger from my computer (or something like that). The good thing is that if you change your mind later you can untick the box and hit apply and Messenger comes back.

No meddling with the registry and works nicely and with no problems.

Link: http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_mess_disable.htm

Petra

[krosenstein]

Stopping Messenger couldn't be easier than this:
http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm

[GomJabbar]

Stopping Messenger couldn't be easier than this:
http://www.grc.com/stm/shootthemessenger.htm

Sorry, but this is not the same as Windows Instant Messenger. Disabling this service should have no effect on using Windows Instant Messenger.

[daeojkim]

There are 2 different messengers. Windows messenger and MSN messenger.

The windows messenger installs to your computer by default. To remove it, go to control panel -> "add / remove programs", then select "add/remove windows components" , then uncheck windows messenger and it will be permanently removed from your computer.

[GomJabbar]

Hopefully the following links can help clear up the confusion:

http://www.winxptutor.com/messengers.htm

http://www.mess.be/msnmessengerfaq/idx/ ... enger.html

http://ask-leo.com/whats_the_difference ... enger.html