After installing MSN 6.2 I tried to make it my default messenger program. Seemed to work for a while, but now Windows Messenger is signing in automatically and running in the background whenever I go online.

Can be a problem when I don't really want to be seen online. Only knew it was running when messages would pop up when I thought I wasn't signed in.

I can't even find the Windows Messenger program to disable it now.

Would be grateful if anyone could advise as it can be a pain in the bum at times.

Cheers.

there is a small utility called "shoot the messenger.exe"

i downloaded it from ??????? cant remember , sorry.

google it and you should be able to locate it.

it gives you the option to turn off messenger.

i had a similar problem.

now i dont !

here it is.

www.pcworld.com/downloads/ file_description/0,fid,23016,00.asp - Similar pages

Thanks, I'll give it a try when I get home.

From the messenger menu:

Tools, Options, General, uncheck "allow automatic signin...."

If you also want to run messenger manually, then also uncheck "Automatically run messenger...."

The other option is one that Microsoft doesn't want you to know about. Click on START then RUN and type MSCONFIG. Then click on RUN. That will bring up your System Configuration Utility. Click on the last tab STARTUP.

That will show you what programmes are loaded when your computer boots up.

Be careful and untick only the programmes you DON'T want your computer to load. You will be surprised how many programmes DO load when you turn your computer on.

You can dramatically cut down the time from when you turn your computer ON until you are able to use it by carefully editing the Utility.

You will be prompted to RESTART or CONTINUE WITHOUT RESTART.

When you do restart your computer you will see improved performance.

Peter

If you dont want it, you can go "Control Panel" and then "Add or Delete Programs" to delete it.

btw, MSN 7.0 is amazing.

Thanks for all the suggestions.

The 'shoot the messenger' tool doesn't make any difference as it seems to block Windows Messenger Service which is different to Windows Messenger.

I managed to get Windows Messenger to reappear in the toolbar but it still insists on starting automatically even though I unchecked the box.

I now have 2 icons in the toolbar, one for Windows Messenger and one for MSN 6.2

I will give the System Configuration option a try later.

Cheers.

PS I don't think you can remove Windows Messenger with add/ remove programmes

PS I don't think you can remove Windows Messenger with add/ remove programmes

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You can, but you need to click on the Add / Remove Windows Components button which in XP is to the left of the main list.

a better program than msconfig to control what starts up with windows is startup.exe

find it at http://www.mlin.net

or consider other instant messaging programs that are not so insidious and bloated

gaim

miranda

trillian

though I notice trillian is starting to become a bit over the top.