How to Remove Windows Messenger on Windows XP
Windows Messenger is the Microsoft instant messaging program built into Windows XP. There is also a Windows Messenger service built into Windows XP that helps produce pop up ads via IP addresses. The two programs are completely separate and do different things even though Microsoft has essentially named them the same.
Windows Messenger (the chat program) is equally annoying if you dont use instant messaging. Microsoft has tightly integrated this program into many of its other programs including Outlook Express, Outlook and Remote Assistance. However there are ways to either disable it from starting, remove it, or for the most part completely get rid of it.
The procedures for disabling Windows Messenger will depend on the version of Windows Messenger installed on your computer.
Windows Messenger 4.0 or Later on a Windows XP Professional
Step 1. Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER
Step 2. Double-click the following items to expand them:
- Local Computer Policy
- Computer Configuration
- Administrative Templates
- Windows Components
- Windows Messenger
Step 3. Double-click on the option “Do not allow Windows Messenger to run”, and then click Enabled.
Step 4. Click OK, and then close the window
Windows Messenger 4.0 on a Windows XP Home Edition
Step 1. Start Windows Messenger.
Step 2. Click Options on the Tools menu.
Step 3. Click the Preferences tab, click to clear the “Run this program when Windows starts” check box, and then click OK.
Windows Messenger 4.5 or Later on Either Windows XP Home or Windows XP Professional
Step 1. Click on Start, Run
Step 2. Type REGEDIT and Press Enter
Step 3. Click on the Pluses (+) next to the following items
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
- Software
- Policies
- Microsoft
Step 4. If the folder Messenger is not listed, click on the Edit menu, point to New, click Key, and then type Messenger for the name of the new registry key
Step 5. If the folder Client is not listed under Messenger, click on the Edit menu, point to New, click Key, and then type Client for the name of the new registry key
Step 6. On the Edit Menu, point to New, click DWORD Value, and then type PreventRun for the name of the new DWORD value. Remember all of this is case sensitive.
Step 7. Right-click the PreventRun value that you created, click Modify, type 1 in the Value data box, and then click OK.
Step 8. Quit Registry Editor
