can't get rid of the plague

[Robert Blackwell]

Okay, fine, not the plague, but it feels like it.

I don't know how many times I've removed messenger from my computer, either
through add remove programs, or vbscripts from the web, and all of a sudden
it's back again, annoying the crap out of me. It loads on windows startup
AND when I open OE, even though I don't have the box checked in OE's
options.

Help me out guys, I don't have a problem with the actual service, just the
fact that it wont leave me alone.

What's the best way to remove it, and remove it for good (why did it come
back? windows update??)

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Greetings Robert,

It's probable that a Windows Update installed it again (although it would've been marked as
such). You can fully remove Windows Messenger, but if you do, you will be preventing Remote
Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing and any other applications that utilize Messenger
from working (or loading without problems). You can just disable Windows Messenger 4.7, by
opening it up, click Tools, Options, Preferences tab and unchecking 'Run this program when
Windows starts'.

Next, to stop Outlook Express from loading Windows Messenger, simply close Outlook Express,
then download and run this .reg file:
http://messenger.jonathankay.com/downloads/stopmessenger_oe.reg

If Windows Messenger continues to load at startup, do you have Norton Antivirus 2003
installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging scanning" feature to Norton Antivirus 2003,
which can conflict with Messenger and cause this behavior. To stop it, open Norton Antivirus
(Right-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in the System Tray/Notification Area (by the
clock), choose 'Open Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then Instant Messenger then uncheck
MSN Instant Messenger and click OK.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com


"Robert Blackwell" > wrote in message
...
> Okay, fine, not the plague, but it feels like it.
>
> I don't know how many times I've removed messenger from my computer, either
> through add remove programs, or vbscripts from the web, and all of a sudden
> it's back again, annoying the crap out of me. It loads on windows startup
> AND when I open OE, even though I don't have the box checked in OE's
> options.
>
> Help me out guys, I don't have a problem with the actual service, just the
> fact that it wont leave me alone.
>
> What's the best way to remove it, and remove it for good (why did it come
> back? windows update??)
>
>

[Robert Blackwell]

I never thought about checking for those options in messenger, simply
because AIM is such a PIA in that respect (which is one reason I don't use
it).

It's fine leaving it installed, as long as it's not harrassing me anymore.

Thanks guys.

[Jonathan Kay [MVP]]

Hi Robert,

Glad to be of assistance =).
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com


"Robert Blackwell" > wrote in message
...
> I never thought about checking for those options in messenger, simply
> because AIM is such a PIA in that respect (which is one reason I don't use
> it).
>
> It's fine leaving it installed, as long as it's not harrassing me anymore.
>
> Thanks guys.
>
>