"anonymous" wrote in message
...
The MSN Messenger "Usage data" option was *not* turned on by default when
I
installed messenger on my machine.

Then you have an install problem:

http://www.msgplus.net/changelog.php
"A new option has been added in the preferences panel to allow sending
periodic statistics to the msgplus.net server. These statistics are just a
couple of numerical data such as "Quick Text was used" or "Plus! icon was
clicked". Obviously, nothing personal (such as chat logs or contact emails)
is sent. The data collected will help me concentrate on the features that
are used the most in the future updates. The option is on by default and can
be turned off permanently in the "General Options\Local Settings" section of
the preferences. Last note about this: no statistic is send during the first
week of use, that way, you have plenty of time to discover the option and
turn it of if you desire. "

--
_______________________________________
Hyperlinks used to ensure advice is current
Sandi - Microsoft MVP since 1999 (IE/OE)
http://inetexplorer.mvps.org