Msmsgs.exe continuously loads

I'm having problem shutting off the msmsgs executable for Windows
messenger. If I manually delete this process through the Task Manager,
it will reload in about 90 to 120 seconds. I appears I can repeat this
indefinitely.

I've gone into msconfig to make sure it's not set to load at startup.
I've also gone into the Windows Messenger options (Tools - Options -
Preferences) and unchecked "Run this program when Windows starts'
field. I've also gone into OE (Tools - Options - General) and
deselected the "Automatically log onto Windows Messenger" field.

Despite the steps taken, it still appears the msmsgs.exe is still
getting loaded at startup and even if I manually end this process, it
is reloaded shortly afterwards.

Is there any way to stop msmsgs.exe from being loaded at startup and
to also stop it from loading continuously as my computer runs? In
fact, if I had to choose I'd much rather figure how to stop it from
loading continuously. I am not interested in totally uninstalling or
turning off Windows Messenger; it does get used every blue moon by my
guests, so I do want to be able to use it if needed. I just don't want
msmsgs.exe to be loaded until I've launched the program.

I've tried doing an array of Google searches (group & web) and not
come across an answer to my problem. I'm sure it's out there, but I
just didn't search with the right keywords. If there's a good resource
you can direct me to that addresses this problem, I would appreciate
it.

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

k