I believe their is an option in Outlook Express that needs to be disabled in order to stop MSN messenger from coming back even after it is disabled in msconfig.

Steve

Thanks everyone.

It's quite frustrating, for sure.  I've tried everything I could think of.  There's another thing that makes it even more difficult.  MSN Messenger and Windows Messenger executables have the same file name. Guess I'll just hafta keep digging.

George

Hi:

I disabled my Windows Messenger doing this:

Control panel, user acct, on left side screen under related tasks, click "Manage My Network Passwords", window opens, click passport.net\* passport entry, click remove.

I do not know where I found this info, probably on a forum, but it works for me. Of course I'm the only one using this computer. The only name I left in that window was my user name@msn etc. The only time messenger comes on now is when I use MSN. It does not come on when I use IE or OE.

Some times if I sign into passport, it activates itself again, so I just go and remove it again. Like I said it is only me using this computer. A lot easier for me to disable. I personally would like to shoot it.

Barb

WinXP Pro SP 1

This should be in an FAQ. If you search the forums you will find multiple threads on this.
Here is the easiest way to prevent it from automatically starting, without going into the registry.

Open Group Policy [Start - Run - %SystemRoot%\system32\gpedit.msc]
Computer Configuration - Administrative Templates - Windows Components - Windows Messenger

Double click "Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially" and set to Enable

I am unsure if Group Policy is available in XP Home, but you can try. If not go into the registry as listed here:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=sw_winxp&message.id=78361&highlight=messenger#M78361

I did a fresh install and while going through my lockdown checklist, I noticed this option.

Good Luck,

Michael

CAREFUL IN THE REGISTRY - I have not tested this, but it is from the link above:
You can use Messenger ,Tools , Options , Preferences uncheck Run & Allow or use Registry Editor to;

This restriction is used to disable the ability to run the Microsoft MSN Instant Messenger client.

Open you registry and find the key below.

Create a new DWORD value for each of the optional restrictions from the table below. Set the value to "1" to enable the restriction or "0" to disable it.

PreventAutoRun - Do not automatically start Messenger
PreventRun - Do not allow Messenger to run
Restart Messenger for the changes to take effect.

Settings:
User Key: [HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client]
System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client]
Name: PreventAutoRun, PreventRun
Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value: (1 = enable restriction, 0 = default)

Message Edited by ddeerrff on 06-03-2004 11:38 PM