So, I uninstalled MSN messenger (a.k.a. the world's most annoying and troublesome instant messenger client), but I'm left with the problem of Windows Messenger which is virtually impossible to uninstall (or even to close!).

I think I once found a solution by which I could rename the executable or some key file, but I don't recall exactly what was done.

Anyone know how to get rid of this thing?

See you on Yahoo!

Assuming you are running XP: From start>run enter this:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

BTW, Google is your friend.

Well, no, this is how to disable Messenger, which is the software that allows little pop-up messages from spammers. It is not related to the instant messaging client.

This is why I was asking for personal experience, as so many people have asked this question and gotten 30 different answers that google is kind of tought to wade through for this one.

NO. IT IS NOT.

Did you even try it?

I entered the command:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

and all of a sudden MSN Messenger (the original 4.6 version) was uninstalled from my machine.

Try it.

Google is tough?

I entered "remove windows messenger" and the first link contained the correct information.

Ohhhh, does this question ever resonate with me. I have done everything I know how to do to get rid of the pesky thing. I've even taken it to a professional twice, as well as asked a Microsoft employee who posts on FT to no avail.

Sorry, I was referring to the services part. The messenger service is not related to windows messenger. I'll try the first command, though.

Thanks

This is directly from Microsoft's website.
How to prevent Windows Messenger from running on a Windows XP-based computer
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302089

To disable the windows messenger SERVICE (not the instant messaging program) go to:

Control panel, administrative tools, component services, double click on "services local," in the right hand side panel, scroll down to "messenger" and double click on it, in the dialog box that appears, set "startup type" to "disabled."

You will now not be troubled by messenger spamming again.

There's also a little freeware program called "Kill The Messenger" that's available as a download if you'd prefer to do this. Worked great for me. A Google search should locate the webserver for it.

robb,

the clean method of uninstalling windows messenger has been a very well kept secret. here are comprehensive instructions on how to uninstall this nasty piece of software (hope i haven't missed anything);

1) firstly you will need to turn off system restore, otherwise windows xp will automatically attempt to reinstall messenger. goto the control panel and open up 'system properties'. select the system restore tab and check the 'turn off system restore on all drives' option.

2) open up windows explorer and on the menu click on 'tools' then 'folder options'. at the top tabs, select 'view' then check the 'show hidden files and folders' option and uncheck the 'hide protected operating system files'. you need to do this to access the file 'sysoc.inf' which is hidden.

3) backup the 'sysoc.inf' file which is located in the directory windows\inf just incase things go wrong. open up the 'sysoc.inf' file with a text/hex editor (ie the windows notepad) and delete all the words 'HIDE' from the file and then save and exit.

4) goto the control panel and open up 'add or remove programs'. on the left side, click on 'add/remove windows components'. at the bottom of the list will now be two windows messenger components which you can uncheck. uncheck both and click next to continue. windows messenger will now be uninstalled from your system.

5) if you wan to take it one step further, under the 'program files' directory, delete the messenger folder (there should only be one file left which the system does not remove although it is no longer used) as well as deleting all messenger registry keys.

hope this helps ease your frustration with some of the cr@py software micrsoft bundles with its operating system...

Sounds a heck of a lot more complicated than the solution (tried and tested) that I posted...

There's a program called XPlite that is also very useful for getting rid of Windows components that you don't want.

FewMiles..

Of course Robb just wants to remove it so I can't chat with him.

I do believe Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP has by default set the Messenger service to disabled.