Windows Live Messenger is driving me mad!

[lizzie-lizzie]

I didn't know about this site until yesterday so here goes!

I don't like nor want Windows Live Messenger.  Following someone's advice to get rid of it I downloaded and installed Ccleaner; clicked "Tools"; clicked "Start Up"; unticked Messenger and clicked on disable.  When I next turned on my computer WLM had gone - job done, or so I thought.

During the same day I was on a site where I needed to ask a technical question of the owners; I clicked on the "ask a question here" link and Outlook Express appeared on my screen.  I don't know anything about OE and am not sure I want or need it; I have a hotmail a/c for emails.  Anyway having never used OE I just cancelled it and never got to ask my question.

When I next switched on my computer WLM was back   I've gone into Ccleaner again and repeated the steps described above because I found that Messenger had been ticked!  I'm now wondering whether the opening of OE automatically reinstated WLM - I can't think how else it happened.

My system is Windows XP service pack 3.  I don't know if it's relevant but about a week ago I ticked a box in Windows Updates asking for automatic updates on Fridays at 3a.m.  The first Friday will be tomorrow so can't think it can be that

Should I perhaps not ask for automatic updates - I mean would an update reinstate WLM?  And does OE automatically reinstate it?

My knowledge of computers and applications etc is very very basic.  Any suggestions or comments would be very welcome.

[Computer_Commando]

1.  Ccleaner is a very good program, I use it almost every day.
2.  WLM - don't know why after removing it from Startup, it returned.
3.  Outlook Express is a component of Internet Explorer.  I don't use it either, just ignore it.
4.  It's possible that one of the Windows Updates restored WLM.
5.  Leave it on Automatic Updates, unless you are diligent about doing it manually.  If there are no updates, then nothing will be downloaded or installed.
6.  Microsoft Updates are 1st Tuesday of every month, but occassionally in between.

[BC_Programmer]

Is there something wrong with simply uninstalling it?

[lizzie-lizzie]

If I can find out how to uninstall I will have a go.

[Highett]

Try these steps, see if it helps you

   1. Press the Windows button on your keyboard, or launch the Start Menu using your cursor.
   2. Select the "Run..." option.
   3. In the prompted box, enter "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove".
   4. Press the Enter button on your keyboard, or click "OK."
   5. When you are prompted and asked to restart your computer, click "Yes."

[lizzie-lizzie]

I tried your suggestion but it hasn't worked.  It asked me to restart computer and when I did the first thing that appeared was "windows installing" or words to that effect.  I tried your suggestion again but this time nothing happened.  I turned off computer and turned it on again and WLM is still there.

Try these steps, see if it helps you

   1. Press the Windows button on your keyboard, or launch the Start Menu using your cursor.
   2. Select the "Run..." option.
   3. In the prompted box, enter "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove".
   4. Press the Enter button on your keyboard, or click "OK."
   5. When you are prompted and asked to restart your computer, click "Yes."

Did you mean to leave a space between 32  advpack and also a space between INFSection and %windir?  I left spaces but I just thought I'd ask...

[BC_Programmer]

Hmm, "Windows Live" or "windows Live messenger" aren't listed in Add/remove?

[patio]

It's listed under Windows Live essentials and can easily be removed from there instead of using the above method...

[alexK]

I can't find anything under WLM, but there is "Messenger", and I think that is what you are after. It is an absolute Pest! Pardon my expression.
It is part of Windows XP and it can't be deleted.

But you can Disable it.
-Right click My Computer
--click on Manage
---click on Services
----select Messenger
-----change Startup type: to Disable
-----ensure Service Status: to Stopped


Hope that helps!

[patio]

It's listed under Windows Live essentials and can easily be removed from there instead of using the above method...

[lizzie-lizzie]

It's listed under Windows Live essentials and can easily be removed from there instead of using the above method...

Thank you patio.  I followed your instructions and - for the moment - it seems to have worked.  I say "for the moment" because I did seem to get rid of it once before but back it came!

As well as ticking the Messenger box I also uninstalled everything else on the list under "Essentials".  I just wanted to be sure Messenger didn't return by the back door so to speak in one of the other programmes on that list.

[BC_Programmer]

Honestly I've had trouble installing the darn thing, heh.