How to Remove Windows Messenger

The world of computers is often a very confusing one, and it doesn't help when you have software or programs with similar names, that do completely different things. When it comes to problems with one, or trying to remove it, some users often end up trying to deal with the other program instead.

One such example is Windows Messenger. Offhand, most people would tell you it is a chat client for connecting to the Internet and talking to your friends. The application is very much like MSN Messenger in appearance, although it operates a little differently.
This is a program that only runs on Windows XP, and is installed when you install XP.

But Windows 2000 as well as Windows XP has an application called Windows Messenger Service, which is not a chat client, and does something entirely different. As part of the Windows operating system it can't be removed. Basically it is a program that delivers network messages to your computer, mostly in the form of pop-ups on the completion of an operation, such as receiving messages, or completion of a print job or fax.

Unfortunately, this feature also has a "back door" that allows spammers to enter your computer system and deliver ads or other objectionable content. The vast majority of PC owners have no use for this service, and although it can't be removed, it can be turned off. Simply go to My Computer and right click, then click Manage. Next, click the plus sign beside Services And Applications, to show the whole menu. Click on Services and scroll down until you find Messenger. Double click Messenger, and in the dialog box that opens, change the Start Up Type to Disabled, and click Stop. That will end the program.

To remove the chat or Internet client form of Windows Messenger, just go to your control panel and select Add/Remove Programs. Scroll down to find Windows Messenger, check the window for it, and then click Remove. Click OK and you're done.