How to Completely Remove Windows Messenger in Windows XP Windows Messenger comes pre-installed as a core component of Windows XP, tightly integrated into the operating system. Unlike regular software, Microsoft hidden its uninstallation option, causing it to load automatically, consume valuable system resources, and slow down programs like Outlook Express.
Depending on your comfort level with system commands and modifying system files, you can completely remove Windows Messenger using three highly effective methods. Method 1: The Fast Run Command (Recommended)
The absolute fastest and most permanent way to purge Windows Messenger from your computer is by executing a direct uninstallation command through the Windows file validation utility. Click on the Start menu and select Run.
Copy and paste the following exact string into the text box:rundll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove Click OK.
If a prompt appears asking to confirm or looking for specific files, accept them to let the native uninstaller clean out the application. Restart your computer. Method 2: Unhide and Remove via Control Panel
By default, Windows Messenger does not appear under the “Add or Remove Windows Components” window. This is because it is flagged as “hidden” in an internal Windows settings file called sysoc.inf. Removing this flag allows you to uninstall it normally. Step 1: Reveal Hidden System Files Open My Computer or any Windows Explorer folder.
Click Tools in the top menu bar, then choose Folder Options. Click on the View tab.
Under the Hidden Files and Folders category, select Show hidden files and folders.
Uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Click Apply and then OK. Step 2: Edit the Setup Configuration File
Go to Start, select Run, type C:\WINDOWS\inf\sysoc.inf and press Enter. (If your Windows is installed on a different drive, adjust the drive letter accordingly).
The file will open in Notepad. Scroll down or press Ctrl + F to find the section labeled [Components].
Locate the following specific line:msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
Delete the word hide, but leave both commas exactly as they are. The line must look exactly like this:msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7 Save the file (Ctrl + S) and close Notepad. Step 3: Uninstall Through Control Panel Go to Start > Control Panel. Open Add or Remove Programs. On the left sidebar, click Add/Remove Windows Components.
Scroll down the list until you find Windows Messenger. It will now be visible!
Clear the check box next to Windows Messenger, click Next, and click Finish once the wizard completes.
[Before Edit] msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7 ▲ [After Edit] msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7 ▲ (Keep both commas!) Method 3: The Group Policy Block (Windows XP Pro Only)
If you are using Windows XP Professional and prefer not to delete the files but want to completely prevent it from running, execution can be blocked system-wide using the Group Policy Editor. Go to Start > Run, type gpedit.msc and click OK. Navigate through the left-hand folder tree using this path:
Local Computer Policy > Computer Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Messenger
On the right side, double-click on Do not allow Windows Messenger to run.
Change the toggle setting to Enabled, then click Apply and OK. Crucial Step: Disable Outlook Express Integration
Even after removing the application files, Outlook Express may still try to look for Messenger when it opens, causing a noticeable 5-to-10 second delay. You must sever this lingering link: Open Outlook Express. Click on Tools in the top menu and select Options. Click on the General tab.
Look for the checkbox option that says Automatically log on to Windows Messenger and uncheck it. Click Apply and OK, then restart Outlook Express.
Your Windows XP operating system is now completely free of the default messenger client, giving you back your system speed and startup control. The Definitive Guide to Disable/Remove Messenger – AskWoody
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