How to Disable Windows Messenger

In today’s computing world, any program that you use for online communication can be a potential source for computer virus attack or infection of your computer. Instant messaging programs such as Windows Messenger and the newer Windows Live Messenger are no exception. Some computer users may have the need or desire to disable Windows Messenger on their computer’s due to the potential security vulnerability and distracting nature of the application when you are not a regular IM user.

What is Windows Messenger?

Windows Messenger is the Microsoft produced Instant Messaging or chat program that was bundled with the Windows XP operating system. It is used at the home and work. The Windows Live Messenger is the successor to the Windows Messenger program that is further incorporated into the .NET and Office communictor frameworks.

How Do You Disable Windows Live Messenger

Step 1 – Select your computer’s “Start” menu followed by the “Run” menu option if you are using Windows XP. If you are using Vista or Windows 7, you will need to use your quick search box to find the “Run” or “Command” program to open your computer’s DOS command prompt.

Step 2 – Enter “services.msc” at the DOS prompt followed by the “enter” key. You can also enter the command directly in the “Run” menu if you have not opened the DOS prompt.

Step 3 – Choose the “Ok” menu button.

Step 4 - Find the “Windows Messenger” or “Windows Live Messenger” service on the subsequent listing of services that appears and double click the program.

Step 5 – Choose the “Disabled” option when the application prompts you to change the Startup Type for Windows Messenger.

Step 6 – Choose “Stop” and exit the start up service utility. Windows Messenger (and Windows Live Messenger) will now be disabled.

If you decide you want to turn Windows Messenger back on, simply repeat these directions and enable the program at computer start up.

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