Windows Messenger starts automatically by default, but you can change this behavior. Windows Messenger is the messaging utility that ships with Windows XP. By default, it starts automatically when you boot your computer. If you prefer MSN Messenger or another messaging program, or if you don’t do any instant messaging, you’ll want to stop Windows Messenger from booting.
The way in which you prevent Windows Messenger from starting automatically depends on whether you are using Outlook Express or Outlook.
In Outlook Express:
- Click Tools | Options.
- On the General tab, clear Automatically Log On To Windows Messenger. Click OK.
In Outlook:
- Click Tools | Options.
- On the Other tab, clear Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook. Click OK.
The way in which you disable Windows Messenger from running altogether depends on which Windows operation system you are using.
In Windows XP Professional:
- Click Start | Run, and type gpedit.msc. Click OK.
- Using the Group Policy Editor, under Local Computer Policy, expand Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates | Windows Components and select Windows Messenger.
- Double-click Do Not Allow Windows Messenger To Be Run, and select Enabled.
- Click OK and close the Group Policy Editor.
In Windows XP Home:
- Start Windows Messenger.
- Click Tools | Options.
- On the Preferences tab, clear Run This Program When Windows Starts. Click OK and reboot.
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