I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger - Printable Version
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I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Black_Forky on 05-31-2004 at 02:34 PM
I have used all methods i have found to disable it
I have turned off the settings
I used Messanger Disable
I have no autostart entries for it in the registry or startup folder
But when i turn my computer on it runs
When I open msn messanger it opens with it then when I exit it, it comes back on after about 10 minutes or so
I dont want to get rid of because of the api stuff
Someone help!
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by lhunath on 05-31-2004 at 02:42 PM
I've had the same problem (Windows Messenger).
I used Messenger Disable to kill it, but I found that disabling it 'For the current user only' doesn't work, and disabling it 'System-wide' does work, but causes MSN Messenger to hang for a few seconds (about half a minute) when it starts. Very annoying.
Try switching between those two though; it might work for you, since I use alot of patching and tweaking.. it might be because of my odd config.
In the end I had to just uninstall it..
Hope you find a better way, I searched the entire hard disk and even did a search through all the files of my hard disk for the entry msmsgr.exe (or whatever it's called - forgot the exact filename). No results.. Must be hardcoded in Windows or something ? I wondered about how it started and if there is no apparant way of disabling it.. wether it wouldn't form a huge security risk.. suppose another program could use whatever startup method this one uses.. say.. a Trojan..
Meh @ Microsoft.
* lhunath gives an evil look in microsoft's general direction.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Concord Dawn on 05-31-2004 at 03:18 PM
There is a way to uninstall, the easy way anyways.
Go to Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Cleanup
Wait until it presents you with the dialogue box (usually 2-5 minutes). Flip to the More Options tab and select Clean up Optional Windows Components. You will see this window:
Uncheck Windows Messenger and you're done.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Sunshine on 05-31-2004 at 03:23 PM
Warning: Do not delete windows messenger as MSN messenger may need some of its resources.
Simply stop it from running by doing the following: Start > Configurationscreen, Systemmanagement, Services (local) ... look for messenger rightclick and choose properties then disable it from runnin (i totally disabled it...not turn it to manual). The way i described is how it works in Win XP.
RE: RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Black_Forky on 05-31-2004 at 03:35 PM
Sunshine i did that but it was still opening with Msn Messanger could MP!3 be opening it? because i didnt have this problem before upgrading
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by lhunath on 05-31-2004 at 03:41 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Black_Forky
I dont want to get rid of because of the api stuff
quote:* lhunath whistles.
Originally posted by Chaotic_Shield
There is a way to uninstall, the easy way anyways.
Disabling the service doesn't help. Well, it sure in hell didn't help with me..
The only way is this :
Start => Run..
type: GPEDIT.MSC
Go to Administrative Templates
Then to Windows Components
On to Windows Messenger
There you have two settings to disable Windows Messenger. Set them both to be sure
That's what Messenger Disable does by the way, I think... Did you try doing it with Messenger Disable for System Wide ? Try that first.
RE: RE: RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Sunshine on 05-31-2004 at 03:44 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Black_Forky
Sunshine i did that but it was still opening with Msn Messanger could MP!3 be opening it? because i didnt have this problem before upgrading
Have u disabled messenger that way in an account with administratorpriviledges? If not do so there aswell (reboot into safemode and choose administrator account)
If that still doesnt solve it try the following:
Now u have set messenger not to run u could try uninstall plus (Start, configurationscreen, software) reboot then reinstall, hopefully that will solve ur prob
I have done nothin besides disabling messenger as i described an have no such probs
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by matty on 05-31-2004 at 04:19 PM
quote:
Originally posted by lhunath
quote:
Originally posted by Black_Forky
I dont want to get rid of because of the api stuffquote:* lhunath whistles.
Originally posted by Chaotic_Shield
There is a way to uninstall, the easy way anyways.
Disabling the service doesn't help. Well, it sure in hell didn't help with me..
The only way is this :
Start => Run..
type: GPEDIT.MSC
Go to Administrative Templates
Then to Windows Components
On to Windows Messenger
There you have two settings to disable Windows Messenger. Set them both to be sure
That's what Messenger Disable does by the way, I think... Did you try doing it with Messenger Disable for System Wide ? Try that first.
That method is only for Windows XP Professional. Please take a look at my link below on howto disable Windows Messenger
quote:
Originally posted by Sunshine
Warning: Do not delete windows messenger as MSN messenger may need some of its resources.
Simply stop it from running by doing the following: Start > Configurationscreen, Systemmanagement, Services (local) ... look for messenger rightclick and choose properties then disable it from runnin (i totally disabled it...not turn it to manual). The way i described is how it works in Win XP.
That wont disable Windows Messenger from running, that disables the services that alows computers to use the netsend command to send messages to other computers.
What you are looking for is right here
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb...89&Product=WinMsgr
If you disable Windows Messenger from running and if you use outlook express I suggest editing this into your registry
code:That way, Outlook Express wont try and open WIndows Messenger and take 5 mins doing it.
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Modify/Create the Value Name according to the Value Data listed below.
Data Type: REG_DWORD [Dword Value] // Value Name: Hide Messenger
Value Data: [2 = Messenger Will Not Load]
Exit Registry and Reboot
To Completly remove Windows Messenger from the computer do this
code:
Click [Start] [Run] and in the [Open:] box type or copy/paste the following command
RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
Click [OK]
Now by doing this, you may limit programs and addons for Messenger from actuall working. (Not a good idea if you program addons for Messenger)
To reinstall download file from here.
------------------------------------
Matty
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Black_Forky on 05-31-2004 at 10:32 PM
OK so msmsgs.exe doesn't have to be running for the api to be used......right?
My problem is that when i open MSN Messanger, Windows Messanger opens along with it and then when i close Windows Messanger it comes back on for no apparent reason a few minutes later
I dont want to do a disable that disables the api
as all of your solutions do
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by kao on 05-31-2004 at 11:03 PM
*caugh* Windows Messenger Disable tool
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by lhunath on 05-31-2004 at 11:57 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Black_Forky
I used Messanger Disable
quote:* lhunath *caugh*s right back at you =P
Originally posted by Kao
*caugh* Windows Messenger Disable tool
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by M_Cheevy on 06-02-2004 at 09:12 PM
After about an hour on the phone with the bozo's at MicroSlop tech support here's the skinny I've learned:
1) The click box in Windows Messenger "Allow Messenger to run in background" is NOT functional. Everytime you restart your system it get's re-checked.
2) The Messenger Service is NOT Windows Messenger. It's the service the OS uses to notify you of errors and other system messages.
3) The "Ask for remote assistance" menu item in MSN Messenger still requires Windows Messenger (in fact, as far as I can tell the MSN one does nothing -- can't get MicroSlop to comment on it as they don't support it).
4) Removing Windows Messenger completely using the rundll technique does cripple many other tools in the OS and in MSN Messenger.
5) GPEdit or a Registry Edit is the only way to disable Windows Messenger. Merely, "uninstalling" it using "Add/Remove Programs" doesn't do anything but remove the icon from your start menu.
6) To use other tools which require windows messenger, such as remote assistance, the only way is to go back in with either gpedit or regedit and temporarily re-enable it.
Think that's about it. Hope it helps. Personally I don't like "work arounds", I prefer software that works.
Perhaps if enough of us bombard Microslop with emails about how much of a security risk it is to notify the world everytime you start up your computer, perhaps under their "Secure Computing Initiative" they might feel it would be bad PR not to action it.
You can also write an email to your favourite anti-Microslop journalist suggesting they look into the security implications, this might also pressure MS to do something about it. History has shown they could care less what the users want, but they do care how they appear in the press.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Chris.1 on 06-02-2004 at 11:15 PM
Can you take a video of you ripping your hair out? It could be funny
Everytime I started Outlook Express, Windows Messenger would start - then close itself. I just switched to using Outlook, which seems nicer anyway. Plus the calendar remembers stuff for me.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by matty on 06-02-2004 at 11:20 PM
quote:
Originally posted by Chris.
Everytime I started Outlook Express, Windows Messenger would start - then close itself. I just switched to using Outlook, which seems nicer anyway. Plus the calendar remembers stuff for me.
Thats because Outlook Express and Windows Messenger are partially integrated
code:
[Start] [Run] [Regedit]
Registry Key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express
Modify/Create the Value Name according to the Value Data listed below.
Data Type: REG_DWORD [Dword Value] // Value Name: Hide Messenger
Value Data: [2 = Messenger Will Not Load]
Exit Registry and Reboot
do the above registry hack to prevent it from loading
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Fredzz on 06-04-2004 at 10:11 PM
i had that problem..ive disabled with some programs..but it would run anyway with Msn messenger..so ive renamed the exe file from msmsgs.exe to msmsgs.bak.and it doesnt run anymore 
anyway..msn messenger works fine now 
RE: RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by CookieRevised on 06-05-2004 at 06:40 PM
quote:It is functional. Messenger Plus! is the cause that it is rechecked each time. Without Messenger Plus! running you can check/uncheck it at your own choice.
Originally posted by M_Cheevy
After about an hour on the phone with the bozo's at MicroSlop tech support here's the skinny I've learned:
1) The click box in Windows Messenger "Allow Messenger to run in background" is NOT functional. Everytime you restart your system it get's re-checked.
quote:We could've told you that
Originally posted by M_Cheevy
2) The Messenger Service is NOT Windows Messenger. It's the service the OS uses to notify you of errors and other system messages.
This service can be disabled to prevent spam-popups from outside.About this Messenger Service:
Transmits net send and Alerter service messages between clients and servers.
BlackViper.com adds this:
This service provides the ability to send messages between clients and servers. This service needs not to be running under normal home conditions. It is also advisable to make this service go away to avoid the possibility of 'net send' messages hitting your computer from the internet. This has nothing to do with MSN Messenger, nor is it WinPopUp. To test for this security vulnerability, at the command prompt, (run: cmd.exe) type: net send 127.0.0.1 hi. If you get a popup 'hi' message, you should disable the Messenger service. If you get an error stating, 'The message alias could not be found on the network,' you are safe. If, for whatever reason, you need the Messenger service running but wish not to have spam popups active, you can disable the particular ports at your firewall. The Messenger service uses UDP ports 135, 137, and 138; TCP ports 135, 139, and 445.
quote:We could've told you that
Originally posted by M_Cheevy
3) The "Ask for remote assistance" menu item in MSN Messenger still requires Windows Messenger (in fact, as far as I can tell the MSN one does nothing -- can't get MicroSlop to comment on it as they don't support it).
4) Removing Windows Messenger completely using the rundll technique does cripple many other tools in the OS and in MSN Messenger.
MSN Messenger uses the Windows Messenger API for some of its features like Remote Desktop, Whiteboard, etc... If you removed or disabled Windows Messenger, those features will not work anymore in MSN Messenger. Also, some plugins need the Windows Messenger API. So, in short disabling/removing Windows Messenger is a bad idea... Microsoft does support it, because it is a MSN/Microsoft thing 
Of course if you said that you removed or disabled Windows Messenger, I think that they will say something like: "we do not answer questions if you altered something in Microsoft products or altered the way they work"...quote:Indeed, uninstalling only removes the icon, it will not remove the program itself (for the above reasons).
Originally posted by M_Cheevy
5) GPEdit or a Registry Edit is the only way to disable Windows Messenger. Merely, "uninstalling" it using "Add/Remove Programs" doesn't do anything but remove the icon from your start menu.
6) To use other tools which require windows messenger, such as remote assistance, the only way is to go back in with either gpedit or regedit and temporarily re-enable it.
So....
First of all DO NOT remove, nor disable Windows Messenger to solve these issues. You will cripple more things then you know:
Do not use:
* "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove"-method
* "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\PreventRun=1"-method
* "HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Policies\Microsoft\Messenger\Client\PreventAutoRun=1"-method
* "GPEDIT.MSC"-method
* "renaming msmsgs.exe"-method
* "MessengerDisable.exe > Disable Windows Messenger"-method
as these methods will cripple other parts of the OS; MSN Messenger and some Plus!-plugins will not work 100% anymore (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing, Song2Nick-plugin, etc...)
* "editing sysoc.inf"-method
* "Start->All Programs->Accessories->System Tools->Disk Cleanup"-method
as these methods will only remove the icon from the start menu and doesn't do a thing in preventing the startup of Windows Messenger...
* "Control Panel->User Accounts"-method
as this will cripple other things in your OS and/or MSN accounts...
* Use your firewall to block access to the net with Windows Messenger.
Although it wouldn't sign in anymore, Windows Messenger will still be started up in the background and try to connect.
Correct way:
note: If you uninstalled Windows Messenger previously, then you need to install it again first...
1) Close every instance of Outlook and Outlook Express.
This step is needed to make sure that nothing interfears with the procedure and to make sure the following steps can be performed.
2) Open Norton AntiVirus. Go to the options and click on Instant Messaging. At the bottom, uncheck "Scan incomming messages and files". Close Norton AntiVirus.
This option is btw useless as you can scan every incoming file by setting the scan-option in Messenger itself and also virusses don't get spread in text.
3) Close every instance of MSN Messenger, Windows Messenger and Messenger Plus!. Do this by opening your Task Manager (by pressing CTRL-ALT-DEL). Now find every instance of msnmsgr.exe, msmsgs.exe and msgplus.exe and press the "End Process"-button.
This step is needed to make sure that nothing interfears with the procedure and to make sure the following steps can be performed.
4) Open MessengerDisable and uncheck every box. Press Apply. Close MessengerDisable again.
This step is needed to enable Windows Messenger again and to make sure the following steps (5 and 6) can be performed.
5) Open Windows Messenger and go to Tools > Options > Preferences. uncheck "Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts" and uncheck "Allow Windows Messenger to run in the background". Close Windows Messenger again. Note: if the second option is greyed out, that means that Messenger Plus! is still running, in that case proceed to step 3...
6a) Open Outlook Express and go to Tools > Options > General. uncheck "Automatically log on to Windows Messenger". Close Outlook Express.
6b) Open Outlook and go to Tools > Options > Other. uncheck "Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook". Close Outlook.
7) Open MessengerDisable and check "Hide Messenger from Outlook Express", do not check any other option like "disable". Now, press Apply. Close MessengerDisable again.
Note: this will do more then setting the value of HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express\Hide Messenger to 2 as some might think.
8) Open Registry Editor and navigate to the following keys and delete every occurence of Windows Messenger, msmsgs.exe and/or MSMSGS in:
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnceEx
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServices
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunServicesOnce
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Run
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Windows\Load
If you are not comfortable with editing the registry directly then you can use a program like AutoRuns (execute from browser here) to check the above keys.
Do not use "msconfig.exe" as this will not show you every possible key that can hold something that is starting up when Windows starts and because it can only temporarly disable things.
9) Check your "StartUp"-folder in your start-menu to make sure Windows Messenger isn't listed there. If it is listed there, then delete it. Note: even if you don't see a "StartUp"-folder, you will still have one; The EXACT location can be obtained from the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\Startup
and
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders\Common Startup
10) If everything is done, reboot your computer...
This seems a lot to do and many will say "I did this and that and it works". But note that this method is for ALL users regardless which OS they have (Home or Pro) or how they have set up Windows.
This method will also make sure that the API of Windows Messenger can still be used. From now on Windows Messenger will only be started whenever you want it or when the API's are explicitly needed (but it will not sign in anymore) and it will NOT startup in the background and/or automaticly when you logon to Windows, nor when you open Outlook (Express).
Also note that this method DOES work, but you must follow the instructions exactly!
PS: Windows Messenger is NOT the same as Messenger Services, nor the same as MSN Messenger, nor the same as Windows Live Messenger.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by bnevets27 on 06-10-2004 at 05:40 AM
CookieRevised, thanx very much for that
worked very well, haven't had a problem since! 
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by Blair on 06-10-2004 at 07:39 AM
Thankyou!
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by aNILEator on 08-24-2004 at 09:52 AM
HEY this method didn't work with ADP installed on my computer 
any Ideas
--------------------
Wow 3 year old posts are funny to re-read , heh
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by theonedragon on 08-25-2004 at 10:18 PM
there is one more reason for windows messenger starting up that i havent seen... this is if your using Norton... Norton antivirus will cause windows messenger to start and log you on automatically and never display an icon on the taskbar i figured this out awhile back when my sisters were having the problem... open norton antivirus go to options click on instant messaging and at the bottom there should be an option checked to scan incomming messages and files on windows messenger 4.7 or 5.0 uncheck the option and windows messenger shouldnt start up or log you on.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by CookieRevised on 08-25-2004 at 10:38 PM
quote:absolutely correct.... I never mentioned this in the list and forgot all about this... thanks for the reminder
Originally posted by theonedragon
there is one more reason for windows messenger starting up that i havent seen... this is if your using Norton... Norton antivirus will cause windows messenger to start and log you on automatically and never display an icon on the taskbar i figured this out awhile back when my sisters were having the problem... open norton antivirus go to options click on instant messaging and at the bottom there should be an option checked to scan incomming messages and files on windows messenger 4.7 or 5.0 uncheck the option and windows messenger shouldnt start up or log you on.
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by lhunath on 09-14-2004 at 01:35 PM
Cookie, you should switch step 3&4, since if there had been a box on in step 4, you will be unable to complete step 3 successfully, as Windows Messenger will not run. You might want to edit your post
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by CookieRevised on 09-14-2004 at 04:12 PM
yep, true... thanks...
done...
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by ChromeX on 09-02-2006 at 11:46 AM
quote:
Do not use:
* "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove"-method
as these methods will cripple other parts of the OS; MSN Messenger and some Plus!-plugins will not work 100% anymore (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing, Song2Nick-plugin, etc...)
* "editing sysoc.inf"-method
as these methods will only remove the icon from the start menu and doesn't do a thing in preventing the startup of Windows Messenger...
strange, i always used both methods and never had any problems with msnmsg/windows itself.
quote:
* "editing sysoc.inf"-method
...will only remove the icon from the start menu and doesn't do a thing in preventing the startup of Windows Messenger...[
sysoc.inf is needed to uninstall win msg from add/remove win components and it DOES prevent its startup.
RE: RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by CookieRevised on 09-02-2006 at 12:32 PM
quote:That is the most common reply...
Originally posted by ChromeX
quote:strange, i always used both methods and never had any problems with msnmsg/windows itself.
Do not use:
* "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove"-method
as these methods will cripple other parts of the OS; MSN Messenger and some Plus!-plugins will not work 100% anymore (Remote Assistance, Whiteboard, Application Sharing, Song2Nick-plugin, etc...)
* "editing sysoc.inf"-method
as these methods will only remove the icon from the start menu and doesn't do a thing in preventing the startup of Windows Messenger...
However, it is as I said. You will have problems with msnmsgr and certain addons, etc! It is not because you don't see problems at first sight that there aren't any. It may seem to work 100% but it really isn't.
As explained in detail the Windows Messenger API is what is needed for many things, using any of the methods listed in "DO not use" will cripple one part or the other.
quote:1) You must not remove Windows Messenger, therefore you shouldn't use the sysoc.inf-method in the first place.
Originally posted by ChromeX
quote:sysoc.inf is needed to uninstall win msg from add/remove win components and it DOES prevent its startup.
* "editing sysoc.inf"-method
...will only remove the icon from the start menu and doesn't do a thing in preventing the startup of Windows Messenger...[
2) As said, it will only remove the icon, nothing more. But since this thread has been created Microsoft has altered the way sysoc.inf works, and now it does also remove Windows Messenger (though, only if you have the latest Windows updates).
But again, you should NOT remove Windows Messenger at all. There are very perfect reasons why it is not "easy" to decently remove Windows Messenger. It is an application and API which many other aps depend upon.
quote:That certainly does not mean the information is absolete or that threads are "gone"!
Originally posted by Shadow
Errr this thread was long gone, cookies last reply =
15.09.2004 12:12 AM
There are hundreds of threads (even older than this) which contain very important, usefull information and which are still very valid today.
In fact, many old threads contain a lot more information and quite often are a lot more accurate than similar threads of today (since those are quite often nothing more than shortened duplicates of the old threads; and because people don't bother to search and thus information is forgotten).
PS: and the date/time of the posting isn't what counts, its the date/time of the last edit...
PS2:
quote:There are many more things which can cause Windows Messenger to start up. Please post accurate information or don't post at all regarding stuff like this as it only confuses the user more and gives wrong info.
Originally posted by ChromeX
actually we remove ms msg only from the startup and its icon, the folder in c/program files remains untouched
RE: I am about to rip my hair out over MS Messanger by ChromeX on 09-02-2006 at 07:41 PM
actually we remove ms msg only from the startup and its icon, the folder in c/program files remains untouched