How to uninstall MSN Messenger

Trying to uninstall MSN Messenger can be a little challenging. If you are trying to uninstall it by the usual protocol employed in uninstalling most programs, this method does not work with Windows live messenger. Major obstacles include that it cannot be looked up in the Add/Remove program list. Also the Windows Live messenger available on the startup menu lacks an uninstall option, thereby making it difficult to uninstall the program by traditional methods.

However, you could use “uninstall wizard” to get rid of windows live messenger from your PC. This uninstall Wizard uses an uninstall program to delete all files supporting Windows live messenger. However, it is easier to try uninstalling Windows messenger (Live) manually. You will be required to find and delete all program files, related to the program in your system.

1. Navigate to “My Computer” and Click on “C Drive” and then browse the “Program Files.”

2. Find the files that back windows messenger (Live). These files are usually contained in Windows Live folder.

3. When you find them, highlight them and Click on “Shift + Delete “Button to delete the files.

4. Entering the part of the computer that contains the registry of the Windows Live Messenger program with your PC. In order to open it and search for “Windows live messenger" you will have to go to Regedit.exe file which will bring up a number of keys. All these keys must be deleted.

This short video explains how to uninstall MSN Messenger:

How to disable MSN Messenger

Windows Live Messenger is often already preinstalled with the usual range of Windows operating systems. However, there are many users who still prefer using the other instant messaging software instead of Windows Live Messenger. Users can always disable this messaging software rather than completely uninstalling it from the system, so that restoring the program at any given point of time in future becomes easy.

Steps for Disabling the Windows Live Messenger:

1. Begin with clicking the “Start” menu option or by pressing the Windows button on the keyboard.

2. Click on “Run”. In Windows Vista you need to type ‘Run’ on the Start Search box and then click “Run”.

3. When the run box appears, type "services.msc" on the open textbox, then click "OK". This will take you to open the “Services” window with a list of services.

4. In this list of running windows services, look for "Windows Live Messenger" or "Windows Messenger" and double click on it to disable the Messenger.

5. It will then prompt you to change the startup type in which case you need to click "Disabled" from the drop down menu options.

6. Finally click “Stop” on the Service Status section to disable the Messenger completely and then click "OK" after the service is stopped.

You can also disable automatic start-up of your Windows Messenger with this procedure:

1. Simply sign-in to your Windows Messenger using your username and password.
2. Go to ‘Tools’ and click on ‘Options’, and in options window click on “sign-in”.
3. Then go to “automatically run Windows Live Messenger when I log on to Windows” after signed-in, and check the check mark and un-check the box if it has the mark.
4. Go to “allow automatic sign-in when connected to the internet” option and un-check the box.
5. Finally click ‘Ok’ to exit.

Customize your MSN

MSN Messenger Brief Review
MSN vs. AIM vs. ICQ Review
Reason to download MSN Messenger
MSN Messenger Install How-To
MSN Messenger Personalization
More ways to communicate by MSN
MSN email integration and Web IM
Shared games for MSN Messenger
MSN Messenger webcam & audio tweak
MSN Mobile Messaging
Security while using MSN
Beware of phishing on MSN
MSN Parental Controls
MSN Messenger Version History
MSN Messenger Uninstall How-To
Uninstall Live Messenger 2011 How-To
Default MSN Emoticons
Add Custom MSN Emoticons

Addon Resources

Already itching to install cool add-ons for your instant messengers? Learn about Mindspark's addon SmileyCentral, or the Iminent addon from Iminent SA. Smilies General are another alternative.
Other MSN Messenger Popular Addons
MSN Messenger Plus! Live
Bonus Smileys Install How-To
Using Bonus Smileys How-To
SmileyCreator Install How-To
Crawler Smiley Toolbar review
Bonus Smileys Uninstall How-To
Smilies General Install, Use and Uninstall/p>

Download MSN