MSN Messenger & Microsoft Outlook -- SOLUTIONS!

[Trevelyan]

Okay, here's just something that took me awhile to figure out... but of course, I'm sure most of you already know.

To disable MSN Messenger completely:
1) Goto the Start Menu
2) Click on Run
3) Type in the Run box: gpedit.msc
4) Click OK
5) Under the 'User Configuration' section, goto: Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Windows Messenger
6) There are two options. One says "Do not allow Windows Mess..." and the other says "Do not automatically star...."
7) Double click on each option and change them both to "Enabled"

And there, now that annoying MSN Messenger is disabled, finally.

BUT, this creates a problem. Now, your Microsoft Outlook will load very slowly. To correct this:
1) Load Microsoft Outlook (takes awhile)
2) Goto Tools > Options
3) Click on the 'Other' tab
4) Uncheck "Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook" down at the bottom

And there you have it... fast loading Outlook, and no more auto-starting MSN Messenger. Hopefully everyone can make at least SOME use of this... I know it helped me!!

Also, I highly recommend the program StyleXP, which allows you to customize the look of XP. I used it to change the ugly green Start button into a nice faded blue color. Very sleek.

 

[LiLxJohnny]

yup, did that and works like a charm .. but then there are some ppl that are just not satsified enough with just "disabling messenger"

There is a way to completely remove MS Messenger from your computer if you are running Windows XP.

Go to Start -> Run and enter this string in the text box:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Then click on ok. A dialog box will appear asking if you want to remove Messenger and so on.

Enjoy!

 

[joinT]

actully, IMHO the easiest way is editting the sysoc.inf file.
Find the line that says messenger. remove the word "hide" without removing any commas.
Now go to add/remove programs (maybe in Windows components - not 100% sure right now) & Messenger will be there (with a cheap ugly diamond icon) & can be uninstalled

 

[WarSong]

is there an "Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook" option in Outlook Express?

 

[joinT]

Originally posted by: WarSong
is there an "Enable Instant Messaging in Microsoft Outlook" option in Outlook Express?

nah, I just checked hoping to find something to make it load faster - but I couldn't find it.