How To Remove The Built In Windows Messenger

Windows Messenger is a handy tool that many of us use on a daily basis, for this reason, many users chose to download and update to the new version of Windows Live.

Windows Live Messenger

But the Windows Live installer doesn’t actually update the existing program, it installs another, leaving you computer with seemingly useless annoying program that is a pain to get rid of.

There are two methods you can use to remove the older version of Windows Messenger from XP.

• First, you will need to be able to view your hidden folders, if this is not already configured, go to:
  • My Computer > Tools > Folder Options > View
• The select ‘Show Hidden Files and Folders’, and click Apply.
• To make sure you can view all hidden folders and files you should click ‘Apply To All Folders’


Show Hidden Files

• Next, navigate to the drive where windows is installed (usually your primary drive C:)
• Then Click on the ‘Windows’ folder.
• Click on ‘inf’ folder, and open the ‘sysoc.inf.’ file.
• Now look in the notepad file for the line
  • msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7
• You need to remove the word hide leaving the double comma’s
  • msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7
• Now save the file and navigate to:
  • My Computer > Add or Remove Programs > Add/Remove Windows Components
• Then uncheck the box labeled ‘Windows Messenger’


Remvoe Windows Components

• Note: If you have installed the new version of Windows Live, you will see two check boxes labeled ‘Windows Messenger’. The older version is 0.0 MB and the newer version is 14.3 MB.
• Click ‘Next’ and Windows begins to configure your new settings.
• Once complete, restart your computer and the built-in version of Windows Messenger will be gone.

If you are familiar with command prompts, you can use a simple reg edit to remove Windows Messenger.

• Click the start bar and select ‘Run…’, type cmd to open the command window.
• Then type:
  • RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

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