15. How Do I Uninstall Windows Messenger

Both Windows Messenger and MSN Messenger are useful tool, not only for chatting with friends and family, but also for video conferencing with friend from around the world. Unfortunately, not everyone appreciates the enormous value of this kind of message service. Therefore, many user prefer to remove the application from their computers' altogether. It should be noted that once Windows Messenger is removed you will not have access to Remote Assistance (unless you have MSN Messenger), Whiteboard and Application Sharing.

MSN Messenger is, by far, the easiest of the message services to remove. After all, all that is required is its removal via Windows Add and Remove Programs option. Windows messenger, on the other hand, requires a rather different approach, depending upon whether you have Windows XP Service pack 1 install or not. The two options are outlined below.

Removal of Windows Messenger from Windows XP that hasn't been updated with Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2

Click the Start button.
Next click Run
In the Run dialog box type: RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove
You may need to restart your pc before the changes take effect.

Removal of Windows Messenger from Windows XP with Windows XP Service Pack 1 and Service Pack 2 Installed.

Click the Start button.
From the Start Menu click Control Panel.
In the Control Panel window click the Add/Remove Icon.
On the Left hand pane of the Add/Remove window you will see an Icon marked 'Add/Remove Windows Components'.
Click on the Add/Remove Windows components Icon
Scroll down the list that appears until you come to the option marked Windows Messenger.
To Disable Windows Messenger remove the tick from the box on the left of the option.
Now click the Next button.
The Windows Component Wizard will no update its settings.
After updating the Completing the Windows Component Wizard window will appear.
Now click Finish.
Finally Reboot your pc for the alteration to take effect.