If you’re using MSN Messenger as your chat and
videoconferencing tool, you may never use Windows Messenger anymore and have
removed it from the startup group to keep it out of your way. However, you may
have seen it pop up on occasion and had to struggle with closing it down. The
reason that Windows Messenger makes these impromptu appearances is that Outlook,
Outlook Express and even some Microsoft Web pages can still make it load automatically.
Fortunately, you can banish Windows Messenger from your desktop by making an
alteration to the local group policy with the Group Policy Editor. Here’s how:

1. Access the Run
dialog box by pressing [Windows]R

2. In the Open
text box type Gpedit.msc
and click OK to launch the Group
Policy Editor.

3. Go to Computer Configuration | Administrative Templates |
Windows Components | Windows Messenger.

4. Double-click the Do Not Allow Windows Messenger To Be Run setting.

5. In the resulting dialog box, select the Enabled option,
and click OK

6. Close the Group Policy Editor.

Note: This tip applies only
to Windows XP Professional.

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