Just run regedit... Use this key below:
----------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}]
@="Messenger Application"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\InProcServer32]
@=""
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\LocalServer32]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\ProgID]
@="Messenger.MessengerApp.1"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\Programmable]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\TypeLib]
@="{218CB45F-20B6-11d2-8E17-0000F803A446}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\Version]
@="1.0"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{FB7199AB-79BF-11d2-8D94-0000F875C541}\VersionIndependentProgID]
@="Messenger.MessengerApp"

here's even an easier method:

1. Click on the link that goodmorphing as provided us.

2. Install the "free" software

3. Run it and follow instructions

Thank you, goodmorphing. I downloaded the file and it works.

I checked the website out and virus checked the file and everything is fine. I understand people's concern about downloading strange files from the net, but this one is safe. I'd rather download a file from the net rather than fool around with the registry - I've done that before and had to re-install windows.

Norton Antivirus 2003 pro does a very good job. About 3 weeks ago it detected a back door trojan virus I got off a downloaded file off KaZaA. It detected it and removed it from my system.

actually there was 2 viruses:

1) w32.hllp.handy virus

2) Backdoor.optixPro.12 virus

as long as I update the definitions once in a while, I should be fine.

When it comes to changing registries or any commands (hard or simple) I get a little nervous, so if I find a program to do it for me - I'll take my chances with that.

I'm afraid to do a lot of that. I had even stopped using OE because of the windows messenger. I hated it and was glad to find a way to get rid of it (without my destroying my computer in the process, which with my luck and knowledge could have done). If I knew more ... maybe one day I will.

I saved all of my 'disable' scripts on disk. I uploaded them on my site once for my mom and my buddy. There are disable scripts for balloon tips too.

Angel_Wings prefers running a safe script rather than hacking into her reg if she can help it.

I can't understand why MS does that. They make halfway decent programs then they ruin them adding all sorts of stuff...

That MSN 8 for instance. I think it is really paternalistic for them to require a browser that no one can personalize much. Who could use all that stuff in the toolbar?

It seemed to me that a lot of the things they do is just counterproductive.

As far as I was concerned, that windows messenger was another kind of spyware. Only instead of companies and products, it made it so you couldn't come online without everyone on your IM knowing... and people did use it to keep track of each other.

***SHUDDER*** I like privacy....

Yeah, I agree GM...(((DOUBLE SHUDDER)))

The thing is...I tweak my puter so much (always did) so I gain control and TRY *cough* to have the upper hand on my puter but I feel bad for the newbies with their first computer and don't know how to protect their privacy or how to keep XP from ballooning them to death

kthxbye: duh! It's the simplest things which are overlooked.

For XP, I prefer XP-AntiSpy. It safely lets you disable some of XP's more unsavory functions, such as Messenger and turning off XP's quest to 'phone home'. http://www.xpantispy.de/

Shakey, thanx for the link, AntiSpy is pretty cool.

I use messenger to communicate with a few family members. It actually is quite a nice IM program. You can always set it so that it does not log on - then it really just sits in the system tray doing nothing. Also, with SP-1 for XP didn't MS include a way to get rid of it?