I don't use Windows Messenger and really hated when it opened along with Outlook, but I couldn't delete it through Add/Remove programs and was too lazy to search how to get rid of it. Finally my kids pissed me off using my computer when I bought them 2 computers for their use (I have 3 kids) so I went looking for how to delete Windows Messenger so they'd stay off my computer. This is what I found (It disables Messenger without deleting it): Windows Messenger 4.0 or Later on a Windows XP Professional 1) Click Start, click Run, type gpedit.msc, and then press ENTER 2) Double-click the following items to expand them: Local Computer Policy Computer Configuration Administrative Templates Windows Components Windows Messenger 3) Double-click on the option "Do not allow Windows Messenger to run", and then click Enabled. 4) Click OK, and then close the window It works like a charm, takes a few seconds to disable or enable if you need to and prevents Messenger from starting up when you open Outlook, it won't even lauch if you try to run the program. So if you're in the same boat I was, hope this helps. I got the info from this site, in case you don't have XP, they can help with other Windows version.
Cheers Roman! Although I won't be able to put it into practice. I HATE Windows Messenger. Bugs the s*** out of me. Having said that, I now have to use Messenger to communicate with my kids and occasionally remind myself what they look like, beyond the 'shadow-people' who appear and disappear at feeding time.
My kids are still close enough to yell at usually, but I'm sure it won't last long and I'll have to enable Messenger to get them to come home for dinner.
Mine are upstairs! They have that 'selective hearing' thing which means the most effective way of communicating is by msn messenger.
Saves the voice. I'm trying to get them to write blogs so I know what they've been up to but no luck so far.