How do I stop windows messenger popping up?

[schroeder]

I've got a new netbook and every time I start it up windows messenger pops up! I don't bloody want it, but I am not sure if it's a good idea to delete the whole windows live thingie?
Help me I really do not want to ask dh he will be so smug

I can think of a few reasons for it appearing...

1. it might be in the Start menu (in which case you can remove it easily)

2. it might start up if you start outlook express

3. it might start because the system maker assumed you'd be using it (many new notebooks include a built-in webcam too)

Worth checking first if it is in the Start / Program / All Programs / Start menu on PC

One way I use to stop Windows Messenger is to simply rename it - it was often appearing on a client's PC when one or other of his sons had used it if he was working away for a few days. He got fed up, and I renamed it just adding an "X" to the name. However you need to locate which folder it is in (and I don't know what version of Windows you have, so cannot suggest where to look this minute).

When it does load have a hunt around on the Options Page (the tools menu and then the Options option is a common way to get at this). That and try finding it's little icon at the bottom right near your clock on the start menu and then right clicking on it.

What you're looking for is an option somewhere that says "Load on Startup".

Microsoft thought it would be a cunning plan to have numerous ways to start something everytime your PC boots up. So it's a case of finding which one this uses....

"cunning plan" - LOL - very likely true...

I think some things Microsoft (and others) have done are extremely annoying, while they no doubt thought they were just being 'clever'.

Microsoft have hidden this one away so...

Where it says 'Sign in as:' om the window that comes up, click on the dropdown box that shows 'Available' (or Busy, Away, Appear Offline) and select 'Options'.

Now select 'Sign In' and untick 'Automatically run ... when I log on to Windows' and click OK.