TIP: Removing MSN Messenger From Outlook Express

By Diana Huggins

Windows Messenger (Instant Messenger, that is) is tightly integrated into Windows XP as well as many other programs such as Internet Explorer and Outlook Express. If you're an instant messenger guru or don't mind the program always being there, this may be fine. However, many find this integration with other programs more of an annoyance than anything. Fortunately, you can make a few configuration changes to disable, remove, or completely get rid of the chat program altogether. For example, you can remove MSN messenger from Outlook Express using the following steps (you may also find that Outlook Express starts faster after doing so).

Open the registry editor and navigate to the following system key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Outlook Express.

Right click the Outlook Express folder, click New, click DWORD value, and name the new registry key Hide Messenger.

Right click the Hide Messenger key you just created and click Modify.

In the Value data box, type 2 and click OK.