One needs help deleting a 'background' program...

[Darren]

Hey all,

I'm not sure whether any of you guys use MSN or not, or whatever you think of it, but in this case, I don't think my problem is directed to MSN Messenger, more like a few files on the machine.

Anyway, like everybody, I was quick to get MSN 6.1 on my machine running. (The latest version) Somehow, however, the older version of MSN was still on my machine. I have no idea how 'old' it is, or how it got there.

The fact of the matter is, it's causing me problems. When I'm 'Signed Out' of MSN or when the program is 'Exited', the older version of MSN starts running. No matter what, if I'm not using MSN 6.1, and connected to the internet, this background version will run, signing me in automaticly and without me knowing. (I can't even see that it's running, unless somebody PMs me).

The problem has really gotten to me lately, as I've tried uninstalling MSN 6.1, and any files belonging to MSN. There is only one other file that won't delate, and thats a .exe file in a folder called 'Messenger' in Program files. This file just won't delete. (Error: Cannot delete msmsgs. It's being used by another person or program.)

What is happening is a little evil ghost, and I've already lost my patience with it. I've been trying to take a break from MSN the past few days too, (personal reasons), and I only found out tonight that all that time, I've actually been logged in.

Does anybody think they can throw a guy some help?

 

[Rob]

Hey Darren.

Do you have Outlook running? I had the same problem. Make sure MSN Messenger is disabled in Outlook through the oppropriate menu.

Hope this helps...

 

[Darren]

I dont use MS Outlook anymore, but yes, I have it disabled.

 

[Webtwink]

its possible that msn latest version is running in the bg. I would recomment uninstalling the latest version also. Then delete the old prog files. and then re-installing the new one.

You may also try going Run-Msconfig, and deselect msn messenger from trying to start up at windows, and after you rebooted you computer you should be able to delete the program!

 

[Darren]

It's definately the older version running in the background. I can tell, because when somebody tries to PM me, it's the old MSN conversation box style that shows up.

I've ran MS-config a few times now, and disabled it from loading on start-up, but it keeps loading.

^ In the command line in 'msnconfig start-up', it has the target of the file, then has "/background" after, whatever that means...

 

[bigboss]

You can delete the .exe in safe mode

Reboot your computer and keep pressing the F8 key

Select safe mode... this uses only a few drivers

You then can delete the .exe

Restart and It should be gone

I know this works on Windows 98

I hope this works on your OS

John

 

[Brian]

messenger.exe would be windows messenger i believe... unistall it as well

 

[adam_uk]

i think your refering to windows messenger and msn messenger compltely different applications

if you open the old version and go to sign in enter your username and any old passwrod and then check remember me (it will try to sign you in but wont because your password is wrong)

then go into options and uncheck the allow this program to run in the background

or if you have xp sp1 installed you can uninstall it all together

 

[Rob]

Windows Messenger cannot be deleted from XP I thought....

 

[adam_uk]

Originally posted by RobSCM
Windows Messenger cannot be deleted from XP I thought....

it can ONLY if serivce pack one is installed

enter add or remove programs
click add/remove windows componetens
uncheck windows messenger right at the very bottom

 

[Darren]

Is MSN Messenger already installed on XP?

I guess thats explains why the old version was already on.

I've unchecked the 'windows messenger component just now, Adam, so I'll see if this helps.

Thanks everybody! :talk: