Vista - How do I turn Windows Messenger OFF and keep it OFF

New computer running WinXP Home Edition. Every time I boot the
computer, Windows Messenger comes on asking me to sign in.

I don't use Messenger, don't want to use Messenger, and want it to
leave me alone.

I ran msconfig from the command line and I thought I unchecked
Messenger in the Startup but apparently there's a hidden secret to
making Messenger leave me alone.

How do I turn it off for good?

Thanks.

Captain,
Two (2) ways to solve your problem:

1.Open Windows Messenger, there is a difference between MSN/Live Messenger.
On the Contact/Sign-In Pane, under:
Tools> Options> Preferences> Uncheck Run Windows Messenger when Windows
starts & Allow Windows Messenger to run in the background> Then Reboot PC.

2. Control Panel> Add/Remove Programs> Add/Remove Windows Components>
Uncheck Windows Messenger> Apply/OK
Reboot PC.
The Shortcut from your Programs List should be gone, unless you nested it
into a folder in your Program list.

Be aware you are not uninstalling it, just blocking access to the USER, from
accessing it. Another thing you may encounter, is that you may lose the
ability to use Remote Assistance through MSN/Live Messenger. It utilizes
Windows Messenger to accomplish this task. So you might have to recheck the
box for Windows Messenger, it the Add/Remove Windows Components list

--
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Rich/rerat
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<The Captain@xxxxxx> wrote in message
news:c64da59dsevpn5cdvn7p5ka3n1lcljscst@xxxxxx
New computer running WinXP Home Edition. Every time I boot the
computer, Windows Messenger comes on asking me to sign in.

I don't use Messenger, don't want to use Messenger, and want it to
leave me alone.

I ran msconfig from the command line and I thought I unchecked
Messenger in the Startup but apparently there's a hidden secret to
making Messenger leave me alone.

How do I turn it off for good?

Thanks.