Windows Live Messenger is automatically installed in many Windows operating systems, which is great for those that use the application a lot. But if you are using another client, you can disable Windows Live Messenger, or you can uninstall it. Both options are explained below in detail.

Disable the Program Step by Step

Step 1

Launch Messenger.

Step 2

Click Tools on the Menu bar. If you can’t see the Menu bar, press the ALT key on your keyboard.

Step 3

Click Sign In at the Options window.

Step 4

Remove the check next to “Automatically run Windows Live Messenger when I log on to Windows” and “Allow automatic sign in when connected to the internet”.

Step 5

Click OK and Apply.

How to Uninstall Messenger

If you’re sure you are never going to use the program, then you should uninstall it.

Step 1

Click the Start button.

Step 2

Type Programs and Features in the search field and press the enter key. Find Windows Essentials and select Uninstall.

Step 3

Check Messenger and choose uninstall. The uninstall process will begin.

Step 4

Exit Programs and Features.

Trouble Signing in to Messenger

If you are having difficulty logging in, make certain that your password and username are correct. If they are both right, the problem has to do with your proxy settings, antivirus software, firewall or connection, so check them out.

Check Messenger Settings

The problem might have something to do with the connections preventing Messenger from getting in touch with the client’s service. To check, follow these steps. Note: this is only for those who are using the program. If you are going to disable Windows Live Messenger, this won’t be necessary.

Step 1

Launch Messenger and sign in.

Step 2

Go to Options, click More Options, Connection and then go to Advanced Settings. Go to the HTTP section and press Test. This will indicate whether or not you are connected to Messenger’s service. Click OK.

If this doesn’t solve the problem it could be your Internet connection. Open your web browser and see if you can connect to the Internet. If you’re not able to, get in touch with your ISP.

Assess Your Firewall

Another possible reason why you can’t log in or Messenger refuses to work is your firewall is getting in its way. If your firewall is blocking Messenger, you won’t be able to use it.

Conflict with Antivirus Program

Your antivirus program might be the reason why you can’t sign in, or it could cause other problems with the program. Try turning off the antivirus while you are signing into Messenger. If that resolves the problem, you need to contact the antivirus manufacturer about the situation and ask for a fix.

If that doesn’t solve your sign in problems, then check your proxy settings. Start the program and go to Options, More Options and go to Connection. Go to Advanced Settings. Remove all entries in the SOCKS field. Click OK. You can also adjust the proxy settings in your browser. Go to Tools and select Internet Options. Click connections and choose LAN settings. Clear the check box “Automatically detects settings”. Click OK.

Sometimes people like to disable Windows Live Messenger because they can‘t sign in. As these facts show, all it takes is a little bit of tweaking to get it working.

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Roy is a free lancer writer of http://www.iaskd.com/ and he spends his entire day in chatting with friends using windows messenger