Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the C:WindowsINF. In the INF folder, open sysoc.inf (make sure you create a BACKUP copy first). Look for the line containing "msmsgs" in it. Near the end of that particular line, you'll notice that the word "hide". Go ahead and delete "hide" (so that the flanking commas are left sitting next to one another). Save the file and close it. Now, open the Add and Remove Programs from Control Panel. Click the Add / Remove Windows Components icon. You should see "Windows Messenger" in that list. Remove the checkmark from its box, and you should be set. NOTE: there are other hidden system components in that sysoc.inf file, too. Remove "hide" and the subsequent programs at your own risk.