Totally disable Microsoft Messenger

[mastertype]

I do not use Microsoft Messenger, and have NO interest in using this program.
How do I totally disable this program so that it stops loading in the
background? I am using Windows XP Media Edition, and the latest versions of
Microsoft Office, which includes SBA.

Every time I start my computer, Microsoft Messenger loads into memory, even
though I am NOT using this software in any other software (such as Outlook).
I cannot close the software because it says it is being used by another
program. I DO NOT want this program to be loaded at all, as I do not use it,
and have no interest in using it now or at any time in the forseeable future.

I want to know how to either totally disable the software, or how to totally
remove it from my computer. It is wasting memory that I need for other
applications.

Any help would be most appreciated.

 

[Bob I]

Not related to Microsoft Office applications, but here are some methods
for changing the behavior.
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=Stop+Microsoft+messenger+from+loading

 

[DatabaseBen]

i can understand because
i don't like it myself.
first check to see
if you have it listed
as a program via add/remove
programs, if so then remove it.

also, it is a component that
can be uninistalled
via add/remove programs control
panel. so check your components
section in add/remove programs and
uncheck messenger and uninstall that
too.

of if you insert your windows setup
cd and select setup from
the file explorer, the component
add/remove menu will be
provided as well.

also, there is likely a
startup entry in msconfig for
the messenger as well.

if you are successful with uninstalling
it from the above, then delete its folder
in program files too.

afterwards make a restore point, because
the prior ones will install it again if
you use them...

 

[robotron -x-]

theres a free program called 'shoot the messenger' which is small and loads
right away, one file long, this program will disable IM

search google for it