Windows Messenger Opens with Outlook Express

Are you annoyed by the constant opening of Windows Instant Messenger every time you open Outlook Express even though you told it not to?

Well, it appears you're not alone!

Here's the fix for that annoying problem.

First create a backup of your registry so in case you mess something up, you're covered. But a Restore Point is definitely required. The registry is a sensitive thing so we'll make sure you're covered!

To create a restore point:

1. Go to the Start button.
   


2. Mouse over All programs.
   


3. Navigate to: Accessories, System Tools, System Restore.
   


4. When the screen appears click the radio button to create a restore point.
   


5. Name it something like: B4 Regedit or Before Registry Edit.
   


6. Close the window when it has finished creating the restore point.

To create a registry backup:

1. Click the Start button.
   


2. Click run.
   


3. Type regedit in the text box and click OK.
   


4. When the registry editor opens, click EXPORT and put the back up file under the main C: drive on your computer. Not a folder - the straight C: drive.

There's a registry setting for OE that will force it to not load Windows Messenger regardless of any other setting.

To turn off Windows Messenger's integration of OE, close OE, open RegEdit (as described above) by going to RUN and typing: regedit in the box, then navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Outlook Express

To navigate:

• The plus sign next to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE expands the list.


• Then click the plus sign next to SOFTWARE.


• Then click the plus sign next to MICROSOFT.


• Then find Outlook Express.

Click on the title: Outlook Express and you will see the DWORDS on the right side.

Look for a DWORD value called Hide Messenger - if it's there change its value to 2. (See how to below) If the value doesn't exist, add it now and set its value to 2. (See how to below)

To change the DWORD value:

1. Click on the right side where it says: HIDE MESSENGER to select it. 


2. Click EDIT in the menu, and change the value to 2.


3. Click OK and close the entire registry.

To add the value if it's not there:

1. While still on the left side of the registry editor, with Outlook Express still highlighted, click Edit, New, DWORD value.


2. In the box showing: New Value #1, type: Hide Messenger (EXACTLY LIKE THAT!) and press Enter. The name should now be Hide Messenger.


3. Right click the Hide Messenger (which should now be highlighted) and choose MODIFY.


4. Change the value to 2 from 0 and then close the registry.

Open your OE and it should no longer open Messenger.