Ok i used to know but forgot and now that i have done a Windows Update Microsoft s little messenger bastard it stating automaticly on start up.
I know the best way to stop this is to rename the messenger file but I cant remember which one .
Another way is to go to the start menu and to the run command line and type in msconfig and hit enter. On the last tab of the window that pops up, it is called something like "start up". Just find it in there and shut it off as a startup item. You can also disable everything that is in there or go through and choose what you want to be turned off on startup and it will (most of the time) keep it from starting up.
turn auto-update off. that should stop MS from turning it on behind you back. I only install service packs (so i haven't had anything since SP4) and have no problems. Just don't use IE & outlook & you'll be fine.
Yeah I found what I was looking for here's a link to various "ways" to handle messenger.
In the past I found it easiest to just rename the folder like described here.