How to Block MSN Messenger

Sometimes you just don't want to talk. That's why MSN Messenger has features that allow you to show your friends that you are away from the computer or unavailable. But what happens if you don't want to talk to a person on your MSN contacts list ever again? You can block that person from contacting you via MSN Messenger. Blocking another user on MSN Messenger is a snap to do and takes less than a minute to complete. Follow these steps to find out how.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access
• Computer
• MSN messenger account
• Friends list on MSN Messenger

Instructions

Block Another User on MSN Messenger

1. Log into your MSN Messenger account (see Resources below).

2. Select the "Contacts" tab.

3. Use your mouse to right-click on the contact you want to block.

4. Click on "Block a Contact." That's all you have to do! This contact can no longer contact you through MSN Messenger.

5. Click on "Delete a Contact" from the drop-down menu. Then, click "OK"' This person is now deleted from your contacts list. You will not be able to use MSN Messenger to contact them.

Tips & Warnings

• Should you have further questions on how to block on MSN Messenger, just go to the MSN Help page (see Resources below).

• MSN Messenger has changed its name. It is now called Windows Live Messenger. The service is still the same, though, so don't worry about losing your contacts or having to learn a new instant messaging system all over again.

• To unblock an MSN contact, just right-click on the contact's name (make sure you haven't deleted them already) and select "Unblock."

• Using an instant messaging system such as MSN Messenger is pretty secure. After all, you have to approve anyone who requests to be your MSN friend. If you do a lot of traveling online, you may occasionally find that you get a friend request from a stranger. If you don't know someone personally, it is a good practice to never approve them as your MSN friend. You never know what a stranger's motives are. You must take appropriate steps such as this to protect yourself.

• Know that you must fully block a contact to prevent them from contacting you through MSN Messenger. If you only delete a contact without blocking them as well, that person can still use MSN Messenger to contact you, as you will still be on their own contacts list.