How to uninstall MSN messenger from Windows XP

For those of us that use other chat programs and do not want the default MSN messenger clogging the works in the background.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Windows XP operating System

1. 
    

   First, we need to be able to see the hidden files on our computer.
   
   1.Click START then right click MY COMPUTER and select EXPLORER.
   2.In Explorer at the top select TOOLS and then FOLDER OPTIONS at the bottom of the list.
   3.Select the second tab which is VIEW.
   4.Select Show Hidden Files and click APPLY.
   5.Leave EXPLORER open for the next step.

2. Second, We need to alter the installed files shown in ADD OR REMOVE Programs.
   
   1.Navigate to C:\WINDOWS\INF in EXPLORER(or wherever your windows folder is)
   2.Locate the file "sysoc.inf" and open it with notepad.
   3.Replace the line containing
   "msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,hide,7"
   With
   "msmsgs=msgrocm.dll,OcEntry,msmsgs.inf,,7"
   Just delete the "hide" and leave the commas
   4. Save the document and close it.

3. Finally, we can uninstall the program.
   1.Click START then CONTROL PANEL.
   2.Double Click ADD REMOVE PROGRAMS and select the ADD/REMOVE WINDOWS COMPONENTS on the left. It will be the third one down.
   3.Scroll down the WINDOWS COMPONENTS WIZARD dialog box till you see the little blue guy and WINDOWS MESSENGER.
   4.Uncheck the box next to it and click NEXT.
   5.Click FINISH after this is complete.
   
   Viola! You have now uninstalled MSN Messenger

Tips & Warnings

• You can use these same steps to uninstall other 'hidden' microsoft preinstalled software.
• WARNING! Altering and/or Deleting some hidden system files can jeapordize your operating system's ability to function.