How to Uninstall Yahoo Messenger From My XP Registry

Yahoo! Messenger is an instant messaging software that allows computer users to communicate with one another over the Internet. If you switch instant messaging clients, or if you no longer use chat programs, it is a good idea to delete Yahoo! Messenger from your computer to clear out extra disk space. The simplest way to uninstall Yahoo! Messenger from Windows XP's registry is to use the "Add or Remove Programs" utility. If, in the rare case that "Add or Remove Programs" does not work, you can also manually remove the Yahoo! registry key from your computer using "Registry Editor."

Instructions

Uninstall the Program

1. Click "Start," then "Control Panel." Double click "Add or Remove Programs." Scroll through the list of software until you locate "Yahoo! Messenger."

2. Select "Yahoo! Messenger," then click "Remove."

3. Follow the onscreen guide to remove the software from your PC. Restart once Windows XP finishes uninstalling the software from your computer.

Edit the Registry

1. Hit the "R" and Windows keys simultaneously. Enter "regedit.exe" into the dialog box. Hit "Enter" to open the "Registry Editor."

2. Expand the "HKEY_CURRENT_USER" and "Software" folders. Right click "Yahoo," then click "Delete."

3. Close "Registry Editor," then restart your computer to save your registry changes.

Tips & Warnings

• Close Yahoo! Messenger before attempting to uninstall the program or delete it from the registry.

• Back up your registry before making changes, as any mistakes could render the Winows XP operating system unstable.

References

• PC Authorities: How to Delete Yahoo Messenger From Your PC