How to Uninstall Windows Messenger to Install Windows Live Messenger

It's important to first remove a program before installing a new one.

Microsoft Windows comes equipped with preinstalled programs. Windows Messenger is a instant messaging system that is installed into Windows when your computer is built. Instant messaging programs allow you to send a message to another user via the program. There are various instant messengers for download including Windows Live Messenger, which is hosted by Microsoft, but is a different messenger. To install Windows Live Messenger, you must first uninstall Windows Messenger so they do not conflict with each other.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Close all open programs and applications to avoid loss of work.

2. Go to “Start,” then “Control Panel.” Here you will see various settings that can be altered on your computer.

3. Double-click “Add or Remove Programs.” This will bring up a list of all currently installed programs or applications. Click “Add or Remove Windows Components” on the left-hand side. This will bring up all automatically installed or preinstalled Windows components.

4. Scroll down to the “Windows Messenger” program and uncheck the box. Click “Next.” This will begin the uninstall process. Click “Finish” when prompted.

5. Restart the computer once the uninstall process is complete. This will ensure all files have been erased. Your system is now ready to download and install Windows Live Messenger.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to Remove a Windows Component
• Microsoft.com: WIndows Live Messenger