How do I turn-off Windows Live Messenger?

Windows Live Messenger screen loads on start-up then intrusively nags me to log-in every few minutes. I do not have an account, do not intend to ever use this feature and would like to turn it off or completely disable it altogether.

In XP Pro, disabling Windows Live Messenger was a snap - Control Panel, Administrative Tools, Component Services toggle switch - done. Windows 7 Ultimate / Google search returns are zip for "turn-off Windows Live Messenger" (or variations thereof).

Flummoxed in South Carolina Help, please.

You can uninstall it in Programs and Features if you don't use it, or any other Windows Live programs. Under Windows Live essentials.

Thanks for your reply, Airbot.

My choices are: Windows Live Essentials, Windows Live Sign-in Assistant, Windows Live Sync and Windows Live Upload Tool.

I want to make sure I don't delete anything I shouldn't, only the program(s) associated with Windows Live Messenger. So, which one(s) go ??

stormy13 said:

Airbot said:

You can uninstall it in Programs and Features if you don't use it, or any other Windows Live programs. Under Windows Live essentials.

Just to take this a step further, unless it came pre-installed on your Dell (possible I guess), you or someone else would have had to have installed it as it it doesn't come with Windows 7.

Yep, came installed on my Dell Vostro 430. No one else can get their grubbies on this particular machine.

If you don't use any of them, you can uninstall all of those.

If you wish to have one or all again at any time, you can just go here, and pick during the installation.

I've uninstalled Windows Live Essentials and will probably take the rest out at some point.

I recall Windows Live Messenger was a gaping "security hole" in XP but, it appears, MS has plugged it in W7. I know, I know, sounds like a lame-ass excuse for my original posting in the wrong forum

Thanks!