Windows 7 - Windows Live Messenger Help

Ok, I have my new Windows 7 Dell Inspiron 1545 laptop, but I have a problem.

Ok, while I was downloading programs such as Yahoo Messenger and AIM, I realized Windows Live Messenger was already on here...meaning I didn't have to download it.

But what I find weird is, there is no shortcut folder in the start menu...furthermore, this program doesn't show up AT ALL in my notification area on the lower right of my screen...however it does show Yahoo Messenger...and AIM...and even on my other laptop, which is identical to this one except it runs Windows Vista, Windows Live Messenger DOES show up in the notification area...so why is it not showing up here?

I find this EXTREMELY weird, unless when it was being pre-installed someone shows to not show it in the notification area or something (supposing that's even possible).

Also if someone is going to say, customize the notification area, IT DOESN'T EVEN SHOW WINDOWS LIVE AS AN OPTION...whereas it shows Yahoo and AIM, and I am able to hide those icons and so on. Windows Live does not even show up AT ALL...how weird is that?!

What if you made it run at start up?

I thought maybe I could un-install then re-install it, but figuring out is hard, since in the programs list in the control panel, I see Windows Live Essentials, Windows Live Sign-in Assistant, Windows Live Sync, and Windows Live Upload Tool...as you can see it's not as easy as un-installing one thing, and one of those may be important for something else...

And what difference will that make? I guess I'll try it..

Nevermind I just tried that and it doesn't put it in the notification area, If you go here http://download.live.com/ and hit the download button, when it comes up it will tell you what is already installed and the other programs you can install.
That should tell you if you have it or not.

That's not really my question...my question is HOW do I uninstall it then re-install it, not to know what I already have installed. I know I have Windows Live, otherwise I wouldn't be complaining it doesn't show up in the notif. area.

And YOU have the same problem? I guess it's something normal. Whatever.

Just uninstall and reinstall, Here's a more official answer.
How do I uninstall Windows Live Messenger in Windows 7 Ultimate
You're Welcome.

derekimo, I just got rid of WLM on a new Windows 7 laptop by using the method outlined in your link. The laptop belongs to a friend and he asked me to get rid of it. I thought it would be easy like uninstalling Windows Messenger in XP. I'm new to Windows 7 Forums and I can see it's the right place to be. Thanks for the link.

Well, I uninstalled that portion of Live Essentials (the messenger part) then re-installed it. Didn't do sh*t. Oh well, that's Windows 7 I guess.

Not a prob. I don't care, but thanks derek.

I know this isn't your question, but I highly recommend that you switch over to a multiple im software like Trillian. Not only would you not have to run 3 or more im software at the same time, but you'd have all of your options in one place and it would be much easier to deal with them.

Trillian - IM, Astra, Windows Live, Facebook, Twitter, Yahoo, MySpace, AIM, Email, and more!

You're Welcome Frenchy,
Glad that worked for you. Welcome to the forum, You will find alot of help and information here, Enjoy your stay.
Derek


You're Welcome,
Sorry but maybe I'm not understanding exactly what it is you are trying to do.
If you could explain a little more I'm sure we'll find a solution or reason why not.
Derek