OE & Windows messenger

How can I prevent windows messenger from starting up with OE automatically? I have used shootthemessenger.exe and unchecked 'log in to windows messenger automatically' in OE Options.

OE and Thunderbird are not able to connect to gmail pop servers. I dont have a firewall.

Use XP Anti-spy that's what I did.

http://xp-antispy.org/

Try deselecting Windows Messenger from 'Add/Remove Windows Components' via the Control Panel.

Also, in 'Program Access and Defaults', select 'Custom' and disable access to Windows Messenger.

thanks.

This will completely remove windows messenger.

Start > Run.
Type "RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\inf\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove" (without quotes) hit OK. Reboot.