Windows Messenger (not MSN Messenger) can just be a security risk, or at least a method of delivering spam. It is aimed at corporate users on an intranet really (linked with the Messenger Service). For some reason MS deliver the operating system with it installed and running on startup. It integrates itself with Outlook Express and Internet Explorer by default. That's pointless for most home users, if they want instant messenger facilities they are more likley to use MSN Messenger or an alternative. Here's how to get rid of it

REMOVE WINDOWS MESSENGER

Go to Control Panel, Add or Remove Programs

Click on the Windows Components button.

Scroll down the bottom of the list and remove the tick from Windows Messenger.

Gone forever!

Dave