How do I get Messenger to stop logging in automatically?

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i want to stop sign in auto matically because when ever someone eles other than me on the internet my messenger will automatically open and they can read my mail.i need help for this

Was the note at the top of the page unclear?

Thanks, Leo, for your help on Windows Messenger, but I’m still confused. I’m a new user of Windows XP Professional. When I logon to the Internet, I get the message

“Windows Messenger - a newer version is available - you must install the newer version in order to continue. Woud you like to do that now?”

but I don’t use Windows Messenger so I want to get rid of this message. Your comment at the top of this thread said “turn off...Options, Preferences, Run Windows Messenger when Windows Starts” but you didn’t say which program you were referring to. Later you said, turn off the "automatically log on to Windows Messenger" option in Outlook Express's Tools.Options.General” I DID do that, but the message still occurs the next time I log on. So I’m sorry to repeat the same question, but I still don’t understand how to turn off my message “...a newer version is available...” Thanks for your help!!

The "Options" menu I'm referring to is in Windows Messenger. SO open Windows Messenger, click on the Options menu and then the rest of the instructions should make sense. The 'update' message is happening because Windows Messenger is running, so if you stop it from running automatically you should no longer get that message.

I have all of those options de-selected, and yet it still signs me in automatically. Any suggestions?

Are you sure that's true for both Windows and MSN messengers? Or one of them is still running?

I have this problem as well, I think its some kind of virus or spyware. I'm afraid to touch it.

I've had the same problem for weeks, now. Anytime I sign on to the internet I get the box which says in the dark blue stripe at the top:
WINDOWS MESSENGER. In the lower right corner is an icon which, when I hover over it says "Windows Messenger - Not Signed In. I clicked in that, then clicked open, and followed the instructions fine until you said 'General' tab. None there! Is this some sort of spyware, or is Microsoft being this pushy to get me to update Messenger? I don't use it, and don't want to, but like another user said earlier, I'm afraid to touch it. So far, I click no, and it goes away until I disconnect then reconnect to the internet, then there it is again. I'm about to pull my hair out. Help, please.

I was looking for a way to stop windows messenger from REMEBERING the log in information.

To do so, go to the Control Panel -> User Accounts, and under "related tasks" click "Manage my network passwords".

There you'll find a list of address that have logged on the messenger. To remove the automatic one, delete the last one (/.NET password)

Hope this helps.

If you want to stop messenger from logging you in automatically, or remove an account from the drop down menu then this is what you need to do.

1. Open your control panel and select the "User Accounts" applet.

2. Select your username by clicking on it.

3. In the "Related Tasks" pane click on "Manage my network passwords".

4. To stop the auto log in highlight "Passport.Net\*(Passport)" and click the "Remove" button.

5. If you want to remove an address highlight it and click "Remove".

That's it. Just click the close button when you have finished and auto log in is history. This tweak works on both XP Pro and XP Home.

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