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How can I keep Windows Instant Messenger from signing on automatically?

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It's easy to keep Windows Instant Messenger from signing in automatically.

by , © 2004

How can I keep Windows Instant Messenger from signing on automatically?

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My approach would be to turn off the option that starts Windows Instant Messenger when you login . That's at Options, Preferences, Run Windows Messenger when Windows Starts.

Then just run Windows Instant Messenger when you want to, and exit it when you're done.

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Article C2095 - July 3, 2004

Leo Leo A. Notenboom has been playing with computers since he was required to take a programming class in 1976. An 18 year career as a programmer at Microsoft soon followed. After "retiring" in 2001, Leo started Ask Leo! in 2003 as a place for answers to common computer and technical questions. More about Leo.

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Recent Comments
36 Comments

I had to go about it a very very slightly different way:
Control Panel > User Accounts > Then change the Tab from Users to Advanced > Manage Passwords > Delete the one called Passport Net

Posted by: J at February 1, 2009 1:26 PM

my windows live messenger keeps signing me out every couple of minutes saying that i've signed in to another computer what can i do about this problem?

Posted by: cindy at February 25, 2009 4:16 PM

Hi

My wlm keeps signing me out every minute and its really annyoing as i want to chat to my friends.
i havr tried evrything in the book.
nothing seems to work
what can i do
please help :(

Posted by: Yasmin at October 25, 2009 10:21 AM

Does this apply to windows 7? and if so where is options? Internet options? I dont see preferences under internet options...please help windows live is automatically starting up on login and I dont use it...it takes too long to load...thanks

Posted by: Necole at March 15, 2010 8:19 PM

I have windows live messenger. I always appear offline when I sign into my account. But after a few minutes, my status changes to online automatically, my display name changes to my first name and my display picture is gone.
I've tried to change my password, but the problem still remains.
Please help!!!

Posted by: Jessica. at July 29, 2010 10:54 AM
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