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Judging by the number of questions I get on MSN Messenger, they're not alone. Do they lose it if the service stops working? I get a rash of panic-stricken questions each time that happens.
The other question I get a lot is "my school's blocked MSN Messenger, how do I work around that?".
Sigh.
I'm not sure that this problem can be solved with technology alone, but there are some things to do...
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I would:
- Uninstall Windows Messenger - Windows Messenger is a part of Windows, and can be used to chat just like MSN Messenger, with the same group of friends.
- Uninstall MSN Messenger.
- Password protect the account that they and you have been logging in as. Change that password, and the administrator's account password, to something that only you know.
- Create a new user account, not an administrator, that is for their use. They shouldn't be able to install Messenger.
That solves the immediate problem, and depending on how resourceful the kids are, that might be enough.
But kids can get very resourceful. They might install a different IM client, use a different IM service, or use one of the web based alternatives.
You can try blocking access to certain sites by using the "hosts" file to block access to them. Set their IP address to 127.0.0.1 (a special address that means "this machine", and effectively blocks access to whatever domain you've associated with it). Make sure to set permissions on the hosts file so that the account that the kids sign in with can't modify it.
Sadly, techniques like that are really only piecemeal, and prone to error. As soon as you plug one leak, your kids can find another.
Another approach is to look into some of the firewall or parental spyware packages, which may allow you to block specific applications. Again, while a stronger step, there are ways that these can be circumvented as well, if the kids are savvy and determined enough.
As I said, I'm not sure that this problem can be completely solved with technology alone.
Related:
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Ask Leo! - How do I uninstall Windows Messenger?
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Ask Leo! - How can I keep my kids safe from internet garbage?
Article C2350 - May 12, 2005
You can use a software that will block chat applications. I know a free one. It's name is Messenger Blocker. If you need to block even websites, or chat rooms etc than you should try Application Blocker
Posted by: Anelly at January 29, 2009 5:07 AMI think it's a BIG crime to block MSN for my children! They should learn it not too often sitting on the pc. But it's so unkind if you block something. It makes me so sad :(
Good evening:
Posted by: M!ndbyte at January 31, 2009 7:58 PMM!ndbyte!!
I don't think it's a good idea to just block msn by default, but it does happen that some kids just get addicted and it starts to become a problem. When that happens, blocking it or removing their internet acces may be your only option. We eventually had to do this to my brother when he became addicted to all sorts of online garbage.
I found a fairly good block after many hours of messing about on my router. I use a D-Link DI704UP- a fairly basic home router, but it has an inbuilt filter system which a lot of other routers also have.
To access the router admin page, put 192.168.0.1 into your browser and enter the username "admin". There's no password for the first login.
From here, click "advanced", "filter" and finally "domain blocking". You can add up to 8 domains for the router to block.
To stop MSN from working, enter the following domains (you probably don't need all of them, but I'm not sure what the necessary ones are):
messenger.hotmail.com
www.e-messenger.net
messenger.live.com
webmessenger.msn.com
msn.co.uk
msn.com
gateway.messenger
Then just click "allow to access all domains except blocked domains" and click "apply".
To stop anyone else changing the settings, click "tools" and "admin" to set a new password.
Done!
MSN is now unable to connect to its server, with any attempt to do so coming back as a connection error and none the wiser.
There's also a URL blocker to block out some of the online alternatives.
If you're good with computers there's probably a way around this, but it should keep the average person from using it.
Posted by: Bob at June 16, 2009 10:35 PMi need to know is there a way to block intant messeges from a spesific user?
Posted by: erika jacquez at December 10, 2009 1:35 PMI have blocked messenger live.. but they are now accessing thru the old messenger.. Any help please? What domain does it use? Or whatever.. Please anything is appreciated..
Posted by: d3v45t4t0r at January 22, 2010 10:58 PMThank you. :)