Re-enable Windows messenger

[FatOldGeek]

I recently found a need to use Windows Messenger (I know, call me crazy), but previously had followed every suggestion to disable the program.

Now I can't seem to find the correct sequence to re-enable the program.

The messenger service seems to be running, but the messenger GUI cannot be seen and there is no icon in the systray. When the icon in the program list is double-clicked, the program seems to do something (disk activity) but no window appears.

I have been all over the web reading articles on how to disable the program and I then try to follow the directions, in reverse so to speak, to get everything working. So far no luck.

So I'm looking for help to get this resolved.

Thanks for the bandwidth.

Mike

 

[linney]

"The messenger service seems to be running".

The Messenger service is not part of Windows Messenger it is unrelated to your problem.

Have you tried downloading the latest version from Microsoft and re-install it that way. Make sure you get the XP version as there are several versions depending on your operating system.

 

[FatOldGeek]

Yes, I tried that too (downloaded latest version) I understand that the messenger service is not Windows Messenger.

Additional info.

When I start the Windows Messenger service, with the task manager open. I see a momentary program appear, titled SysFader. Is this related?

Mike

 

[linney]

It seems that you have tried most things then.

If they didn't work you could try repairing windows itself by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

Sysfader information.

http://www.dslreports.com/forum/remark,5895612~root=winme~mode=flat

http://www.annoyances.org/exec/forum/win2000/r1022973221

 

[FatOldGeek]

Thanks for the info on the sysfader.

I already tried a re-install over the existing windows XP and the settings that are retained result in the same problem as before the re-install: no windows messenger.

Thanks you all for your suggestions. Maybe I'll just blow the whole drive and install it all again from a blank disk.

Mike

 

[d3crypt4]

One of the most common 'fixes' for Messenger (the auto-run removers and step-by-step walkthroughs) removes the most critical registry path for Messenger. If this isn't present, it won't start at all:

Start Registry Editor (Start, Run, Regedt32).
Locate and then click the following key in the registry:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft

On the Edit menu, click Add Key, and then add the following registry key:
Key name: MessengerService

Open the MessengerService key.
On the Edit menu, click New, click String Value, and then add the following registry value:
Value name: PrimaryService
Data type: REG_SZ
Value data: .NET Messenger Service

Quit out, log off (may actually need a restart but a log off should be enough) and try again. Fingers crossed...

 

[FatOldGeek]

The registry setting you mention are already in place. There are many more in that section of the registry that are unclear as to their function and proper value. Does anyone have a decoder ring for these values?

 

[pdxphx]

Try this:

Control Panel, Add Remove Programs, Add/Remove Windows Components, scroll down until you see Windows Messenger...is there a check in the box? If not, put one in...if there is, uncheck it, click next all the way through, reboot, go back to Add/Remove Windows Components, put a check in the Windows Messenger box, click next all the way through, reboot one more time. I think that will bring back the original version, and then you should be able to upgrade from there.