Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially Windows Messenger is automatically loaded and running when a user logs on to a Windows XP computer. You can use this setting to stop Windows Messenger from automatically being run at logon. If you enable this setting, Windows Messenger will not be loaded automatically when a user logs on. If you disable or do not configure this setting, the Windows Messenger will be loaded automatically at logon. Note: This setting simply prevents Windows Messenger from running intially. If the user invokes and uses Windows Messenger from that point on, Windows Messenger will be loaded. The user can also configure this behavior on the Preferences tab on the Tools menu in the Windows Messenger user interface. Note: If you do not want users to use Windows Messenger, enable the 'Do not allow Windows Messenger to run' setting. Note: This setting is available under both Computer Configuration and User Configuration. If both are present, the Computer Configuration version of this setting takes precedence.

[enable/disable]

(1) GPO: Computer ConfigurationAdministrative TemplatesWindows ComponentsWindows Messenger!Do not automatically start Windows Messenger initially (2) REG: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESoftwarePoliciesMicrosoftMessengerClient!PreventAutoRun