[Solved] How do I remove the drop-down email addresses from Windows Messenger?

[NormanG]

That's it, really. I've looked far and wide (and in tools/options) and can't find an answer. Would much appreciate one!

[KenB]

Hi and welcome to ExTS

 

I don't use Messenger - so this is what I found ( hope it works for you )

• 1 Open Windows Live Messenger.
  
  
  
• 2 Select the email address you'd like to remove from the sign-in field's drop-down list.
   
  
  
• 3 Click the blue downward-pointing arrow just below the password field to bring up an expanded list of options.
  
  
  
• 4 Click the (Forget Me) link.
  
  
  
• 5 Confirm that you'd like to remove the email address from the sign-in menu. The address disappears immediately after you click "Yes."
  
  
  

[NormanG]

Many thanks for your interest. Unfortunately there isn't a blue downward pointing arrow...

[KenB]

Sorry about that - it must relate to a different version.

 

If you can see the email addresses - what do you get if you right click on one ?

Do you get an option to delete ?

[NormanG]

Fraid not, no. It's very odd, I've searched everywhere in and on the messenger and there doesn't appear to be any capability to delete at all.

[KenB]

Hi again Norman

 

Try this ( I am on Vista so it may be a little different )

 

Click on My Computer > on the toolbar at the top click Tools > Folder Options > View

Put a check in "Show Hidden Files and Folders"

Make sure "Hide Extensions for Known File Types" is not checked

 

Apply / OK

 

Then:

C:\Users\username\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows Live\Contacts

Username will be your name.

 

The "Contacts" should be the email addresses.

Can you delete the ones you want from there?

[NormanG]

Thank you. If I'm doing it correctly, I just get 6 folders and a series of numbers and letters when I go to C:\Users

 

'Hide extensions for known file types' was checked, by the way. I did uncheck it.

[KenB]

Hi

 

XP must be a bit different from Vista.

 

Try C: > Documents and Settings > All Users > Application Data > Microsoft > Windows Live > Contacts

 

As I said - I don't have Messenger on any of my systems so cannot check this for you.

[RandyL]

Hi Norman.

 

The first thing you have to do is set Messenger to not log you in automatically.

Messenger>Tools>Options.

Uncheck "Start messenger when I log on to my computer."

Right click Messenger on your taskbar and "exit messenger."

 

Start messenger manually and you will get the log on screen.

On the ID log on field use the arrow to select the ID you want to remove.

Uncheck "Remember my ID and password"

Next to "Remember my ID and password" click "Forget me."

[KenB]

At last !!

Somebody who knows what he is talking about :)

[RandyL]

I assume he is talking about the log on email address. If not then I'm confused. :)

[NormanG]

Yes, I'm talking about the log-in process. If I go to log in I bring up the WM 'box', where it says 'click here to sign in'. I click that and am taken to another 'box' which has two 'windows' for email address and password, and a small box underneath for automatic check-in. This is never checked. When I go to enter the email address either all the addresses that have been used there previously come up or addresses beginning with the same letter come up. There are no arrows, there's no remember me or forget me. And when I go to help or tools and options there's nothing about this.

 

Ken, I got as far as Microsoft this time, but there's no Windows Live there, only Windows Defender and Windows NT.

 

I've thought about uninstalling and then reinstalling a (presumably) later version which might either get rid of the pesky addresses or allow me to 'hide' them, but I can't find WM in Add/Remove; only Windows Live ...Essentials, ...Favourites for Windows Live Toolbar, ...Sign-in Assistant, ...Sinc, and ...Upload Tool. There are quite a few Microsoft .NET Framework 'programmes' (at the top of the WM sign-in 'box' it says 'Please sign in with your .NET Passport to see your online contacts, have online conversations, and receive alerts' and above that it says '.NET Messenger Service') but no sign of Windows Messenger, which is what the programme is called.

 

Thanks all.

[RandyL]

When I go to enter the email address either all the addresses that have been used there previously come up or addresses beginning with the same letter come up.

This sounds like the inline AutoComplete. I'm going to suggest that you delete all your history, temp files, cookies and AutoComplete history.

 

Open "Internet Options" in "Control Panel" or if you are in IE click "Tools>Internet Options".

 

Click on the "General" tab. Under "Browsing history" click Delete.

Check every box then click Delete.

 

Next click on the "Content" tab. In the "AutoComplete" section click "Settings".

Uncheck everything the click "Delete AutoComplete history".

 

Next click on the "Advanced" tab. Near the bottom of the "Browsing" section uncheck "Use inline AutoComplete (outside of internet explorer).

 

Click Apply and OK.

 

For that matter click Apply and OK for every step as needed.

 

Close all applications and restart Internet Exporer.

 

 

As for for uninstalling if you ever decide to uninstall "Windows Live Messenger" it is part of "Live Essentials". In "Programs and features" if you double click Live Essentials you will get an option to uninstall selective programs of it. Messenger will be listed.

[NormanG]

Mysteriouser and mysteriouser! Did all that (Use inline AutoComplete was already unchecked) and didn't make any difference, so uninstalled WM (from Live Essentials), told me it had been uninstalled, restarted, but it's still here along with all the email addresses in the drop-down! I wonder if a screen shot of the sign-in might help. Let's see if I can attach that. Thanks.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]866.vB5-legacyid=1691[/ATTACH]

[RandyL]

Thanks for the pic Norman. Now we know what you have.

 

This is an old program built into Windows years ago. It has since been replaced by popular instant messaging programs. Outside of an integrated office environment it really has no use today. Even then I wouldn't suggest it. Never have. Never will.

 

There really is no use for it today. If you want a Microsoft or MSN messenger use the Windows Live Essentials one which is called Windows Live Messenger.

 

You can disable it by going too "Add/Remove Programs" in the control panel.

On the left side click on Add/remove Windows Components.

Uncheck Windows Messenger. Click Next.

 

Go to "Run" and "type services.msc" without the quotes. Click OK.

Double click Messenger and make sure it is set to disabled.

 

Net Messenger was often used by the bad guys to deliver popup messages. Inside a local area network popup messaging might have served a purpose but it really can be considered a security risk outside of the local network.

[NormanG]

Many thanks, that seems to have worked. So it's Windows Live Messenger that I want (if I want it)? And should I revert to where we were with autocomplete?

[RandyL]

Great. If you want Windows Live Messenger you can get it here. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-live/essentials-home

 

It will say "Get Live Essentials. Download now". This will download ALL the Essiantials programs. If you just want the messenger make sure you only select messenger or deselect the others after clicking to download.

 

As for the autocomplete settings it's just a matter of personal preference. I don't use it but you may want to. You know where it's at so you can always change your settings anytime.

 

Let us know if you need any more help Norman. We're always here. :D

[NormanG]

Many thanks; much appreciated.