Stopping Messenger Startups - this is NOT a simple problem

Hi,
I have a really frustrating puzzle that I hope I can get some help with.

I have a Dell laptop with XP home, all service packs and patches installed.
I have installed MSN Messenger 6 and prefer using that version.

The problem is this: sometimes when I start up the computer, something
called .NET Messenger signs in without representation in the status bar or
anything. I often get ambushed by contacts when I don't realize I'm online.

I have already taken the following steps:
* disabled Windows Messenger from starting up
* removed Windows Messenger
* tweaked every option in any version of Messenger I can find on my machine
to NOT start up nor sign in automatically

This is just nuts - can anyone help me out?
Thanks

Greetings,

Do you have Norton Antivirus 2003 installed? Norton added a new "instant messaging scanning"
feature to Norton Antivirus 2003, which can conflict with Messenger and cause this behavior.
To stop it, open Norton Antivirus (Right-click on the Norton Antivirus icon in the System
Tray/Notification Area (by the clock), choose 'Open Norton Antivirus'), click Options, then
Instant Messenger then uncheck MSN Instant Messenger and click OK.
____________________________________________
Jonathan Kay
Windows MVP, Messenger
Associate Expert
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/
Messenger Resources - http://messenger.jonathankay.com

"Holycola" <holycola.DeleteThis@hotmail.com> wrote in message news:veP3b.91971$K44.31012@edtnps84...
> Hi,
> I have a really frustrating puzzle that I hope I can get some help with.
>
> I have a Dell laptop with XP home, all service packs and patches installed.
> I have installed MSN Messenger 6 and prefer using that version.
>
> The problem is this: sometimes when I start up the computer, something
> called .NET Messenger signs in without representation in the status bar or
> anything. I often get ambushed by contacts when I don't realize I'm online.
>
> I have already taken the following steps:
> * disabled Windows Messenger from starting up
> * removed Windows Messenger
> * tweaked every option in any version of Messenger I can find on my machine
> to NOT start up nor sign in automatically
>
> This is just nuts - can anyone help me out?
> Thanks
>
>