Here's how to uninstall Windows Messenger.  Note the separate instructions for with and without "Service Pack 1" installed.

Uninstall Windows Messenger WITHOUT Service Pack 1 Installed: 

• "Start" (menu)
• "Run..."
• Type: RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

Restart your computer for good measure.

Repeat above procedure to ensure that it is uninstalled.

Uninstall Windows Messenger WITH Service Pack 1 Installed:

• "Start" (menu)
• "control panel"
• "Add or Remove Programs"
• "Add/Remove Windows Components"
• Disable "Windows Messenger"

Restart your computer for good measure.

Also See:

• Windows XP Setup Tweaks & Tips

About the Author:  I am Matthew Doucette of Xona Games, an award-winning team-of-two indie game development studio working on Xbox 360 and PC games.  We have released Decimation X, a 1-4 player shmup, which is Japan's #1 best selling #1 top rated Xbox LIVE Indie Game.  We are currently working on Duality ZF, a groundbreaking 1-4 player shmup.  It features dual play, the ability to control two fighters at once, a beautiful electronic Imphenzia soundtrack, and a massively upgradable 32-stage spread/laser weapon system.  4 player dual play allows up to eight fighters at once.  Many of these features are never before seen shoot'em up firsts.  Check out our Duality ZF trailer and help spread the word with our official dualityzf.com website.  Coming soon to Xbox LIVE Indie Games.

*Also known as a shmup or 2D shooter.