Wednesday, May 04, 2005
For Windows XP
In some cases, when you start Outlook Express 6, it automatically kicks in MSN or Windows Messenger (assuming Messenger wasn't running already). Outlook Express does that so it can show you the status of your Messenger contacts. Icons next to your Messenger contacts indicate whether they're online or not.
If Outlook Express starts Messenger automatically, as soon as Messenger kicks in, everybody who has you on his or her Messenger Contacts list sees that you've signed in. Many people feel that's an intrusive, time-sapping side effect of starting Outlook Express. It's also an incredibly stupid security exposure, hanging a "kick me" sign on your computer for no good reason at all. If you agree, it's easy to turn off:
Choose Tools-->Options-->General.
Outlook Express shows you the Options dialog box.
Uncheck the Automatically Log On to Windows Messenger box.
Messenger calls it sign in, not log on, but what's a foolish inconsistency among friends?
Click OK.
The next time you start Outlook Express, it doesn't attempt to start Windows Messenger
If Outlook Express starts Messenger automatically, as soon as Messenger kicks in, everybody who has you on his or her Messenger Contacts list sees that you've signed in. Many people feel that's an intrusive, time-sapping side effect of starting Outlook Express. It's also an incredibly stupid security exposure, hanging a "kick me" sign on your computer for no good reason at all. If you agree, it's easy to turn off:
Choose Tools-->Options-->General.
Outlook Express shows you the Options dialog box.
Uncheck the Automatically Log On to Windows Messenger box.
Messenger calls it sign in, not log on, but what's a foolish inconsistency among friends?
Click OK.
The next time you start Outlook Express, it doesn't attempt to start Windows Messenger
