Change the status of Windows Messenger

Change the status of Windows Messenger

Document number: 65001

The Windows Messenger service can used by Information Technology to inform users of certain system conditions. For example, some users will get a warning that a RAS session has exceeded allowed time. That message is a Windows Messenger Service based message. It can also be used by certain software to provide informational messages. It is also often used by advertisers to reach people who are on the internet but not actively browsing. Other than notices regarding RAS sessions, and some print messages this service is not frequently used in day to day activities.

The default setting on PeopleSoft machines for the Messenger service is for the service to be on. You can change the status of Windows Messenger in Administrative Tools. Remember, if you turn off the service you could fail to receive important messages.

To change the status of Windows Messenger Service, follow these steps:

Click on the Start menu, then on Settings, then Control Panel.
Double-click on the Administrative Tools icon.
Double-click on Services.
Scroll down to Messenger and right-click on it.

To Start the service for this session only.

Choose Start.
The message Windows is attempting to start the following service on Local Computer... Messenger appears. When the process is complete, the message will disappear.

To Start the service automatically on boot.

Right click the Messanger Service.
Select Properties.
For Startup Type select Automatic
If the service status is Stopped select the Start Button.

To Stop the service for this session only

Choose St op.
The message Windows is attempting to stop the following service on Local Computer... Messenger appears. When the process is complete, the message will disappear.

To prevent the service from starting automatically on boot.

Right click the Messanger Service.
Select Properties.
For Startup Type select Manual
If the service status is Started select the Stop Button.

Click OK.