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XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

VileReynard
Hero
Posts: 12,616
Thanks: 582
Fixes: 20
Registered: ‎01-09-2007

XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

I'd like to block usage of  Microsoft Messenger (the chat program) - they keep changing it's name in XP.
Ideally, I'd like to do this via my router - but AFAIK this program stupidly uses port 80 which makes it
impossible to do.
I don't run any software firewall on the laptop as it takes long enough to boot and sign-on already.
However, I could add entries to the host file - if I knew what they should be.
Any ideas?

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

7 REPLIES 7
Euge
Grafter
Posts: 502
Registered: ‎11-10-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

In Windows XP:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Control Panel"
(3) Choose "Administrative Tools"
** note in Windows XP Home edition, Admistrative Tools is in Performance and Maintence
(4) Choose "Services"
(5) Right-click on "Messenger"
(6) Select "Stop"
To permanently disable Messenger:
(7) Right click "Messenger"
(8) Select "Properties"
(9) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"
Is that what you're looking for?
Or this
VileReynard
Hero
Posts: 12,616
Thanks: 582
Fixes: 20
Registered: ‎01-09-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

Well it seems quite complicated - but do-able!
What I was really after [sorry, but I omitted this in my original post:-
but I really want to do this on a time-of-day basis].
I don't want to permanently stop all chat - just during certain hours in a way that is proof against my
kids circumventing it - and doesn't require constant intervention from me (causes arguments) Smiley
My router allows me to block URLs on a time-of-day basis.
The idea would be to block all chat activities during early evening (when homework should be done) Smiley
Whilst we're at it, can we block Skype as well?
I'd be prepared to run a backgound batch script (initiated at startup) - if this could do the job.
This would have to disable chat during the appropriate time-frame and enable it outside this period.
Would regedit.exe be up to this?

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

penfold
Aspiring Pro
Posts: 2,280
Thanks: 25
Fixes: 5
Registered: ‎01-08-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

Crucible
Not sure if this is too basic for your needs, but there is a program called Windows Steady State that might do what you want. ( Presuming you are using windows Crazy).  Seems to be able to block access to programs on a per user basis, but not sure if this is time limited as well. May be worth a look?Huh
VileReynard
Hero
Posts: 12,616
Thanks: 582
Fixes: 20
Registered: ‎01-09-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

It's a nice try - but unfortunately it's a sledgehammer to crack a small nut - and it doesn't have a facility to block programs by time of day.
It includes...
Quote
Reinstalling Windows XP
If your computer has already been used and reconfigured by multiple
users, as shared computers often are, you should consider reinstalling
Windows XP before installing Windows SteadyState.
Reasons to reinstall Windows XP:
        Reformatting and reinstalling is the best way to help create a
        more secure environment, to help enhance user privacy, and to
        improve performance and stability.
...

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

Santiago
Grafter
Posts: 3,291
Thanks: 2
Registered: ‎10-08-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

So when you figure out how to manage Live Messenger and Skype you will need to also deal with Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger and IRC Chat. Post back when you you have done that and let me know how you did it cos I never managed to do it.
When you think you have have everything covered the kids will have moved on to something else you haven't thought of yet and round you go again.
VileReynard
Hero
Posts: 12,616
Thanks: 582
Fixes: 20
Registered: ‎01-09-2007

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

Give me a week or two!!! Grin

"In The Beginning Was The Word, And The Word Was Aardvark."

Lurker
Grafter
Posts: 1,867
Registered: ‎23-10-2008

Re: XP and Microsoft Messenger (or whatever the latest name is)

Quote from: Euge
In Windows XP:
(1) Select "Start"
(2) Choose "Control Panel"
(3) Choose "Administrative Tools"
** note in Windows XP Home edition, Admistrative Tools is in Performance and Maintence
(4) Choose "Services"
(5) Right-click on "Messenger"
(6) Select "Stop"
To permanently disable Messenger:
(7) Right click "Messenger"
(8) Select "Properties"
(9) Change "Startup Type" to "Disabled" and click "OK"

FAIL.
Nothing to do with the instant messaging program that this thread refers to. ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Messenger_service )
The link you provided is the actual answer, all the other stuff is a red herring (although it is worth stopping the service as a matter of good practice if its not required for anything - its just that its not the answer to the question asked. ;))