Startup program entry details:

MSMSGS (msmsgs.exe)

This page expands upon the information already available for this entry in the Pacman's Portal Windows start-up programs database.

Not required or not recommended - typically infrequently used tasks that can be started manually if necessary

For further information on how to identify and disable startup programs please visit the Introduction page.

Description:

Windows Messenger instant messenger utility included with Windows 2K/XP. Available via the Start menu. Go to Windows Messenger → Tools → Options → Preferences and uncheck "Run this program when Windows starts"

Startup information:

Registry (Start → Run → regedit)

• Key(s): HKCU\Run
• Name: MSMSGS
• Data: "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

MSConfig (Start → Run → msconfig → Startup)

• Startup Item (XP): msmsgs
• Startup Item (Vista/7): N/A
• Command: "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

Windows Defender (Start → All Programs → Windows Defender → Tools → Software Explorer)

• Name: Messenger
• Startup Value: "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

HijackThis (HJT) log examples:

O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Archivos de programa\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programmi\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Programme\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background

Other information:

• File location: %ProgramFiles%\Messenger
• File properties "Description": Windows Messenger
• Purpose: Instant messenger
• Program disable option: Tools → Options → Preferences → deselect "Run Windows Messenger when Windows starts"
• Shortcut(s) available: Start Menu, Desktop & Quick Launch (both optional)
• Vendor/Publisher: Microsoft Corporation
• Product(s): Windows Messenger
• Tested: Yes

Note:

• %ProgramFiles% - refers to the Program Files folder; typically the path is C:\Program Files
• HKCU refers to HKEY_CURRENT_USER

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