Member Avatar for oweri02

I want to be able to start these offline, so others don't see the automatic *x has signed in* messages and then I can choose whether or not I go on-line, or block or whatever. This would be useful at home on MSN6.1 but even more useful in work Windows Messenger 4.7

I have tried MSN Plus, but that doesn't seem to give this availability either...

Can anyone give any ideas as to how I might acheive this please?

thanks

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Brief answer: there are two practical ways to avoid the “X has signed in” broadcast — either sign in and immediately set your status to “Appear Offline” (if your client supports it), or prevent the client from connecting at all until you choose to go online. Both are viable; which to use depends on whether you need the program running but hidden, or simply don’t want it to connect automatically. As noted, the first step is to turn off any “sign in automatically / start with Windows” options in Messenger’s settings. (Windows Messenger’s help documents show the “Appear Offline” action in the UI.) See Microsoft’s Windows Messenger help on appearing offline.

Practical steps (safe, reversible)

  • If your Messenger shows “Appear Offline”: sign in, then click your display name and choose Appear Offline. If you want to avoid the sign-in notice entirely, make sure “Sign in automatically” and “Run this program when Windows starts” are unchecked (Tools → Options → Preferences). If Windows Messenger is auto-starting from the OS and you prefer it gone, you can remove or disable it (XP methods vary; one common removal method is shown below). Removal / disable steps.

Run this (as a one-line uninstall) if you decide to remove Windows Messenger:

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

If you want the program running but not logged in

  • Use a firewall to block the messenger executable’s outgoing traffic until you’re ready to sign in. Note: Windows XP’s built‑in firewall is primarily for inbound filtering; to block outbound you’ll need a personal firewall that supports outbound rules (or on newer Windows use the Firewall with Advanced Security to create an outbound block). After blocking, start Messenger (it will be “offline” because it cannot connect), then flip the rule to allow outgoing when you want to log on. Microsoft docs explain the inbound/outbound filtering differences and why a third‑party outbound filter is necessary on older XP installs. Microsoft TCP/IP/filtering notes.
    (Example: create a deny rule for msmsgs.exe / msnmsgr.exe and toggle it when required — modern Windows examples are shown in standard firewall how‑to guides.)

Other options

  • Third‑party multi‑protocol clients (the GAIM/Pidgin line, Trillian, etc.) historically have explicit “Invisible”/“Appear Offline” modes and per‑account status control; if you only need MSN contact reachability without broadcasting presence, a client that supports Invisible can be simpler to manage. Pidgin’s status/invisible behaviour is documented in its manual pages.

Cautions

  • Removing or disabling Windows Messenger can affect Remote Assistance / other integrated features; blocking outbound connections can stop automatic updates or related functionality. Test any change and keep the original settings handy so you can revert. For removal caveats and more detailed steps see the removal guide above and related threads. Removal/how‑to reference.

If the goal is “no pop-up announcement ever when the machine starts,” the firewall-block‑then‑allow approach is the most reliable on older XP systems; if you simply want to be invisible after you sign in, use the client’s Appear Offline/Invisible status or a third‑party client that offers it.

Recommended Answers

All 13 Replies

Member Avatar for BountyX

go into the options menu. next to the "start with windows" check box you should see a check box for "sign in automatically". If not look around its in there somewhere.

Member Avatar for oweri02

Sorry, I obviously didn't make myself very clear - starting MSN isn't the problem - but I Want to *appear offline* when I am running - rather than alert people that I have logged in, and then chosen to not be on etc. Does that make more sense?

Member Avatar for DoctorWHO

Sorry...apparently the people that made MSN do not want you to login as "appear offline" but that is for a good reason afterall, because everyone would want to login as offline and it defeats the purpose of the messenger program.

Member Avatar for TallCool1

I want to be able to start these offline, so others don't see the automatic *x has signed in* messages and then I can choose whether or not I go on-line, or block or whatever. This would be useful at home on MSN6.1 but even more useful in work Windows Messenger 4.7

GAIM can do this.

Member Avatar for akman

GAIM can do this.

I'm working with gaim and I have never been able to find this option !

Can you help me ?
Thank you very much !

Member Avatar for KaosReigns

there is a program that will do this for msn 6, i cant remember what its called but if you search h**p://www.mess.be im sure you will find it

Member Avatar for Tarnished13lade

msn messenger 7.... or webmessenger

Member Avatar for pitdroids

Maybe you should consider upgrading to Window live? I have windows live and I can sign in as offline, and talk to one person, without any of my contacts but that one know I'm appearing offline. I am also resonbly sure that this works with the verson below window lives aswell.

Member Avatar for xcellpro6

Hi

Before you log on exit MSN Messenger ..right click on the icon bottom right and exit


Then if you want to chat open MSN Messenger from program file log on see who is online and change your status to offline and then select the person you would like to talk to.... Hmmmm why are you hiding ? If you dont want that person in your contact list just delete the contact.

HTH
Darren
South Africa
MSN Messenger =

Member Avatar for Sienna_Acacia

oweri02 i know excatly what you mean!! I want the same thing!! For all those people that dont understand try having a mother that is always sending messages when ever you are on the internet, maybe just trying to search for something quickly, something for work.... and you get a HEEELLLOOO!!! Then if you try to ignore its ANYONE HOME??? HEEELLLOOOO???? And all you want to do is quickly check your emails and go to bed but you get stuck there for hours. Ok once in a while but every night????? I know i should click out of it everytime it starts but always forget cause i dont use it that often then you get the "did she see me??? Oh no i cant log off now she will know??" I have a very nice mum which i dont want to hurt her feelings by saying, "You Chat too Much and I Have a Life and Cant Talk To You EVERY Night."

So which one can i download (free if possible) so it wont automatically sign me on when i jump on the net for a few minutes.

Member Avatar for jbennet

hey dont any of you guys realise that Windows Live Messenger (succesor to MSN) can do this? - you can get it from microsoft


screenshot enclosed

Member Avatar for Sienna_Acacia

hey dont any of you guys realise that Windows Live Messenger (succesor to MSN) can do this? - you can get it from microsoft


screenshot enclosed

Thanks Guys! Windows Live works like a charm :cheesy: :cheesy: :cheesy:

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