need help getting something off of my computer!

[Rock'n Robin]

Can anyone help me? A couple of weeks ago I was having problems and tried to get into the Gateway help site--well, it had me download windows instant messenger. I do not want this! Now every time I get on the computer I get a "you must verify your EMail for windows instant messenger" and more popups than ever. I have looked in my "add/delete" programs file and there is nothing to indicate where it is. The help site wants me to register for more stuff and indicates I may have to PAY for help! All I want to do is delete the file! Can anyone help me?
Robin M.

 

[Wishydoo]

Try looking for it in Downloaded Program Files, or Program Files. If it is there, open it and look for an UNINSTALL folder...that's what you want to do...not delete it. If you delete the file, you won't be able to uninstall it easily.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

I just found it for a moment--I got to windows and then the system folder and there it was-- but couldn't see any uninstall or delete--now I can't figure out where I went--when I go through the usual way it all looks different and it says the system folder is empty (which couldn't be true, since I didn't click anything--they must have it all hidden). I'll keep trying!
Robin M.

 

[Wishydoo]

Sometimes the Uninstall is named "Unwise".

If there is no way to uninstall from the program files, it may require a DOS Prompt, which I am not knowledgable with.
Hopefully someone will step in and help you with that if need be.
Good Luck!

 

[helenabear]

Are you in XP? If so to "remove" it you have to go under Add/Remove Windows components button (off to the left under Add/Remove Programs).

Here are a few links to read through
Removing Windows Messenger
stopping pop ups

Hope this helps

 

[Wishydoo]

Also, another way to find the program file is to
open the registry (from the Start menu, click Run and enter <B>regedit</B>

Once you locate it, I believe a DOS Prompt will be required.
Don't do anything until you get really good advice on that.

 

[Wishydoo]

That looks like a very helpful link Helenabear!

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Well I've Emailed gateway and am waiting for a response. I don't want to screw anything up. I looked in the add/delete section under windows, but if it is there it had a different name--there are all sorts of files there with names that are practically hyroglyphics!
Hopefully Gateway can help me out.
Robin M.

 

[one_cat]

Be awfully careful if you use regedit. Sometimes it's the only way but it can cause serious problems.

 

[Rock'n Robin]

Well Gateway replied and directed me to the regedit thing as well--seems I can't uninstall or delete it, but I was able to put some things in a key that made it not popup on my tool bar anymore, which is all I wanted. Hurray!
I am so computer illiterate. I should really learn more.
Robin M.