[Note that this pertains to Windows Messenger, not MSN Messenger]

I noticed today that my Windows Messenger icon has disappeared from my sysem
tray. Trying to run Windows Messenger from the Start Menu results in nothing
but a brief hour glass and then nothing. I have virus protection (Sophos)
and Spyware protection (Microsoft Defender) [disabling this does nothing to
solve the problem by the way.]

Computer is running Windows XP SP2

I have tried uninstalling Windows Messenger using:

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

and then resinstalling the software from

http://g.msn.com/5meen_us/121?plcid=0409

Uninstalling and resinstalling works normally, but the software still
doesn't run. The only think I see in the task monitor is that sometimes
"sysfade" shows up briefly, and then vanishes. No sign of Windows Messenger.

I installed MSN Messenger, and it works. However, I detest MSN Messenger,
with its ads and tabs and frills that I don't want and can't turn off.

I have also tried restoring the system to several older restore points, but
this also does not fix the problem. My next attempt is a Windows reinstall,
unless I hear any better suggestions.

Please, please...any advice would be so appreciated. I've spent four hours
today trying to solve this, with nothing gained.

Thank you for listening,

JK