You said "went for 2 hrs before I realized I was still connected" - how did you know you were connected???? Having the MSN icon in the tray does not mean you are connected - if you click on the "network connection" icon in the tray does it say "connected. Another way is lifting your phone.
To prevent MSN messenger starting or connecting when you are connected go to "tools/options/general" and uncheck the 2 items.
Dont get confused between "MSN messenger" and "Windows Messenger" - Windows Messenger comes with windows - although they are very similar and do much the same thing they are in fact 2 different programs - if you have installed MSN messenger you should disable windows messenger. If you need help with this let us know.
As for "messenger" (as you call it??) not starting when you want, you will need to let us know exactly what happens and what error messages you get.
Regards,
Peter
I'm experiencing a long delay in disconnecting from the internet. I'm using 98SE/IE6-MSN9-- 56kb modem. Most of the time the task tray (bottom right) icon for msn goes away but I'm in reality still connected to the internet. Didn't check my phone the other day and I was still connected, even tho the light on my modem showed disconnect.(went for 2 hrs before I realized I was still connected) Is there a problem with my modem? I've been doing quite a bit of uninstalling/installing and checking lately, have I messed something up? I also have Messenger installed (I don't use it, but I have to have it according to MSN)Sometimes it signs in when it isn't supposed to or won't sign in when it IS supposed to. I've checked and no spyware, no virus (even went to pcpitstop for trojan check and was OK)Help. Thanks

Chowhound
Comic Vine
GameFAQs
GameSpot
Giant Bomb
TechRepublic