I want to get IE6 out of my XP 2600 Professional install. I don't want to just remove the icon, but totally (or almost) remove it. As well, I want to stop all Internet transfers between my pc and microsoft. I continuosly recieve "You (or a program) requested information from microsoft.com" error dialogs when I am not on the Internet. I have the latest in anti-spyware software (Ad Aware 6.0 Pro / Spybot 1.2 / PestPatrol) and have used XP Anti-Spy but I still am having something going out across the lines that I am not authorizing.

What you need is a firewall to block incoming and outgoing transfers. There are several good free ones - Sygate, Kerio and Zone Alarm. The firewall that comes with XP is not much protection and it does not block programs from going out to the internet. It sounds like you might be getting the messenger pop-ups if these things are happening when you are not online. Are they little pop-up boxes with messages/ads in them? See this URL for description and how to stop them. http://www.spywareinfo.com/yabbse/index.php?board=3;action=display;threadid=1920

Unfortunately microsoft wrapped the tentacles of IE around its OS. You can get most of it out but expect a Windows 95-like interface. I was able to do it to Win2k by using Linux ( I dual boot)to delete the offending files. Windows won't allow you to delete those same files. I then had to rape my registry, but I'm not confident I got everything. Basically, it was more trouble than it's worth. The only way to effectively eliminate MS's spy tactics is not to use its OS. Give Mandrake 9.1 a spin.

Do just a bit of research and turn off error reporting auto update - for media player as well as all the 3rd party software that most peeps use. Its easy to blame MS but - if your car rolls down a hill because the brake was not on its really not Fords fault? It takes a bit of time and effort but as a learning experience goes it will serve you every time you reinstall as well. Naviscope is a progy you might want to use as well to block your referer web sites as you browse. "Just because someone is paraniod . . does not mean that no one is actually after them." Good luck Greaner

I would actually be interested in in Win95 interface... basically what I am using now anyway... I had a Ford, Got it loaded, It laid down and then exploded.