How to minimize MSN Messenger to the system tray in Windows 7

The inability to minimize MSN Messenger into the system tray in Windows 7 is a nuisance for a many users. By running MSN in compatibility mode and selecting Windows Vista, MSN will no longer remain in the taskbar and will minimize into the system tray instead.

If you’ve applied the Windows 7 Beta watermark patch, this tutorial may not work for you.

How to:

1. Go to your MSN folder. It's usually located at: C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger

2. Right click msnmsgr.exe and select Properties

3. Select the Compatibility tab at the top.

4. Check Run this program in compatibility mode for: and select Windows Vista from the drop-down menu.

5. Click Apply, then OK, and you're finished.

You'll need to completely close MSN Messenger and re-open it for changes to take place.