Tech-Ease: Chat and Conferencing Questions and Answers

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How do I block users I don't want to chat with me with Windows Messenger?

You can block a contact at any time by selecting it in the contact list, right-clicking, and selecting Block.

Block

If you choose to block a contact, that contact will not be able to see your online status or send you chat messages.

You can also set up Windows Messenger to alert you whenever someone tries to add you to their contact list. To do so, select Tools, Options, Privacy and check the box next to "Alert me when other people add me to their contact lists".

Alert when added

Once you have enabled this alert, you will get a prompt each time someone tries to add you as a contact, and you will have the option to either block or allow them.

You can view your Block list at any time. Select Tools, Options and make sure the Privacy tab is displayed. When you click on this tab, you will see two columns, one for your Allow list and one for your Block list. You can use the Allow and Block buttons to move contacts between the two lists. When you move a contact from the Block list to the Allow list that contact will be able to see your online status and send you chat messages again.

Privacy tab

If you want to see who has added you to their contact list, click on the View button in the Privacy tab.

View added

Which people have added you?

Additional Websites

Microsoft.com: Learn More About Windows Messenger

Chat 101

Wiredsafety.org: Chat Room Safety

PC World: A Grown-Up's Guide to Instant Messaging

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Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.

			Quick answers to real classroom technology questions. An online service of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse.
ETC HOME	TECH-EASE HOME	CHAT FAQ	SEARCH
How do I block users I don't want to chat with me with Windows Messenger? You can block a contact at any time by selecting it in the contact list, right-clicking, and selecting Block. If you choose to block a contact, that contact will not be able to see your online status or send you chat messages. You can also set up Windows Messenger to alert you whenever someone tries to add you to their contact list. To do so, select Tools, Options, Privacy and check the box next to "Alert me when other people add me to their contact lists". Once you have enabled this alert, you will get a prompt each time someone tries to add you as a contact, and you will have the option to either block or allow them. You can view your Block list at any time. Select Tools, Options and make sure the Privacy tab is displayed. When you click on this tab, you will see two columns, one for your Allow list and one for your Block list. You can use the Allow and Block buttons to move contacts between the two lists. When you move a contact from the Block list to the Allow list that contact will be able to see your online status and send you chat messages again. If you want to see who has added you to their contact list, click on the View button in the Privacy tab.			Additional Websites Microsoft.com: Learn More About Windows Messenger Chat 101 Wiredsafety.org: Chat Room Safety PC World: A Grown-Up's Guide to Instant Messaging
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Site Map \| Submit a Question \| About Tech-Ease \| Privacy Policy \| ETC Home Tech-Ease for Windows is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. A companion Tech-Ease for Mac site is also available. This collection is a part of the Educational Technology Clearinghouse and is funded in part by a grant from the Florida Department of Education. Copyright 2008 by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology, College of Education, University of South Florida.