How To Remove Ads In Yahoo Messenger
5 Oct, 2008
Computing Tips & Tricks
The most annoying thing in Yahoo Messenger is the animated ad at the bottom of the main window. This extra commercialized piece is over "eye-catchy" and doesn’t look cool at all.
If you don’t like it either. here’s some steps to get rid of the ads.
- Close Yahoo Messenger.
- Download this .bat file (tested and no virus was found).
- Execute it.
The downloaded .bat file edits most registry data values which related to Yahoo Messenger. It replaces the ads data with dummy asterisk.
This method works on Yahoo Messenger 8.0 or 9.0. 
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How To Remove Ads From Windows Live Messenger/MSN | K-Director.com said,
Wrote on October 6, 2008 @ 9:04 pm
[...] I mentioned how to remove ads in Yahoo Messenger and received quite a number of emails to ask me how to apply the same thing on Windows Live [...]
MaJa said,
Wrote on November 6, 2008 @ 5:39 pm
thx mate for the tuts.
now my ym has bigger looks.. =)
Have you met Macho? | blog.maja said,
Wrote on November 6, 2008 @ 5:39 pm
[...] Extra : Remove ads from your Yahoo! Messenger. Click here for more info. [...]
ericanwar said,
Wrote on November 10, 2008 @ 9:24 pm
does it work on the newest YM ver. 9.0.0.2034 ??
Kay said,
Wrote on November 10, 2008 @ 10:02 pm
@ericanwar, I am not so sure about it.
ericanwar said,
Wrote on November 14, 2008 @ 9:49 pm
I tried on YM ver. 9.0.0.2018 and YM ver. 9.0.0.2034 , the result is: Does not work!
But it still works on YM ver. 9.0.0.2012.
But i think YM ver. 9.0.0.2012 is a suck! The connection is unstable
kay said,
Wrote on November 15, 2008 @ 10:06 pm
@ericanwar: Great info. Thanks!
dedndave said,
Wrote on November 29, 2008 @ 9:34 pm
Removing the ads from Y! Messenger is a little different from version to version. The first version to have ads in the main window was 7.5.0.647. In that version, removing the ads was very simple. As time goes on, Yahoo! has made it more and more difficult to remove the ads. The hardest ones to remove are the latest versions, 9.0.0.2018 and 9.0.0.2034. I have written a patch for those versions that ONLY removes the ads from the main window (link below). Personally, I prefer version 8.1.0.421. With that version, all the ads can be removed and the program is quite stable.
Ad removal patch for ym vers 9.0.0.2018 and 9.0.0.2034
http://www.4shared.com/file/72236491/426f3d41/YM_Patch.html
angelwolf71885 said,
Wrote on December 1, 2008 @ 5:42 pm
@dedndave
hey tryed your patch love it caint wait till you update your patch
dedndave said,
Wrote on December 1, 2008 @ 8:33 pm
for version 8.1.0.421…
this patch fixes some other problems, as well
http://www.4shared.com/file/73817710/3a672551/YP810421.html
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on December 13, 2008 @ 5:10 pm
I am looking for the full installer for version 7.0.0.247 (7.86 MB). Filehippo only has the download installer. I have tried FreeCreed and OldApps, as well as talking to John Kirschner, and searching the web. I did manage to find it on a Russian site, but the file is corrupted, and my Russian is terrible – no way to let them know to fix it. I know this is a really old version, but I want to try and write a multi patch for it (after I get finished with the ver 8/9 updates). – ThanX – dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on January 16, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
Patch for 9.0.0.2018/2034/2112
Below is a link to download an HTML file.
Download the HTML file and open it in your browser.
It provides links to download the pre-patched exe files for all 28 countries.
– dedndave
http://www.4shared.com/file/80921496/58c44aad/YPatch9.html
Dermot said,
Wrote on January 19, 2009 @ 8:30 am
Ad Destroy will remove 99% of the ads
Let you enable multi messenger (polygamy)
Disable smileys or audibles
Disable buzz and flash login wait
backup messenger remove chat abuse link
supports vista/windows 7, 8.1.0.0421 -> 9.0.0.2112
etc
get it at http://shadow-corp.net
dale said,
Wrote on January 21, 2009 @ 5:05 pm
dedndave….. on version 9.0.0.2034 What offset is it that i need to change? and what is the hex i change it to? I don’t think that this latest version uses the same hex (84 to change to 83 or vice versa…) like the previous version…
I’d like to do this myself VS. a d/l patch…. thanks!
dedndave said,
Wrote on January 22, 2009 @ 1:20 am
hiya Dale,
yes – it can be done the same way, and the patched exe’s that are in my 4shared are done that way.
For Version 2112, the offset is 38518 hex – change the 84 to 83 hex. I have been working on removing the other ads – in the process, i found a better way to do it – change the offset 3AB6A hex from 74 to EB hex. That only applies to ver 9.0.0.2112, and only affects the main window ad. There are probably better ways to do it on the other versions, but i am still working on 2112 at the moment.
– dedndave
dale said,
Wrote on January 22, 2009 @ 1:38 am
what about for version 9.0.0.2034??? whats the offset? and hex ? thanks!
dedndave said,
Wrote on January 22, 2009 @ 10:06 am
For version 2034, the offset is 368A8 hex, change the 84 to 83 hex – there is probably a better way for that version, but i think it involves changing more than one byte – Right now, i have 2112 installed, but i will play with it later – dedndave
dale said,
Wrote on January 22, 2009 @ 11:04 am
ok… Using -HxD- This is what Ver. 9.0.0.2034 reads at offset 368A8.
[00368A80] [04 00 00 00 88 8A 76 00 9C 8A 76 00 B8 8A 76 00 4C 68 75 00 7C 53 75 00 00 00 00 00 70 33 7D 00]
So now I am lost! Any Ideas? thanks!
dedndave said,
Wrote on January 23, 2009 @ 2:43 am
yes – lol
i think you are looking at the wrong offset
the file offset you want is 368A8 hex
the dump you showed is at 368A80
at address 368A7 is the following:
368A7: 0F 84 BD 01 00 00 je 00436A6A
(je = jump if equal)
the patch changes it to:
368A8: 0F 83 BD 01 00 00 jae 00436A6A
(jae = jump if above or equal)
this jump branches on the conditions of the flags set by the previous instruction (test al,al) – after a “test” instruction, jae is the same as jmp because the carry flag is always cleared
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on January 31, 2009 @ 9:57 pm
Below are links to download the patch
files for versions 9.0.0.2123/2124.
– dedndave
http://www.4shared.com/file/83400751/2759131d/2123.html
http://www.4shared.com/file/83400725/6f7541c3/2124.html
dedndave said,
Wrote on February 8, 2009 @ 11:24 pm
9.0.0.2128 patch…
http://www.4shared.com/file/85069680/ee3bfaf7/2128.html
– dedndave
Fabio said,
Wrote on February 9, 2009 @ 7:20 pm
Not Workin
Fabio said,
Wrote on February 9, 2009 @ 7:35 pm
dedndave Thanks the Link you Give us Worked 100%
Thanks ~~~
http://www.4shared.com/file/83400751/2759131d/2123.html
dedndave said,
Wrote on February 9, 2009 @ 11:05 pm
9.0.0.2128 patch…
http://www.4shared.com/file/85069680/ee3bfaf7/2128.html
– dedndave
Follow these steps:
1) locate the folder that contains the yahoo messenger program (normally, C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger)
2) rename the YahooMessenger.exe file to something else, like YahooMessenger.bak or YM_orig.exe
3) copy the patched exe for your version (such as 2128.exe) in that folder
4) rename the patched exe to YahooMessenger.exe
dedndave said,
Wrote on February 10, 2009 @ 2:27 am
Here’s a little trick that many will enjoy. I absolutely hate the mouse-over contact information cards. Some users may like them. I find not only the pop-up feature annoying, but
it also reflects “Update” information that is sometimes incorrect. Mine says my mood changed from happy to excited to special and back to happy again. I never changed anything to give the server that impression. Perhaps it is reflected from the emoticons I may have used in a conversation. This information comes from the server in the Temporary Internet Files in a file named “vitality.html”. I also find the use of IE annoying.
If you want to disable the cards, find the folder “C:\Documents and Settings\(YourWindowsUserName)\Local Settings\Application Data\Y!Msgr\skins\Default”. In that folder, you will find a few xml files. One is named ContactCard.ContactCard.xml. Delete the file and create a folder of the same name in its’ place. After that, you may have to sign in and out of Messenger twice, but the contact info cards will be gone. Also gone is the IE download of the vitality files.
If you want to keep the contact cards, but remove the “update” info and the IE vitality files, add 2 URL values to the registry key “HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\yahoo\pager\YUrl”. Under that key, create 2 new string-type values. Here is what a .REG file would look like:
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\yahoo\pager\YUrl]
“vitality banner”=”*”
“vitality proxy server”=”*”
A .REG file to turn them back on would look like this:
REGEDIT4
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\yahoo\pager\YUrl]
“vitality banner”=-
“vitality proxy server”=-
Notice that the trick to remove the cards is on a per-user basis, while disabling the vitality “updates” is on a per-computer basis.
Enjoy – dedndave
Tim and Dermot – you guys may want to add this to your patch programs.
dedndave said,
Wrote on February 10, 2009 @ 4:26 am
Ooops – my mistake – both tricks are per-user (dunno what I was thinking – lol)
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on February 20, 2009 @ 8:48 am
ver 2133 patched…
http://www.4shared.com/file/88545911/42ae2abe/YP2133.html
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on March 3, 2009 @ 10:26 pm
I apologize for taking so long. I have been busy.
Also, they are creating releases like horny rabbits.
– dedndave
http://www.4shared.com/file/90504794/42faf66f/YP2136.html
cutepepye said,
Wrote on March 9, 2009 @ 3:59 pm
Hello dedndave…
You are really doing an awesome work… i hope all the other ads are removed by registry patch.. only the messenger ad is creating problem.. can you give the hint for messenger ad hex editing step for the version 9.0.0.2136.
Thank you….
dedndave said,
Wrote on March 9, 2009 @ 9:48 pm
Sure – the offset is 38121 hex – i changed the 84 to 83 (hex)
Anytime you want to see what has changed, you can use the DOS FC (use the /b switch) command to compare the modified file with the original. That will tell you the differences between the two files.
– dedndave
cutepepye said,
Wrote on March 9, 2009 @ 9:56 pm
hello dedndave…
wish, i could have a conversation with you, plzzz.. i am getting one more problem of this avatar update is getting displayed and annoys me. i edited the profiles.. all the updates are deleted still i get it. can you guide me. plzzz
dedndave said,
Wrote on March 25, 2009 @ 8:01 am
9.0.0.2152 patched….
http://www.4shared.com/file/94797784/fdc38fa9/YP2152.html
– dedndave
()_()
(•.•)
(>_<)
dedndave said,
Wrote on April 18, 2009 @ 7:28 pm
sorry for taking so long to reply
i have no idea about that avatar problem
it sounds like a server thing to me
– dedndave
angel said,
Wrote on May 4, 2009 @ 2:15 am
can i ask how to return it back? coz i can’t access the yahoo chat feature. thanks!
dedndave said,
Wrote on May 4, 2009 @ 9:38 am
@angel
hmmmm
If you renamed the original YahooMessenger.exe to something else, then replaced it with the patched one, it should be easy to reverse.
However, this patch should not affect the chat function at all. You have some other problem.
If you used some other method to remove ads, that is the likely cause. For instance, it sounds to me like the HOSTS file has been modified. It is located in C:\Windows\System32\Drivers\Etc. You may edit the file by right-clicking on it – then Open with Notepad. If you see a line in there that has insider or pclickinternal, remove those lines and try again.
Once you remove those lines, the patched exe should work fine.
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 5, 2009 @ 11:20 am
again, my appologies for taking so long
as always, rename the original YahooMessenger.exe to something else
then replace it with the d/l file (named as YahooMessenger.exe)
- dedndave
9.0.0.2162
http://www.4shared.com/file/109957871/126be068/YP2162.html
9.0.0.2161
http://www.4shared.com/file/109957826/f178818e/YP2161.html
9.0.0.2160
http://www.4shared.com/file/109957818/3dedff4a/YP2160.html
for those who like to edit their own, change the
byte from 84h to 83h at the following offsets
9.0.0.2162 offset 3780E 84h -> 83h
9.0.0.2161 offset 3780E 84h -> 83h
9.0.0.2160 offset 37F4D 84h -> 83h
speedy18us said,
Wrote on June 9, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
Hi everyone. For the new messenger i saw that non of old methods are working. I have a website with some downloads. http://baiamare.myftp.org/downloads.php?cat_id=13 here you can find yahoo messenger with a patch that is working.
good luck!
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 15, 2009 @ 1:19 am
Heads Up!!!
Yahoo! is changing a couple things…
First, if you have more than one Yahoo! account using the
same primary e-mail address, you may lose the account.
This is a gradual change; I have seen no official announcement.
But, I wanted to make a new Yahoo! ID and in the process,
I was informed that any other account that had the same
“primary” e-mail addess would become inaccessible.
Second, I noticed that, by the end of the year, Yahoo!
intends to do away with geocities free hosted sites.
So, if you have any geocities sites bookmarked for great
info or downloads, best get crackin and get what you want.
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 16, 2009 @ 9:28 pm
version 10.0.0.331 patched:
http://www.4shared.com/file/112196316/89b261c1/YP100331.html
offset 64E2B, byte 84h -> 83h
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 17, 2009 @ 11:14 am
ym 10.0.0.331 beta d/l:
http://rapidshare.com/files/241019192/Yahoo_messenger_10.exe
– dedndave
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 17, 2009 @ 12:27 pm
Hi Dedndave:
I tried the method how to remove the Contact Card information but it didn’t work. I followed step by step exactly like you said. I sign in and out twice and even three times but the contact card is still poping up whenever I move the mouse-over a nickname in my contact friend list.
If possible, could you show me another method? Thank you very much for your help.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 17, 2009 @ 10:28 pm
hi Tommy,
this method should work
perhaps the contact card xml is in a different folder
for instance, under a different user name
search the “Documents and Settings” folder for any file named “ContactCard.ContactCard.xml”
make sure they are all folders and not files
if the file exists, rename it (i use .xm_)
then create a folder in the same location with the name ContactCard.ContactCard.xml
this should be done while you are signed out and messenger is closed
i hope this helps
– dedndave
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 17, 2009 @ 10:49 pm
Hi Dedndave:
Thank you for your quick reply. You said folder? because I see there are about 10 files and one of them named ContactCard.ContactCard.xml. So did you mean to just delete that file or the whole folder with all of the .xml files in it?
Another thing you said is to create a folder in the same location, I’m sorry I still not quite understanding it.
Thank you again, Dedndave.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 18, 2009 @ 3:26 am
well – normally, ContactCard.ContactCard.xml is a file
it would be nice if we could just make it an empty file and set it to read-only
but, yahoo detects that and changes it’s attributes so that it can re-write to it and reset the card xml
so, in order to prevent the messenger program from accessing the file, we rename the file to something else (so that we could reverse the modification, if desired)
then, we create a folder with the name of the file in its place
now, when the messenger program tries to write to the file, it fails to detect that it is actually a folder and fails – messenger ignores the failure and continues doing whatever
but, the key to the trick is that we have replaced the file with a folder
– dedndave
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 18, 2009 @ 6:51 am
i have made a screen-shot for you
the path is shown in the Windows Explorer address window
notice that my path includes my user name “Dave”
yours may be different
also notice the file named ContactCard.ContactCard.xm_ and the folder named ContactCard.ContactCard.xml
http://img208.imageshack.us/img208/4972/ccards.gif
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 18, 2009 @ 9:45 am
Hi DednDad:
I got it to work now after looking at the picture you posted. A picture is worth a thousand words…
Thank you very much again, DednDave.
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 1:24 pm
Hello DednDad:
I also tried the patch for version 8.1.0.421 for my other computer. It did not work for me. I double clicked on the file “Run_Once.bat”… I’m still getting ads from yahoo after I sign back in again, and also I couldn’t sigin with multiple yahoo accounts. Can you please help? Thank you.
I’m wondering if you have a “YahooMessenger.exe” file so that I can just replace like the one you have for yahoo version 9?
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 9:19 pm
hiya Tommy,
It’s “dedndave” – not “dedndad” – lol.
I used to live out in the desert at the end of a very famous old mining road. Behind my house was a mountain with remnants of the old mine. So, I was at the dead-end of the road, hence the nickname, Dead-End Dave. Quite often, when I would get home from work, there would be TV’s and computers and VCR’s and all kinds of other stuff piled up on my porch. People out there had noone else to turn to to get things fixed. I didn’t mind, at first. But, it got rather annoying after a while. I used to tell everyone, “The road to hell ends at my doorstep”.
Now, as for your problem with version 8. I do not patch the version 8 exe files, as there is no need to. In fact, the ads are much easier to get rid of for all versions prior to 9. If you have version 8.0.0.421 installed, sign in as an administrative user and make sure yahoo messenger is closed. Use Ctrl-Alt-Del to bring up the Task Manager and verify no programs are running starting with the letter “Y”. If there are, use the Task Manager to terminate them. If the patch still fails to run, it may be because the YahooMessenger program is not located in C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Messenger. Let me know how it goes and we will get it working. (Actually, I am considering going back to that version – it is the best one, i think)
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 10:10 pm
Hi dedndave:
I’m sorry about the your nickname got mistyped
lol. I tried like you said but it did not work. I checked everything make sure nothing is running (ctrl+alt+del). When I double clicked on the “Run_Once.bat” file, a black MS-Dos screen popup with the msg “Enter any key to continue…” then I hit enter, the black screen disappeared. I then tried to re-open the yahoo program. I still see the ads running at the bottom of the program like normal, nothing is removed 
Please help. Thank you again, dedndave.
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 10:16 pm
Another problem that I see is when I bring up a chat window to chat with my friend. The chat window is kinda wide, so I resize to my liking but when I minimize that chat window down or close it. When I re-open it up, it is back to wide window again and I have to resize it. I don’t have that kind of problem with older version 7. How come it doesn’t save the UI settings, do you know? Is there any way I can fix this kind of problem? Thanks dedndave.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 10:39 pm
yes – i have seen it do that
it happens when yahoo messenger gets more than 11 ID names in the registry, including mistyped ones
you can look at the registry key
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\yahoo\pager\profiles
and clean out all unused IDs
as for the patch not working, i have to ask what version windows you are using
it has been quite a while since i played with that patch and i may have to open it up and review how it works – be patient with me – we will get it running
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 20, 2009 @ 10:48 pm
Hi, I only have a few yahoo IDs which is less than 5 but the chat window still resize to its own wide view.
But this one has nothing to do with the yahoo IDs. Let me make it clear, maybe I did not make it clear to you at first. Let say that when I sign in to my yahoo ID, I have a list of contact friends. I double click on one of my friend in the list and a chat window pop-up in wide view (for example like LCD widescreen 16:9 view) so i resize it to my like. Then, I minimize this chat window down to my taskbar then re-open it, the chat window somehow resize back to its wide screen again. I hate to resize everytime, so is there any way to lock it so that it won’t resize automatically? Thanks buddy
I’m running windows XP professional version.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 21, 2009 @ 8:14 am
yah – it is a bug
and, although it makes no sense that it has anything to do with the number of IDs you have, it does – lol
Start menu – Run command
type in “regedit” (without the quotation marks)
and click OK
navigate to
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\yahoo\pager\profiles
the thing is, it keeps track of IDs you enter, including typo errors, even if you do not successfully sign in
i bet you will be surprised to see how many funny-looking IDs you have in your list
Anonymous said,
Wrote on June 21, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Hi,
I just went to the location that you show me. I see there are a total of 3 yahoo IDs which I am using them, none of the IDs that seem to be “unknown” to me. So at this point, what should I do next?
If it is ok, can I chat yahoo with you so that we don’t have to use this much of space here? I’m afraid it maybe annoying to some other people. Thanks.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 21, 2009 @ 8:12 pm
sure – you may add me
sorry for making you go through all that
but, i have had what sounds like the same thing happen to me and this is what fixed it
Tommy said,
Wrote on June 21, 2009 @ 10:50 pm
Hi, DednDave:
I’m sorry but I don’t know your yahoo ID so I can’t chat to you. Can I have it please? Thank you DednDave.
dedndave said,
Wrote on June 21, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
i will give you 3 guesses – lol
starts with a “d”
RK said,
Wrote on July 8, 2009 @ 4:06 pm
Hi Dedndave, do we have any options to remove ad banners other than modifying the “Yahoo Messenger.exe”. Because I feel that modification might cause some other problems. Any suggestions here.
Thanks
RK
RK said,
Wrote on July 9, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
How to disable Yahoo autoupdate for 9.0.0.2162 version. Does uninstalling the “Yahoo automatic updater” will help?
Thanks
RK
dedndave said,
Wrote on July 18, 2009 @ 8:14 pm
Hi RK
On older versions, we used to be able to get rid of ads by making a few registry entries. Since version 9.0.0.2018, however, it requires modification of the EXE file.
As for the updater, I just delete the YUpdate.exe file located in C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\Yahoo!\YUpdate.
Dermot said,
Wrote on February 3, 2010 @ 3:51 pm
Ad Destroy 6.0 has been released and available in downloads in 32bit and 64bit Versions
Ad Destroy 6.0 is compatible with all official builds of Yahoo Messenger 10
If you use 9.0 or below, check for older versions of Ad Destroy.
Image: http://f.imagehost.org/0566/AdDestroy6.png
Features:
Remove Advertisements
Enable Polygamy
Enable Smiley Search
Disable Buzz! Sound
Disable Yupdater
Disable smileys
Disable Audibles
Remove Plugins area/Y!Mobile/Y!insider
Disable Chat Abuse Link
Toggle Nicknames/Usernames
Enable Messenger Debug Options
Disable Yahoo! Messenger at Startup
Please Report any questions or comments to http://www.irish-gaming.net/index.php/topic,149.0.html
Gary said,
Wrote on May 20, 2010 @ 11:43 am
hi friends you can get the latest version of yahoo messenger 10 ad remover here http://yahoo-exploit.blogspot.com/2010/05/remove-annoying-ads-from-yahoo.html
EEV said,
Wrote on June 12, 2010 @ 10:44 am
the moving ads slowly became irritating. it became most irritating (when you get very busy working with the computer) when the mouse pointer accidentally goes on top of the ads and would automatically launch the browser to the website of the ads. been looking for a way to disable it. am using YM 10.0.0.1258-my. this batch file (noYMads2.bat) still worked the YM version am using, like magic. thank you very much dedndave.