How to really get rid of unneccesary software

to uninstall things like msn messenger and other hidden installs thru add remove programs, do this:

find sysoc.inf (you might have to enable "show hidden files" and "show hidden/protected system folders" in explorer) and open it in notepad
replace all ",hide" with "," (both with out quotes) which is easiest to do with the replace all command under edit
then in add/remove programs under add/remove windows compnents and whole new list of things to uninstall and add are now listed (such as internet explorer)