why does messenger need to be running for my outlook to work?
*** it doesn't
and how/should i disable this feature?
*** doubleclick the messenger icon in your system tray (left to your clock);
click Tools - Options - General and uncheck "Run Messenger when Windows
starts". Remember: you will now have to manually start Messenger when you
wanna chat by clicking the shortcut on your desktop or Start - Programs -
Messenger.