Instant messages

[herr_jones]

Do instant messages leave any trace of themselves on the computer? Can someone (like a parent) read the communications that have transpired via IM? If so, where is this information stored?

Thanks

[Aaron]

Depends on what Instant Messaging software it is.

[herr_jones]

MSN

[Datalore]

Off hand, I don't think MSN automatically logs conversations, but if your parents really wanted to spy on your conversations, they would most likely install a keylogger. You can search google for "keylogger detector" to find out if one is installed.

Like this one

[Aaron]

Check Options > Messages and make sure Message History is unchecked. Then browse to the folder where Message History saves the conversation history and delete everything there.

[sven]

also, if you have msnplus! installed, make sure that you unchecked log conversations.