In Windows Live Messenger (formerly known as MSN Messenger 8), there is product and service tabs (buttons) that are located on the left side of the main Windows Live Messenger window. To hide or remove the tabs:

  1. Go to Tools.
  2. Go to Options.
  3. Click on Tabs on the left column.
  4. Check (select) the Hide Tabs box.
  5. Press OK or Apply.

You will now see a clean Windows Live Messenger window without the tabs buttons.