Messenger Pop-ups

[Scott]

These messenger pop-ups are total #%*@!!!! There has to
be a way to eliminate them. Apparently, Microsoft doesn't
give a #$%* about what we think otherwise they would have
a download that is easy to find that addresses this issue.
Has anyone stumbled across a solution?
Thanks
Scott

[John A. Wolf]

If these pop-ups have "Messenger Service" in their title bar, then what
you're seeing is the messenger service built-in to Windows, which spammers
are now exploiting. This is not related to MSN or Windows Messenger. The
messenger service is included primarily for network administrators to send
messages to users, at home you probably have no need for it.



To get rid of these pop ups, you have two choices:



1.. You can stop this from happening by turning on the Windows XP Internet
Connection Firewall (ICF) or by installing another firewall program like
ZoneAlarm. To turn on the Windows XP ICF, open the Network Connections
window and right click on your Internet Connection then click on the
advanced tab and check the "Protect my computer and..." box. Or;


1.. You'll need to disable the Messenger Service, click Start, then Run,
enter "services.msc" (without the quotes) and click OK. Scroll down to
"Messenger", select it, right-click and then choose Properties. Under
startup type, choose 'Disabled' and then choose the 'Stop' button. After the
service is stopped, click OK.


I would recommend the first option as it will provide you with more
protection and solve the problem, the second really just addresses the
symptom. However, a firewall could prevent some software from working as
expected.



If theses pop-ups are actual MSN/Windows Messenger conversations they will
have "[Someone] - Conversation" in the title bar and in order to get rid of
these spammers you either need to block them as they appear in the Messenger
window or go to the Tools Menu in Windows Messenger and click on the privacy
tab then move the "All other users" to the block list.



Good luck


--
John A. Wolf


"Scott" > wrote in message
...
> These messenger pop-ups are total #%*@!!!! There has to
> be a way to eliminate them. Apparently, Microsoft doesn't
> give a #$%* about what we think otherwise they would have
> a download that is easy to find that addresses this issue.
> Has anyone stumbled across a solution?
> Thanks
> Scott

[Amethyst]

Scott wrote:
> These messenger pop-ups are total #%*@!!!! There has to
> be a way to eliminate them. Apparently, Microsoft doesn't
> give a #$%* about what we think otherwise they would have
> a download that is easy to find that addresses this issue.
> Has anyone stumbled across a solution?
> Thanks
> Scott

The ports in question (137-139) are also used for more nefarious purposes
(trojans use them to 'phone home'). The only effective way (despite what Mr
Kay will tell you) is to install a firewall. The native
one will work at a pinch, though it only works one way (incoming not
outgoing). Disabling the service is like sweeping bills under the carpet -
you can't see them anymore but, if you don't deal with them, the
consequences
could be serious.

Install a firewall, configure it to block those ports, and rest, safe in the
knowledge that nothing can attack your computer.





--
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[Dan]

The information Jonathan Kay provides for stopping the Messenger Service
pop-ups is correct.

"Amethyst" > wrote in message
...

> (trojans use them to 'phone home'). The only effective way (despite what
Mr
> Kay will tell you) is to install a firewall. The native
>