Windows Messenger = Windows Mess!

[Dave Gower]

OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's firewall
instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger pop-ups.

But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP because it
came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need or desire to make
free long-distance calls or have video conferences. So why does Microsoft
make me jump through hoops to get rid of those messages? Why can't I opt in
and select my exposure settings AFTER I decide to participate in this new
type of communication, not before?

Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?

[Wim]

Dave Gower wrote:
> OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's
> firewall instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger
> pop-ups.
>
> But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP
> because it came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need
> or desire to make free long-distance calls or have video conferences.
> So why does Microsoft make me jump through hoops to get rid of those
> messages? Why can't I opt in and select my exposure settings AFTER I
> decide to participate in this new type of communication, not before?
>
> Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?

If you don't want it, don't use is, nobody is forcing you to!
See here http://www.dougknox.com/index.html
under "Prevent Windows messenger from automatically starting"

[Sharon F]

On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 10:28:25 -0400, Dave Gower wrote:

> OK so I downloaded SP1 and turned off my ports as per Microsoft's firewall
> instructions. We'll see if that gets rid of those Messenger pop-ups.
>
> But for me the point is I NEVER ASKED FOR MESSENGER. I bought XP because it
> came bundled with my new computer. I have no current need or desire to make
> free long-distance calls or have video conferences. So why does Microsoft
> make me jump through hoops to get rid of those messages? Why can't I opt in
> and select my exposure settings AFTER I decide to participate in this new
> type of communication, not before?
>
> Bill Gates does it again! How do we get our $50 billion back?

The popups from the command line messenger service builtin to XP have
nothing to do with Windows Messenger.

Messenger service is a command line interface designed for short text
messages between computers on the same network. Internet spammers use
software that takes advantage of this program if certain ports are not
blocked when connected to the internet. The messenger service (net send
command) has been around for ages. The spamming software is a relative
newcomer and hated by all except apparently the spammers. Last article I
read about this software mentioned that it runs about $700 a pop!

Windows Messenger is similar to MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM etc. If
you don't use it, it can be turned off in its setup menus. If using Outlook
Express or Outlook, disable the automatic startup of messenger in those
programs too.

--
Sharon F
MS-MVP - Windows XP Shell/User

[Dave Gower]

"Wim" > wrote

> If you don't want it, don't use is, nobody is forcing you to!
> See here ..."Prevent Windows messenger from automatically starting"

That's NOT the point. See the Microsoft website. Even when it is off,
messages get in. That's my beef.

[Dave Gower]

"Sharon F" > wrote

> The popups from the command line messenger service builtin to XP have
> nothing to do with Windows Messenger.
>
> Messenger service is a command line interface designed for short text
> messages between computers on the same network.

OK. Thank you for that. But you have to admit that since the word
"messenger" appears in both software applications, the outsider is
automatically going to think they are related. I appreciate your explanation
but it sure is not conveyed at all well in any of the Windows Help or dialog
boxes I looked at.

My point though is still valid. I bought XP as a computer operating system.
Popups in my face are not "operating the computer" in any acceptable
fashion. No wonder so many people are favouring Linux.

Cheers and thanks again.

[Sharon F]

On Fri, 19 Sep 2003 12:56:04 -0400, Dave Gower wrote:

>
> "Sharon F" > wrote
>
>> The popups from the command line messenger service builtin to XP have
>> nothing to do with Windows Messenger.
>>
>> Messenger service is a command line interface designed for short text
>> messages between computers on the same network.
>
> OK. Thank you for that. But you have to admit that since the word
> "messenger" appears in both software applications, the outsider is
> automatically going to think they are related. I appreciate your explanation
> but it sure is not conveyed at all well in any of the Windows Help or dialog
> boxes I looked at.
>
> My point though is still valid. I bought XP as a computer operating system.
> Popups in my face are not "operating the computer" in any acceptable
> fashion. No wonder so many people are favouring Linux.
>
> Cheers and thanks again.

You're welcome, Dan. And yes, I agree it is very confusing. We didn't even
discuss another MS program called MSN Messenger!

BTW, using a firewall is waaay easier than switching to Linux ;)

Regards,
--
Sharon F
MS-MVP - Windows XP Shell/User