Re: Messenger Service Pop-Ups when no programs are running

From: Lanwench [MVP - Exchange] (lanwench_at_heybuddy.donotsendme.unsolicitedmail.atyahoo.com)
Date: 08/20/03 

Date: Wed, 20 Aug 2003 15:44:18 -0400

Because "deleting messenger", or more succinctly, disabling the service, is
*not* the answer. If you were to look at the "Please read before posting"
FAQ, or looked for similar posts, you would've seen the answer.

You need a firewall. 'Messenger spam', is not in itself harmful, but is
symptomatic of a larger problem - your computer has ports open from the
Internet.

You can disable the Messenger service, but that is unwise as a solution as
you'll still have the underlying problem that caused you to get the messages
in the first place - consider the messages a useful warning that you have no
protection from the Internet. This is all too important now, given the
recent rash of RPC worms....

For a standalone machine, see www.sygate.com for a free personal firewall,
or if using Windows XP, you can enable the built-in internet connection
firewall (ICF).

See http://securityadmin.info/faq.htm for more info.

Rog wrote:
> Well Jason, If it is so easily fixed why can't I dind how
> to delete messenger from my PC when I search the MS
> knowledge base.
> I have already applied the security block in the program
> but that didn't stop the pop-ups.
>
>
>> -----Original Message-----
>> * Jim Metheny <jimmetheny@starband.net>:
>>> Unwanted Messages Popping Up
>>> For the past two or three weeks I have been getting a
>>> message screen popping up. It happens whether I have my
>>> e-mail program open or not, and whether I am on the
>>> internet or not. Additionally I do not have MSN
>>> Messenger activated. I have a pop-up stopper program
>>> activated in addition to an adaware program. My internet
>>> service is Starband satellite. The message reads as
>>> follows:
>>>
>>> In the blue portion of the box it reads:
>>
>> Scroll up or down and look at one of the other bazillion of posting
>> on the messenger service spam. This is a common problem and easily
>> fixed.
>>
>> Jason
>> .

Relevant Pages

  • Re: Application Popup Messenger Service SPAM
    ... NO NO NO. Use a firewall. ... It is not a bad idea to also disable the Messenger service, ... Messenger Service pop-ups] on my computer? ... Using a firewall and disabling NetBIOS is still strongly recommended. ...
    (microsoft.public.win2000.security)
  • Re: Windows XP and UNWANTED POP UPS
    ... Disabling Messenger is rather like putting salve on a rash - it may make the ... installing and configuring your firewall - it's _really_ easy to do. ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: POP-UPS!!
    ... > are related to this topic strongly advocates the need for a firewall. ... > I was referring strictly to the topic of the Messenger Service. ... Firewall and disable the Messenger Service in Windows XP to help protect ... I have no problem with people disabling messenger if they don't need it on ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.security_admin)
  • Re: Windows (XP Home) Messenger: how to disable
    ... >> windows when I boot. ... The Messenger Service is a network utility that's embedded in the operating ... firewall application or hardware device. ... fix it follow the advice in the earlier post about disabling the Messenger ...
    (microsoft.public.windowsxp.basics)
  • Re: "Messenger Service" Pop Up
    ... I recommend it on a personal machine, never had problems with disabling it. ... block the port on the firewall. ... Windows Management Instrumentation Driver Extensions ... messenger, not a single app doesnt work with it disabled. ...
    (microsoft.public.security)