a

From: a (a_at_b.com)
Date: 05/01/03 

Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 11:58:11 -0700

surely the real problem is not that I'm not running a
firewall, but that microsoft haven't plugged their XP
software properly ?

>-----Original Message-----
>Hi,
>
>These messages are caused by the windows messenger
service, (this *can* be
>disabled) however, the messenger service is not the
problem, the real
>problem is the fact that you are not running a firewall,
or if you are, you
>haven't blocked ports 137-139.
>
>Disabling the messenger service will stop the popups,
but if you have file
>and print sharing bound to your external TCP/IP
connection, then you could
>also potentially be sharing your entire hard disk with
the world since
>netBIOS uses ports 137-139.
>
>A good firewall can be found at www.zonelabs.com
>
>The small "ShootTheMessenger" Messenger service
enabler/disabler will turn
>off the messenger.
>
>http://grc.com/miscfiles/ShootTheMessenger.exe
>
>Or you can do it manually:
>
>Disabling the Messenger Service
>To remove the ability for anyone in the world to pop up
messages on your
>computer, you can disable the Messenger service. Its
easy to reverse at a
>later time if you wish to do so.
>
>Windows XP Home
>Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
>Click Performance and Maintenance
>Click Administrative Tools
>Double click Services Scroll
>down and highlight "Messenger"
>Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
>Click the STOP button.
>Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
>Click OK
>
>Windows XP Professional
>Click Start->Settings ->Control Panel
>Click Administrative Tools
>Click Services
>Double click Services Scroll
>down and highlight "Messenger"
>Right-click the highlighted line and choose Properties.
>Click the STOP button.
>Select Disable or Manual in the Startup Type scroll bar
>Click OK
>
>HTH
>
>--
>Greg Crawford
>*****************************
>* www.greg-crawford.co.uk *
>* Remove MyShoes to email me *
>*****************************
>
>
>
>
> <ihatemicrosoft> typed:
>:: Does anyone know if Microsoft have any plans to plug
the
>:: hole that allows anyone with a modem to grab hold of
my
>:: pc by using the gaping hole in Microsoft's XP (most
>:: commonly illustrated by huge amounts of spam pop-ups
>:: being sent to your pc through an "open" port with
Windows
>:: Messenger even when messenger is closed and you don't
>:: have email etc etc) ?
>:: This is annoying beyond belief, and surely Microsoft
are
>:: liable/negligent if they don't fix it as soon as they
>:: hear about it ?
>
>
>.
>