Re: a

From: Mcploppy (greg_at_crawford100MYSHOES.fsbusiness.co.uk)
Date: 05/01/03 

Date: Thu, 1 May 2003 20:13:42 +0100

The *Messenger service is a Windows service* (it is not a bug) that
transmits net send messages and messages that are sent through the Alerter
service between client computers and servers.

For example, the Messenger service can be used by network administrators to
send administrative alerts to network users.
The Messenger service can also be used by Windows and other software
programs.
For example, Windows may use it to inform you when a print job is completed
or when you lose power to your computer and switch to a uninterruptible
power supply (UPS).
Your antivirus program may use the Messenger service to send you
notifications.

It's not a bug, it is a service and with a little bit of knowledge, you can
disable it. The reason why you get the Pop Ups is because the service is
enabled *and* you are not usingn adequate firewall.

I feel if you cant be bothered to even try and protect yourself... you arre
fair game.....

 <a> typed:
:: 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 ?
:::
:::
::: .