Random Messages while not online

I have been having a problem with messages popping up
while I am not online but the computer is on. They have a
gray box the same as an alert message the computer sends
and it says "Messenger Service" in the darker gray bar
across the top. Most of these messages suggest I am
having my security breeched and I need to buy their
products. Some are from porn-bots or X-rated sites. I
don't know how they are entering my computer if I am not
online. They also do pop-up while I am online, but still
in the same gray box like an alert. I am tired of seeing
and closing these everytime I return to my computer after
it is idle. Is there any help for this problem?
Thanks

Martha;
These ads are using Messenger Service.
Messenger Service is a valuable tool many use.
Like many tools, it can be exploited.

No need to pay for the fix.
For Messenger Service ads:
You need to install or enable a firewall:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=330904
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...te/stopspam.asp
Disabling Messenger Service can be a good idea, but it does not solve
the real problem.
The ads are not the real problem, the ads are only a symptom.
The real problem is open ports that allow unwanted traffic into the
computer.
Disabling Messenger does nothing for the open ports.
The firewall controls the traffic.

Internet Connection Firewall will not work if you have AOL.
AOL is not compatible with Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
(ICF)
If you have AOL, you should contact AOL and/or get a 3rd party
firewall:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/home.jsp
http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/

Disable Messenger Service:
Start/Control Panel, click Administrative Tools, click Services.
Go down to "Messenger".
Right click "Messenger" and select Properties.
Then under Start-up select DISABLE
Click OK and follow prompts

--
Jupiter Jones [MVP]
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/...roups/setup.asp
http://dts-l.org/index.html


"Martha Alexander" <mechbee@hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:076901c36451$19183010$a001280a@phx.gbl...
> I have been having a problem with messages popping up
> while I am not online but the computer is on. They have a
> gray box the same as an alert message the computer sends
> and it says "Messenger Service" in the darker gray bar
> across the top. Most of these messages suggest I am
> having my security breeched and I need to buy their
> products. Some are from porn-bots or X-rated sites. I
> don't know how they are entering my computer if I am not
> online. They also do pop-up while I am online, but still
> in the same gray box like an alert. I am tired of seeing
> and closing these everytime I return to my computer after
> it is idle. Is there any help for this problem?
> Thanks