Blocking programs with Windows Firewall (my pesky problem)

[DestroyerLXXVII]

Hello, I'm rather new to this google groups windows topics
whatever. But I was wondering if the firewall could block a program
(what it's supposed to do anyway) that's been annoying me.

Anyhow this program keeps on putting web pages in my browser
that I don't tell it to go to. Yet I don't think it qualifies as a
pop-up. I've had my browser closed and this thing opens up the browser
and a new page to show me some stupid ad. This has become increasingly
annoying because some of these ads even have sound!!

So my question is: How can you you block a program that you
don't know the path to on your computer? I'm pretty sure that windows
records which programs connect to the internet; can you find it through
that? If I know where the program is or even the name of it I can just
go in there and manually get delete it several times over or even
better uninstall it from my computer. But blocking it would be useful
while I do this.

If you have any idea on how I can do this please respond. If
all you have to say is Shut up noob!! Get out of here you crazy
bastard!! Then please don't keep it to yourself and don't respond.
Thank you

 

[Malke]

Hello, I'm rather new to this google groups windows topics
whatever. But I was wondering if the firewall could block a program
(what it's supposed to do anyway) that's been annoying me.

Anyhow this program keeps on putting web pages in my browser
that I don't tell it to go to. Yet I don't think it qualifies as a
pop-up. I've had my browser closed and this thing opens up the browser
and a new page to show me some stupid ad. This has become increasingly
annoying because some of these ads even have sound!!

(snip)

From the description of the problem, it sounds like 1) you have XP or
Win2k and if XP, you haven't applied Service Pack 2; 2) you have the
Windows Messenger service enabled; 3) you don't have a good firewall in
place; 4) you probably also have malware on the machine.

If you have XP, you should prepare your computer properly for SP2 and
install it. SP2 comes with a firewall or you can use a third-party
program. If you have Win2k, disable the Messenger Service fully patch
your OS.

In the meantime, disable the Messenger Service, get a proper firewall in
place, and make sure your computer is clean. I'll give you links to
help with all of that (I'm going to assume you have XP), but if the
prospect seems daunting (and there is no shame in admitting that), take
the machine to a professional computer repair shop (not your local
version of BigStoreUSA) for cleaning/upgrading.

Preparing for SP2:
Are You Ready for WinXP SP2? -
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?pr=windowsxpsp2

Follow the Service Pack Installation Checklist -
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spackins.htm

SP2 links to OEMs - http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/oemlinks.mspx
http://aumha.net - See SP2 forums

http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_s.htm#sp2 - Windows SP2 Information,
Guidelines and Troubleshooting

http://www.michna.com/kb/WxSP2.htm#General

Making sure your computer is clean:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

Practicing Safe Hex:
http://www.claymania.com/safe-hex.html

Malke

 

[DestroyerLXXVII]

Thank you for the advice.

Yet I don't think that will help. I have Windows XP
Professional for my OS with Service pack 2 installed. I have all the
latest updates even after the second service pack.

The only messenger program I have is Trillain Pro and I
don't think it's harming anything.

If you looked at the topic I'm asking how to use
the Firewall to block this program so I obviously have a firewall.
Anyhow my firewall is in place and ON. It's the one that Windows XP
came with as a default. My windows messnger is not even on my computer
anymore. I uninstalled it a while ago.

I also must ask you what is malware? Is it a term for spyware
and other things of the sort? Or is it different? I've checked for all
spyware and things alike with Ad-aware, spybot, registry checks, norton
one button check-up, virus scans using norton and other antivirus
programs.

Thank you again for the advice and I hope that you can help
me out. (To be stubborn I really don't want to take my computer to any
repair shop)

 

[DestroyerLXXVII]

Well I managed to fix the problem, but I might be wrong. I'll wait a
little longer and inform you if it starts again or if it stays how it
is now.

 

[DestroyerLXXVII]

Yeah it's definitely working, thanks for helping out Malke