messenger pop ups

[Ash]

Everytime i get online i get at least 10 popups per hour.
Not the ones from sites, but they just pop up for no
reason. Most of them say something like, "Your computer
has a leak and defeatmessenger.com will fix it so you dont
get these popups anymore, only 25 dollars!" Does anyone
know how to make these stop popping up? Are there any good
free pop up stoppers that could do this? Thanks.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

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
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.

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