msmsgs.exe accessing internet -- Why?

[John]

Facts:
I am running XP Home Edition with all critical patches
and service packs installed.

I have Norton Internet Security, which tells me when
programs are trying to access the internet.

Norton anti-virus and Ad-aware show no infections and no
spyware.

I am using AOL as my default service and default browser.

Messenger as a local service on my computer is disabled.

Problem

Over the past few months, Norton tells me constantly that
msmsgs.exe trying to access the internet.

This occurs even when I am not using internet explorer or
trying to open a page that would trigger internet
explorer.

Questions

1. Why would msmsgs.exe constantly want to access the
internet? Could there be an infection or virus that
causes that that Norton and Ad-Aware are not picking up?

2. How can I stop it from even trying to access the
internet.

Thanks in advance.

John

 

[R. McCarty]

To uninstall Windows Messenger from your Profile
Cut, Paste & run the following command in the Run Box

RunDll32 advpack.dll,LaunchINFSection %windir%\INF\msmsgs.inf,BLC.Remove

 

[neo [mvp outlook]]

msmsgs.exe is windows messenger (msn chat program) and not the service
messenger that allows net send and alerter to work. I know that Outlook
Express and Outlook 2002/2003 can start this program in the background.
Each should have an option to turn the option off under Tools | Options.

 

[Alex Nichol]

Over the past few months, Norton tells me constantly that
msmsgs.exe trying to access the internet.

This occurs even when I am not using internet explorer or
trying to open a page that would trigger internet
explorer.

msmsgs is the Windows Messenger Instant messaging program. It is used
by Outlook Express to maintain the contacts list, so that may be the
cause. In OE, Tools - Options - uncheck the box 'Automatically logon to
Windows Messenger' and in its View - Layout, uncheck Contacts.

If it still tries to access, without your having it running an signed on
(the chess pawn icon in the system tray), then suspect some other
spyware or the like using a port in a way that cons Norton into thinking
it is messenger