popups with "messenger service"

[Ian]

I recently bought a new computer with XP, and I connect
to the internet with America Online using a 56K modem.
Once I got this new computer, I receive popups, about
once every 5 minutes, not in website form, but in a
window saying "Windows Messenger" in the title bar. The
text within these popups varies, but they all are trying
to convince me to go to websites
like "www.blockmessenger.com" in order to block popups
like these from occurring. How can I block these popups?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Ian;
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/pro/using/howto/communicate/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.

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

 

[Alun Jones [MS MVP]]

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/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp

Note that these instructions might not work on Ian's account - his AOL
address suggests he uses AOL as his ISP. Reports have come back to the
effect that AOL disabled the ability to use the Internet Connection
Firewall. Neighbours of mine have AOL, and the firewall worked fine when I
set it up for this issue, so try the suggestion, and call AOL if it doesn't
work. If they disabled your firewall option, they should have one of their
own.

Alun.
~~~~

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[Alun Jones [MS MVP]]

Thanks for that! I've spent a year getting my firewall to stop bugging
me about programs I know are fine, and I just want to get rid of the
stuff that i've (accidentally) let loose....
although your point is quite valid - if i'm letting the messenger
through, what else have I also allowed access...

Does your firewall allow you to add a comment to entries in its
configuration? Such an ability would allow you to state clearly why you'd
opened up a particular port.

Of course, in this case, it may be something like the usual confusion
between "Windows Messenger" and "Messenger Service". Messenger Service (and
NetBIOS and RPC) should almost always be restricted to the local network.
Windows Messenger should not.

Alun.
~~~~

[Please don't email posters, if a Usenet response is appropriate.]