Scanner for Spyware

[Clare]

I keep getting the following "pop-Up" message on my
screeen and I just want to be sure it's an OFFICIAL
Microsoft message. Has anyone else ever received this
message? Is is for real or a hoax?
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HERE'S WHAT THE MESSAGE SAYS:
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Warning. Important Message!!!
You are seeing this message, because we have detected
that you have tracking software installed in your
machine. (more info)

This is not a virus, but a program in your machine that
monitors and transmits all of your online activities, and
is a serious violation of your privacy.

Below is a link to a free scanner to download that will
find and remove all spyware programs on your machine: Get
the scanner

 

[Doug Knox MS-MVP]

Open Help and Support and search for "firewall". This will tell you how to
enable XP's built in firewall. If you have a valid reason not to use a
firewall, click Start, Run and enter SERVICES.MSC Locate the Messenger
entry and double click it. Set it to Stopped and Disabled.

However, the reason they can get to the Messenger Service (not to be
confused with Windows Messenger) in the first place, is that your internet
connection is not secure.

http://www.dougknox.com/xp/tips/winmesspop.htm

 

[clare]

Doug:

I was sure that I had my firewall "enabled" just for that
reason. Just now I right-clicked on Network Places;
right-clicked on Local Area Connection Properties and
checked the box (Protect my computer and network by
limiting or preventing access to this computer from the
Internet) for Internet Connection Firewall; clicked OK.
But after clicking OK, I got this error message:
"AN ERROR OCCURRED WHILE INTERNET CONNECTION WAS BEING
ENABLED. THE DEPENDENCY SERVICE OR GROUP FAILED TO START"

What now?

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