Spamers using Microsofts messaging service

[Dwayne Purser]

I just updated Norton Utilities 03 and now about every
10 minutes i get a message one of several over and
over. "Message from protection to system"
These "messages" appear to be trying to get me to buy a
stop the pop-ups before spammers learn how to use them
against you."
The sites are, www.MessengerBuster.com,
www.endads.com, KillMessenger.com, Message away.com,
BlockMessenger.com.
All appear to want to sell me the solution to this
issue. How do I get them to go away?

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Dwayne;
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

 

[Dwayne Purser]

Hey

Really appreciate the tip and how fast it got back to me
on the messenger thing. It was really starting to get on
my nerves. Almost to the point of slaving this hd to
another computer, formatting and going back to 98 (may
still do it.)
Will definitely check in w/ aol about a firewall solution.
Take care
Dwayne