Windows Messenger Service

[Giles Hook]

**Please submit any reply to this newsgroup**

I have Windows XP, and have loaded onto my PC, Norton Antivirus and Personal
Firewall.

I keep getting these annoying Windows Messenger Service pop-ups (i.e.
spam!). I am aware that I could simply turn off the Messenger service, but
that wouldn't be addressing the problem.

I have checked my Personal Firewall settings, and these show that I have the
Default Inbound NetBIOS set on 'BLOCK'........so why do I still get these
damn pop-ups? (Or am I getting confused with something else?)

Also, I have done a check on the Norton (Symantec) website, where it checks
my computer settings, and it stated that my NetBIOS Availability Scan was
'SAFE', and "The scan could not access your computer's information. Norton
Internet Security prevents your computer's information from being visible on
the Internet". Or, as I said earlier, am I getting confused with something
else?

Thanks in advance for the help.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

If you have a firewall enabled and are still receiving messenger
service spams, be sure to ensure UDP ports 135, 137, and 138 and TCP
ports 135, 139, and 445 are _all_ blocked. You may also disable
Inbound NetBIOS (NetBIOS over TCP/IP). You'll have to follow the
instructions from firewall's manufacturer for the specific steps.

You can test your firewall at:

Symantec Security Check
http://security.symantec.com/ssc/vr_main.asp?langid=ie&venid=sym&plfid=23&pkj=GPVHGBYNCJEIMXQKCDT

Security Scan - Sygate Online Services
http://www.sygatetech.com/


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH

 

[GH]

I've looked everywhere (incl. the Micro$oft site), but can't find any info
on how to block/disable ports.
Could someone please point me towards the relevant site!
Thanks.

 

[Bruce Chambers]

Greetings --

Well, since your problem is with Symantec's Norton Personal
Firewall, Microsoft's site naturally won't be of much help. I suggest
that you start here:
http://www.symantec.com/techsupp/support_options.html


Bruce Chambers
--
Help us help you:



You can have peace. Or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on
having both at once. - RAH